Beef Chow Fun is a classic Cantonese stir-fry dish featuring tender rice noodles, marinated beef, and fresh vegetables. With a savory sauce and a mix of textures, this dish is quick to prepare and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends and family.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (50 g) mung bean sprouts
- 1/2 onion (3 oz/80 g), sliced
- 3 stalks green onion, chopped
- 14 oz (400 g) rice noodles
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oil for cooking
For the Beef Marinade:
- 6 oz (180 g) beef, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for tenderizing)
- 1 1/2 tsp corn starch
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Directions:
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Rinse and drain the mung bean sprouts.
- Slice the onion and chop the green onion.
- Soak the rice noodles in hot water until softened, then drain and set aside.
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, baking soda, corn starch, sugar, oil, and sesame oil. Mix well and allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
- Cooking:
- Heat a pan or wok over high heat and add oil.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for a few minutes until nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the sliced onion until translucent.
- Add the mung bean sprouts and chopped green onion. Stir-fry for about 1 minute.
- Add the softened rice noodles and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir-fry everything until well combined and heated through.
- Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss everything together.
- Final Step:
- Season with black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Beef Chow Fun!
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side of pickled vegetables for a contrasting flavor.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad.
- Add a dash of chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture.
- Accompany with a cup of jasmine tea for an authentic experience.
Cooking Tips:
- Prevent sticking: Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned wok for the best stir-frying results.
- Tender beef: The baking soda in the marinade helps tenderize the beef; omit if preferred.
- High heat: Stir-fry over high heat to achieve that signature smoky “wok hei” flavor.
- Noodle preparation: Be careful not to over-soak the rice noodles as they can become mushy during stir-frying.
- Customizable: You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy for variety.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in Protein: The beef provides a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Fiber: Mung bean sprouts and green onions add fiber for better digestion.
- Low in Fat: This dish can be made healthier by using lean cuts of beef and limiting the amount of oil used in cooking.
- Carbohydrates: Rice noodles offer a good source of carbohydrates to provide energy.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the soy sauce and dark soy sauce are gluten-free, and this dish can be enjoyed by those with gluten intolerance.
- Low-Fat Option: Use less oil in stir-frying and opt for lean beef cuts to reduce fat content.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Iron: 2mg
- Calcium: 50mg
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat for the best texture, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of the noodles may change upon freezing and reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This stir-fry comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The rich beef marinade and simple sauce create a savory and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to your liking, adding or substituting vegetables or proteins.
- Authentic Experience: This dish brings the taste of restaurant-quality Beef Chow Fun to your home kitchen.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that both adults and kids will enjoy.
Conclusion:
Beef Chow Fun is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender rice noodles, marinated beef, and crunchy vegetables in a savory sauce. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a dish to share with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Its bold flavors, versatile ingredients, and easy preparation make it a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and experience a taste of Cantonese comfort food at home!