Beef Chow Fun is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish that features tender slices of beef, crisp bean sprouts, and fragrant scallions tossed with flat rice noodles.
Bursting with savory flavors and textures, this dish is a favorite among many for its simplicity and satisfying taste.
This dish is a favorite of mine for its delicious combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and chewy noodles.
Nutritional Attributes:
Beef Chow Fun is rich in essential nutrients, including protein from the beef slices, which supports muscle health and repair.
The vegetables, such as bean sprouts and scallions, contribute vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like folate, potassium, and manganese.
These nutrients support immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.
Additionally, the garlic provides allicin, a compound with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, adding to the dish’s health benefits.
Preparation Time:
This Beef Chow Fun recipe is great for its quick and easy preparation process! Marinating the beef takes just 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse while you prep other ingredients.
To marinate the beef, combine light soy sauce, Shaoxing cooking wine, sesame oil, corn starch, baking soda, and ginger paste in a bowl.
Ensure each thinly sliced piece of beef is evenly coated with the marinade, allowing it to sit for 15-20 minutes.
This step tenderizes the beef and enhances its flavor, contributing to the overall deliciousness of the dish.
Ingredients & Alternatives:
Beef Marinate:
- Light soy sauce: Adds savory flavor and enhances the umami taste of the beef.
- Shaoxing cooking wine: Provides depth of flavor and tenderizes the meat. You can also use Rice Vinegar instead.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and adds richness to the marinade.
- Corn starch: Helps to coat the beef, thickening the sauce and providing a velvety texture.
- Baking soda: Acts as a tenderizer, keeping the beef juicy and tender. Skip this ingredient if unavailable; it helps tenderize the meat but is not essential.
- Ginger paste: Adds a hint of warmth and aroma, complementing the other flavors in the marinade. Fresh grated ginger or ginger powder can be used as substitutes.
Stir Fry Sauce:
- Oyster sauce: Contributes a rich, savory flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
- Light soy sauce: Enhances the overall umami taste and provides a salty element to the dish.
- Dark soy sauce: Adds color and richness to the sauce, imparting a deep, caramelized flavor.
- Shaoxing wine: Adds complexity and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Brown sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory and salty flavors.
Main Ingredients:
- Flat rice noodles: The base of the dish, providing a chewy texture and absorbing the flavors of the sauce. If unavailable, use other types of noodles such as wheat noodles or egg noodles.
- Beef steak (thinly sliced): Serves as the protein component, adding meaty richness to the dish.
- Bean sprouts: Adds crunch and freshness to the dish, balancing out the rich flavors of the beef and sauce.
- Scallions: Adds a fresh, onion-like flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor and depth to the stir-fry, enhancing the overall taste profile. Garlic powder or garlic paste can be used as substitutes, though fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate the beef for at least 15-20 minutes to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the noodles until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when stir-fried.
- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crunchiness and vibrant color.
- For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or chili oil to the stir-fry sauce!
FAQ:
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can omit the beef and use tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute.
Q: What are the best noodles for this recipe?
A: The best noodles for this recipe are flat rice noodles, also known as rice sticks or rice ribbon noodles. These noodles have a wide, flat shape that pairs well with the savory flavors of the beef chow fun.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components of the dish in advance and assemble them just before serving.
Cook the noodles and marinate the beef ahead of time, and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to use. Then, stir-fry everything together when you’re ready to eat for a quick and convenient meal.
Beef Chow Fun Recipe (Beef Ho Fun)
Ingredients Â
Beef Marinate:
- 1 tsp Light soy sauce
- 1 tsp Shaoxing cooking wine
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Corn starch
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Ginger paste
Stir Fry Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp Light soy sauce
- 2 tsp Dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp Brown Sugar
Main Ingredients:
- Flat rice noodles
- 250 gr Beef Steak thinly sliced, against the grain
- 100 gr Bean sprouts
- 3 Scallions chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic finely minced
InstructionsÂ
Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Shaoxing cooking wine, sesame oil, corn starch, baking soda, and the ginger paste.
- Add thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut all the vegetables – chop spring onions and finely chop or mince garlic.
- Cook the flat rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- In a wok or large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it's browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Lightly fry the chopped garlic, then add the chopped spring onions and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine Noodles and Beef:
- Add the cooked rice noodles to the wok with the vegetables.Pour the stir-fry sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Mix well to ensure even coating.Reintroduce the cooked beef into the wok. Toss everything together until the flavors meld, and the dish is heated through.
- Dish out your delicious Beef Chow Fun onto plates and enjoy!