Savory Beef Chow Mein Noodles

This Savory Beef Chow Mein Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish that blends tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or satisfying takeout-style cravings at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Meal – Everything cooks in a single skillet or wok.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
  • Better Than Takeout – Bold, satisfying flavors made at home.
  • Customizable – Swap in your favorite veggies or protein.
  • Meal Prep Friendly – Great for leftovers or packed lunches.

Ingredients

  • 200g (7 oz) chow mein noodles
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef (mince)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 2 green onions, sliced

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) or dry sherry
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper

Directions

  1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Set aside.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté until soft.
  4. Add carrot and cabbage; stir-fry 2–3 minutes until tender.
  5. Push vegetables aside and cook the ground beef in the center, breaking it up until browned.
  6. Pour in the beaten egg and scramble with the beef until set.
  7. Add cooked noodles and sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
  8. Stir in bean sprouts and green onions, cook 1 minute more, then remove from heat.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Variations

  • Different Protein: Substitute ground beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
  • More Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy.
  • Spicy Kick: Mix in chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
  • Sauce Swap: Try hoisin or black bean sauce for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to noodle texture after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use instant ramen noodles instead of chow mein noodles?

Yes, just discard the seasoning packet and cook as instructed.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can add spice with chili oil or sriracha.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use tofu or mushrooms and omit the beef.

Do I need a wok?

A large skillet works just fine for this recipe.

What kind of soy sauce should I use?

Regular or low-sodium soy sauce both work well.

Can I skip the egg?

Yes, it’s optional but adds extra richness.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Toss them with a little oil after boiling or add directly to the sauce quickly.

What is a good substitute for Shaoxing wine?

Dry sherry or mirin (with reduced sugar) are good alternatives.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your skillet or wok is large enough.

What can I serve with this dish?

Pair with spring rolls, dumplings, or a light Asian cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Savory Beef Chow Mein Noodles are the ultimate comfort meal that’s fast, flavorful, and flexible. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for the week, this one-pan wonder brings delicious takeout vibes to your kitchen with ease!

Print
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Wok filled with saucy beef chow mein noodles, stir-fried with ground beef, julienned carrots, green onions, and bean sprouts

Savory Beef Chow Mein Noodles


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Savory Beef Chow Mein Noodles are a quick, flavorful one-pan stir-fry with ground beef, crisp veggies, and chewy noodles—perfect for weeknight dinners!


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 200g (7 oz) chow mein noodles

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 carrot, julienned

  • 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef (mince)

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

  • 1 cup bean sprouts

  • 2 green onions, sliced

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

  • 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) or dry sherry

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • ½ teaspoon white pepper


Instructions

  • Cook noodles per package directions. Drain and set aside.

  • Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

  • Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic and onion until soft.

  • Add carrot and cabbage. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes.

  • Push veggies to the side, add ground beef, and cook until browned.

  • Stir in the beaten egg with beef until scrambled and set.

  • Add noodles and sauce. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.

 

  • Stir in bean sprouts and green onions. Cook 1 minute more, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, or tofu for variety.

  • Add chili flakes for heat or hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor.

 

  • Great for meal prep—reheats well the next day.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian