Description
A quick and flavorful Beef Chow Mein recipe featuring ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stir-fried noodle dish combines tender ground beef with crunchy veggies and perfectly cooked chow mein noodles for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (brown sugar preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Vegetables
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or Napa)
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
Noodles and Oil
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (fresh or dried; thin egg noodles or spaghetti can substitute)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed recommended)
Instructions
- Prep your noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook chow mein noodles according to package instructions until just tender (al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
- Stir in vegetables: Add cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and mushrooms (if using). Stir-fry, tossing frequently, until veggies are tender-crisp—about 4-5 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
- Combine everything: Add cooked noodles to the pan. Pour the sauce over and toss vigorously to coat everything evenly. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes so the noodles soak up the sauce and everything heats through.
- Finish with green onions: Toss in sliced green onions and give it one last stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Use fresh chow mein noodles if available for the best texture, or substitute with thin egg noodles or spaghetti.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Feel free to add mushrooms or omit them based on your preference.
- Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce quantities to taste, especially if using low-sodium versions.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies when stir-frying the aromatics.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Beef Chow Mein, Ground Beef Noodles, Stir-Fry Noodles, Quick Asian Dinner, Homemade Chow Mein
