How to make beef chow mein like takeaway
Beef chow mein is a popular Chinese dish that is often enjoyed as a takeaway meal. This delicious stir-fry combines tender beef with a medley of vegetables and noodles, all tossed in a savory sauce. While it may seem daunting to recreate this dish at home, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can make beef chow mein that rivals your favorite takeaway. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making beef chow mein, from choosing the best cuts of beef to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Choose the right beef: The secret to a fantastic beef chow mein starts with choosing the right cut of beef. Opt for tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin, as they will become tender and juicy when stir-fried. Trim away any excess fat and slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. This will ensure that the beef remains tender, rather than becoming chewy.
Prep your vegetables and noodles: A variety of vegetables can be used in beef chow mein, so feel free to get creative with your selection. Classic options include sliced onions, bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts. Julienne the vegetables into thin strips to ensure even cooking. Aside from the vegetables, you will also need Chinese egg noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
Master the stir-frying process: Stir-frying is a fundamental technique in Chinese cooking and is key to achieving the perfect beef chow mein. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add a small amount of oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Quickly add the beef and stir-fry for a couple of minutes, until it is browned but still slightly pink in the center. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside, then stir-fry the vegetables until they are crisp-tender.
Steps to cook delicious beef chow mein at home
Beef chow mein is a popular takeaway dish that can be easily made at home. Follow these simple steps to create a tasty and authentic beef chow mein in your own kitchen:
1. Prepare the ingredients:
- 200g of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienne cut
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 4 spring onions, chopped
- 200g of egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
2. Cook the noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking together and set aside.
3. Cook the beef and vegetables:
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the sliced beef and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the julienne cut carrot, sliced bell pepper, and chopped spring onions. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. Combine the ingredients:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet along with the cooked noodles.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to create a sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and noodle mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
5. Serve and enjoy:
Transfer the beef chow mein to serving plates and garnish with additional spring onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade beef chow mein!
Gather the ingredients for beef chow mein
To make delicious beef chow mein at home, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef strips | 1/2 pound |
| Egg noodles | 8 ounces |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 tablespoon |
| Bell peppers, sliced | 1 |
| Bean sprouts | 1 cup |
| Onion, sliced | 1 |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking, as it will make the process much smoother.
Prepare the beef and vegetables
1. Marinate the beef:
Start by thinly slicing 1 pound of beef (such as flank steak or sirloin) against the grain. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix well to ensure that the beef is evenly coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the refrigerator is even better for more tender and flavorful meat.
2. Prepare the vegetables:
While the beef is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Classic chow mein typically includes onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, but you can also add any other vegetables you prefer. Thinly slice the onions and bell peppers, and quarter the mushrooms. Rinse and trim the bean sprouts.
Tip: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection depending on your taste and what you have on hand.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you are now prepared to proceed with the cooking process.
Cook the beef chow mein
Now that you have prepared all the ingredients, it’s time to cook the beef chow mein.
Step 1: Marinate the beef
Start by marinating the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 2: Heat the wok
Heat a wok or a large frying pan over high heat. Once the wok is hot, add vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides of the pan.
Step 3: Cook the beef
Add the marinated beef to the hot wok and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until it is no longer pink. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
Step 4: Cook the vegetables
Add the sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the same wok and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened.
Step 5: Add the noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss them with the vegetables. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes to heat up the noodles.
Step 6: Season the dish
Return the cooked beef to the wok and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir-fry everything for an additional minute to coat the noodles and vegetables with the sauce.
Step 7: Finish and serve
Remove the wok from the heat and garnish the beef chow mein with spring onions. Serve it hot and enjoy your homemade beef chow mein!
Serve the beef chow mein like takeaway
Once your beef chow mein is ready, it’s time to serve it like a proper takeaway! Here are some tips to make your dish look and taste more authentic:
1. Packaging
Transfer your beef chow mein to a takeaway container. This will not only add to the aesthetic but also keep the noodles warm for longer. You can easily find these containers in most kitchen supply stores or online.
2. Garnish
Add some final touches to your beef chow mein by garnishing it with a few traditional elements. Sprinkle some chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top. These small additions will give your dish a burst of freshness and enhance its visual appeal.
Pro tip: You can also top your beef chow mein with some crispy noodles for added flavor and texture.
3. Serve with condiments
For an authentic takeaway experience, have some condiments ready for your guests to customize their dish. Offer soy sauce, chili oil, and sriracha on the side. This way, everyone can add their desired level of spice and seasoning to their beef chow mein.
Note: Be sure to communicate the spicy level of your dish if it’s on the spicier side, as some people may prefer milder flavors.
Harrison Clayton
Meet Harrison Clayton, a distinguished author and home remodeling enthusiast whose expertise in the realm of renovation is second to none. With a passion for transforming houses into inviting homes, Harrison's writing at https://thehuts-eastbourne.co.uk/ brings a breath of fresh inspiration to the world of home improvement. Whether you're looking to revamp a small corner of your abode or embark on a complete home transformation, Harrison's articles provide the essential expertise and creative flair to turn your visions into reality. So, dive into the captivating world of home remodeling with Harrison Clayton and unlock the full potential of your living space with every word he writes.
