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Beef Chow Fun
Beef Recipes Asian Recipes

Beef Chow Fun

Beef Chow Fun is a beloved dish originating from Cantonese cuisine, featuring wide rice noodles stir-fried with marinated beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory soy sauce flavor profile that brings everything together. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. The thick, chewy noodles, tender pieces of beef, and vibrant vegetables create a satisfying experience that captures the essence of Chinese stir-fry dishes. Whether you’ve enjoyed it at a restaurant or are trying it for the first time at home, making homemade Beef Chow Fun can transport you straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. With high-heat cooking techniques and a simple list of ingredients, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight meals and can easily be adapted to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • For the Beef Marinade:
    • 1 pound (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • For the Stir-Fry:
    • 14 ounces (400g) wide rice noodles
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
    • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
    • 1 cup bean sprouts
    • 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green for color)
    • 1 cup broccoli florets
    • 4 green onions, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • For Garnish:
    • Sesame seeds (optional)
    • Additional green onions, sliced

Note: For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. You can learn more about this topic.

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Steps / Instructions

  1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Mix well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Prepare the Noodles: If using dried wide rice noodles, cook them according to package instructions, usually by soaking them in hot water until softened but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside. Fresh noodles can simply be separated and ready for stir-frying.
  3. Heat the Wok: Heat a large wok over high heat until smoking. Add a little vegetable oil (about 1 tablespoon) to the wok, swirling to coat the surface.
  4. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot wok in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring, allowing it to develop a nice char. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the beef is just cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
  5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are bright and slightly tender.
  6. Add Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained noodles back to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to combine, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauces.
  7. Finish the Dish: Return the cooked beef to the wok along with the bean sprouts and chopped green onions. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Drizzle with sesame oil and give it one final toss to combine the flavors.
  8. Serve: Transfer the Beef Chow Fun to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

To achieve the best Beef Chow Fun possible, consider the following tips: Check out our related guide for more tips.

  • Beef Selection: The best beef for stir-fry is flank steak or sirloin, as they are lean yet tender. Always slice against the grain for the most tender pieces.
  • High-Heat Cooking Techniques: Ensure your wok is very hot before adding ingredients. This helps achieve that coveted wok hei (the breath of the wok) flavor, characterized by its smoky aroma.
  • Ingredient Quality: Fresh vegetables enhance the dish significantly. Choose vibrant, crisp bell peppers and broccoli for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Make-Ahead Options: You can marinate the beef a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the noodles fresh just before stir-frying.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan or microwave.

Variations

Beef Chow Fun can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Try swapping out the beef for chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add various vegetables such as snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms for more depth and flavor. Experimenting with sauces, such as hoisin or chili garlic sauce, can elevate your dish even further.

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Beef Chow Fun

Beef Chow Fun

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote
Course: Dinner Cuisine: Cantonese Difficulty: Easy
🍽️
Servings
4
⏱️
Prep Time
30 min
🍳
Cook Time
20 min
🔥
Calories
PRINT

Beef Chow Fun is a beloved dish originating from Cantonese cuisine, featuring wide rice noodles stir-fried with marinated beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory soy sauce flavor profile that brings everything together. This dish is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors, textures, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. The thick, chewy noodles, tender pieces of beef, and vibrant vegetables create a satisfying experience that captures the essence of Chinese stir-fry dishes. Whether you’ve enjoyed it at a restaurant or are trying it for the first time at home, making homemade Beef Chow Fun can transport you straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. With high-heat cooking techniques and a simple list of ingredients, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight meals and can easily be adapted to suit your taste.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 14 ounces (400g) wide rice noodles
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green for color)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Additional green onions, sliced

Directions

1.

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Mix well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

2.

If using dried wide rice noodles, cook them according to package instructions, usually by soaking them in hot water until softened but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside. Fresh noodles can simply be separated and ready for stir-frying.

3.

Heat a large wok over high heat until smoking. Add a little vegetable oil (about 1 tablespoon) to the wok, swirling to coat the surface.

4.

Add the marinated beef to the hot wok in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring, allowing it to develop a nice char. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the beef is just cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.

5.

In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are bright and slightly tender.

6.

Add the drained noodles back to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to combine, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauces.

7.

Return the cooked beef to the wok along with the bean sprouts and chopped green onions. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Drizzle with sesame oil and give it one final toss to combine the flavors.

8.

Transfer the Beef Chow Fun to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Reviews

  • chouqfih★★★★★

    Excellent recipe!

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