Beef Chow Fun Recipe

This Beef Chow Fun is a classic Cantonese dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner! Imagine tender slices of beef and wide rice noodles stir-fried with a medley of vegetables in a savory and aromatic sauce. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a restaurant-quality experience that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Cantonese Flavors: This recipe captures the essence of traditional Beef Chow Fun with its tender beef, wide rice noodles, and a flavorful sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just 25 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the vegetables or add your favorite protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Restaurant-Quality: You can easily recreate the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant at home with this simple recipe.

this Recipe

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade

• Beef steak: Use a tender cut of beef, such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty and umami flavor to the marinade.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the beef and create a light coating.
• Baking soda: Also helps to tenderize the beef and keep it moist.

Sauce

• Oyster sauce: Adds a rich and savory umami flavor to the sauce.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty and savory base for the sauce.
• Dark soy sauce: Adds a deeper color and richer flavor to the sauce.
• Shaoxing wine: Adds a depth of flavor and a touch of acidity. You can substitute with dry sherry or even a little bit of rice vinegar.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the sauce.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Season the sauce to perfection.

Stir Fry Noodles

• Wide rice noodles: These flat, wide noodles are essential for an authentic Beef Chow Fun.
• Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying.
• Onion: Cut into half-moons and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Garlic: Sliced and adds a fragrant and savory kick.
• Ginger: Chopped and adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
• Bean sprouts: Adds a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
• Green onions: Cut into 2-inch pieces and adds a fresh onion flavor and a pop of color.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Beef Chow Fun

Step 1: Marinate the Beef and Soak the Noodles

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and baking soda. Toss well to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for 15 minutes. While the beef is marinating, place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover them with about 4 cups of boiling water. Let the noodles soak for 10-15 minutes, or until softened. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes. Stir the beef and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until browned and mostly cooked through. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Noodles

Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok, if needed. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 1 minute. Add the sliced garlic and chopped ginger, and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the soaked noodles and the prepared sauce to the wok. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the cooked beef to the wok along with the bean sprouts and green onions. Toss well and stir-fry for 2 minutes more, or until the noodles are heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use the right beef: Flank, ribeye, or sirloin work best for this recipe. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender and easy-to-eat pieces.
• Marinate the beef: Marinating the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda helps to tenderize it and keep it moist during cooking.
• Don’t over-soak the noodles: Wide rice noodles only need 10-15 minutes in hot water. Over-soaking will make them mushy.
• Use high heat: Keep the wok or skillet very hot to ensure the noodles sear instead of becoming soggy.
• Use dark soy sauce: Dark soy sauce gives the noodles their characteristic deep caramel color and richer flavor.

How to Serve

This Beef Chow Fun is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Chili Oil: Drizzle some chili oil over the top for an extra kick of heat.
• Fried Garlic: Garnish with crispy fried garlic for added flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Beef Chow Fun is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Beef Chow Fun in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to moisten the noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle? While wide rice noodles are traditional for Beef Chow Fun, you can substitute with other types of noodles, such as thin rice noodles or even egg noodles. However, the texture and cooking time may vary.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can! Omit the beef and use tofu or tempeh instead. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots.

3. Can I make this recipe without the dark soy sauce? While dark soy sauce is recommended for its color and flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand. The dish will still be delicious, but it may have a lighter color.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can! You can marinate the beef and soak the noodles ahead of time. When ready to cook, simply stir-fry the ingredients as directed.

This Beef Chow Fun Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic Cantonese dish at home. With its tender beef, flavorful sauce, and satisfying noodles, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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