Beef Chow Mein

Beef Chow Mein is hearty, comforting, and packed with umami flavor. Best of all, it’s so easy to make. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home in less than 40 minutes!

Beef Chow Mein: The Ultimate Comfort Food 

If you’re looking to switch up your weeknight dinner menu, have I got a recipe for you! Beef chow mein is made with egg noodles, vegetables, tender beef sirloin, and a bold and flavorful homemade chow mein sauce. 

This dish is so flavorful, you won’t believe just how easy it is to make yourself. And while we love takeout in our house, I love recreating our favorite restaurant-quality meals at home. 

I was thrilled with the results, and knew that I had to share this beef chow mein recipe with all of you!

For more Asian-inspired meals at home from The Bewitchin’ Kitchen, don’t miss spicy Asian noodle salad with grilled chicken, Szechuan chicken, Asian beef kabobs, and paleo Thai chicken lettuce wraps.

Why you will love this Beef Chow Mein recipe

• Easy to make with pantry ingredients
• Full of savory umami flavor
• Ready in just 35 minutes
• Plenty of variations to try
• Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Beef Sirloin: As I mentioned, beef sirloin is definitely my go-to for this recipe. You could also use top-line, T-bone, or porterhouse steak instead.

Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: Both condiments are essential in order to get that rich and complex umami flavor usually associated with chow mein sauce.

Sesame Oil: Boasting a nutty and earthy taste, sesame oil adds much to the overall flavor of this dish. 

Noodles: Many traditional recipes are made with fried noodles. I personally prefer using egg noodles, as they are a lot easier to prepare! 

How to make perfect Beef Chow Mein

Cook the beef. Place 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a large wok over medium heat. Once heated, add the beef and cook until it becomes golden brown or about 8 minutes. Make sure to flip it occasionally. Remove the cooked beef from the wok and set aside.

Prepare the sauce. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and cornstarch to a small bowl and mix until well combined.

Sauté the vegetables. Pour an additional tablespoon of sunflower oil into the wok and heat over medium for about 20 seconds. Add the chopped carrots and onion and stir until soft, or about 5-7 minutes. Incorporate the chopped green onion and minced garlic and stir for two more minutes.

Assemble the beef chow mein. Return the cooked beef to the wok and add your chow mein sauce. Stir over medium heat until the sauce starts to thicken. 

Cook the noodles. Follow the instructions on the package to cook your egg noodles. When they’re cooked, add them to the wok. 

Serve & enjoy! Serve warm with sesame seeds and green onions on top.

Pro Tips:

• Switch up the veggies. Sometimes I like to add broccoli, bok choy, or white cabbage to this recipe. Feel free to get creative and use your favorites!
• Use different noodles. Try this recipe with ramen noodles instead!
• Swap the protein. I love using beef sirloin, but you can replace it with any other tender beef you may have on hand. You can also use chicken, seafood, or your favorite plant-based protein instead.

Frequently asked Questions about Beef Chow Mein

What is beef chow mein sauce made of?

Every beef chow mein recipe is unique, but the sauce ingredients typically include soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and an aromatic like fresh ginger. 

What is typically in chow mein?

Chow mein is a Chinese American dish that typically features some type of protein, vegetables, noodles, and flavorful chow mein sauce. I’m using beef in this recipe, but you can also use chicken, seafood, or even tofu!

How long does beef chow mein last?

This beef chow mein recipe will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. When stored correctly in the freezer (in an airtight, freezer-safe container), it will keep for up to 1 month. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating it in a wok over medium heat.

Can I make beef chow mein ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh! That said, as I mentioned, you can freeze it once it’s been cooked. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly when reheated from frozen.