Name: Beef Chow Fun Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 ounces beef steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank), thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 3 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 ounces wide rice noodles; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more as needed); 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, sliced; 1-inch piece of ginger, chopped; 1 cup bean sprouts; 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Craving some seriously delicious comfort food? This Beef Chow Fun is where it’s at! Tender beef, perfectly chewy wide rice noodles, and a symphony of savory flavors—this stir-fry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Get ready to impress your taste buds (and maybe even your friends!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better than Takeout: Seriously, this homemade Beef Chow Fun rivals anything you’d get at a restaurant. You control the ingredients and the flavor, so it’s guaranteed to be just how you like it.
Ready in a Flash: This recipe is lightning fast, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes!
Flavor Bomb: From the savory beef to the perfectly seasoned noodles, every bite of this Chow Fun is bursting with flavor. It’s a taste sensation you won’t soon forget.

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade:

Beef steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank): The key to tender beef is choosing the right cut. These options are all great choices. Remember to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor and helps to tenderize the beef.
Sesame oil: A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the beef and also acts as a slight thickener for the sauce.
Baking soda: This is the secret ingredient for super-tender beef! It helps to break down the proteins and keeps the beef juicy.

Sauce:

Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory, umami flavor that’s essential for Chow Fun.
Low sodium soy sauce: Enhances the savory notes in the sauce.
Dark soy sauce: This is what gives the noodles their beautiful dark color and rich flavor. Don’t skip it!
Shaoxing wine: A Chinese rice wine that adds a depth of flavor and complexity.
Sesame oil: A touch more sesame oil for that irresistible aroma.
Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!

Stir Fry Noodles:

Wide rice noodles: These are the signature noodles for Chow Fun. Their wide, flat shape is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the beef and vegetables.
Medium onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor base.
Garlic cloves: Adds a pungent and aromatic kick.
Ginger: Adds a warm and spicy note.
Bean sprouts: Adds a refreshing crunch and texture.
Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of fresh color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Beef Chow Fun

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a medium bowl, combine all the beef and marinade ingredients and toss well. Let the beef marinate for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens!

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and pour about 4 cups of boiling water over them. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes, then drain them thoroughly. Don’t over-soak, or they’ll get mushy.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the beef is marinating and the noodles are soaking, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl.

Step 4: Stir-fry the Beef

Heat a wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes. Stir the beef and continue to sear for another 1-2 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Transfer the beef to a plate.

Step 5: Stir-fry the Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok if needed. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until they’re fragrant.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the soaked noodles and the prepared sauce to the wok. Toss everything together really well. Add the beef back to the wok, along with the bean sprouts and green onions. Toss well and stir-fry for another 2 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and everything is nicely combined. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Thinly Sliced Beef is Key: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain ensures it’s tender and easy to eat.
Marinating Magic: Don’t skimp on the marinating time! It makes a huge difference in the tenderness of the beef.
Perfect Noodles: Don’t over-soak the noodles! They should be soft but not mushy.
High Heat is Your Friend: Keep that wok hot! High heat is essential for a good stir-fry.
Dark Soy Sauce for Color and Flavor: Dark soy sauce is what gives Chow Fun its signature look and taste.

How to Serve

Beef Chow Fun is best served hot and fresh from the wok. It’s a complete meal in itself, but you could also serve it with:

Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or bok choy would be a great addition.
Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls make a delicious appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the rice noodles tend to become mushy after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to prevent them from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use different noodles?

While wide rice noodles are traditional, you could experiment with other types, but the texture and flavor will be different.

2. Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or tofu would all be delicious alternatives to beef.

3. Where can I find dark soy sauce?

You can find dark soy sauce in most Asian grocery stores.

4. Can I add other veggies?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.