Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's both quick to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this easy-to-follow recipe for Beef Chow Mein! This classic Chinese-American dish is a perfect weeknight dinner, offering a delightful balance of tender beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and perfectly seasoned noodles. Forget takeout – you can achieve restaurant-quality Chow Mein right in your own kitchen with readily available ingredients. This recipe emphasizes fresh flavors and simple techniques, making it accessible to even novice cooks.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times. This recipe prioritizes ease and delicious results, guiding you through every step of the process with clear instructions and helpful tips. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade Beef Chow Mein, and prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create this culinary masterpiece. Ready to dive in? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Pan
Ingredients
- Garlic: 5 cloves
- Green onions: 4
- Onion: 1/2
- Cabbage
- Beef (chai tip cut)
- Soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Water
- Sugar
- Baking soda
- Corn starch
- Sesame oil
- Noodles (round or square)
- Rice wine (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinate Beef
- chop the stems into small pieces and the leafy parts into 2-inch sections.
- Cut the onion into strips, separating the layers.
- Cut the cabbage into strips.
- Cut the beef across the muscle fiber into slices.
- Marinate the beef with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, water, sugar, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix well and add a touch of sesame oil.
Step 2. Cook Noodles and Beef
- Boil water in a pot and cook the noodles until slightly soft. Gently break them apart and remove from the water.
- Add oil to a hot pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped green onion stems and sauté briefly.
- Add the beef and stir-fry until about 50% cooked. Add minced garlic and a touch of dark soy sauce, continue stir-frying until the beef is evenly colored.
- Add a little water to the pan; it will boil and thicken into a sauce. Remove the beef.
Step 3. Stir-fry Vegetables and Noodles
- Add more oil to the pan if needed and stir-fry the cabbage and onion strips with salt and sugar. Add rice wine (optional).
- Remove the cabbage and onion from the pan. Add more oil and stir-fry the noodles until coated with oil and spread out. Season with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar until evenly colored.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the cabbage, onion, beef, leafy green onion parts, and sesame oil to the noodles. Toss everything until evenly mixed.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Cutting the beef across the muscle fiber makes it more tender.
- Rice wine enhances the flavor of the cabbage and onions, but can be omitted.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different vegetables in this Beef Chow Mein recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and water chestnuts are all excellent choices.
2. What type of noodles should I use for the best results?
Egg noodles or thin wheat noodles work best for Chow Mein. Avoid using thick, wide noodles as they won't cook properly in the stir-fry.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Beef Chow Mein! This recipe is a testament to how simple it is to create restaurant-quality meals at home. Now go forth and impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills!