Beef and Vegetable Chow Mein is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender strips of beef with a vibrant array of vegetables and crispy noodles, all tossed in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The marinated beef, stir-fried to perfection, pairs beautifully with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the rich, umami-packed sauce. This homemade version of chow mein is not only delicious but also healthier than takeout, making it a great addition to your dinner rotation.
Ingredients:
- For the Beef Marinade:
- 1/2 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken or beef broth
- For the Chow Mein:
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In another small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chicken or beef broth. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the chow mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, broccoli, snow peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the mixture.
- Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Stir in the chopped green onions.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the chow mein to serving plates.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot.
Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Beef and Vegetable Chow Mein!
