How to Make the Perfect 15 Minute Beef Chow Mein
Chinese · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This 15 Minute Beef Chow Mein brings the flavors of your favorite takeout to your kitchen table in record time. Tender strips of beef and crisp vegetables are tossed with noodles in a savory umami sauce for the ultimate quick Asian-inspired weeknight dinner.
Why this recipe works
This 15 Minute Beef Chow Mein recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 490 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb beef sirloin thinly sliced
- 8 oz chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- 3 cups coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage and carrots
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook chow mein noodles according to package directions, about 3 minutes in boiling water. Drain and toss immediately with a teaspoon of sesame oil or vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat a large wok or skillet over very high heat with one tablespoon of oil until smoking. Add beef in a single layer and cook without stirring for 90 seconds until browned. Flip and cook 30 more seconds then remove beef and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add another tablespoon of oil to the hot wok. Add coleslaw mix and garlic and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes over high heat until vegetables are just tender but still have a slight crunch. Season with a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Combine and Sauce
Return beef to the wok along with the cooked noodles. Pour soy sauce and oyster sauce over everything and toss vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes over high heat until sauce evenly coats all the noodles and beef. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- beef sirloin → chicken breast or thigh strips work equally well and cook in the same time
- oyster sauce → hoisin sauce adds a slightly sweeter deeper flavor as a substitute
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking on too low heat which steams the ingredients instead of giving them a proper stir fry char
- Overcrowding the wok with beef which prevents browning and results in gray steamed meat
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 490 calories, 28g protein, 54g carbs, 16g fat, 4g fiber.
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