A beloved American-Chinese classic, Beef Chow Mein pairs tender slices of marinated flank steak with chewy wheat noodles and crisp vegetables in a glossy savory brown sauce. Built on a screaming-hot wok sear and a balanced soy-oyster base, this is the takeout-style version you can master in your own kitchen.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings4
Yield4 servings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 610 kcalCalories
- 26 gFat
- 6 gSaturated Fat
- 62 gCarbs
- 5 gFiber
- 7 gSugar
- 33 gProtein
- 980 mgSodium
- 720 mgPotassium
- 85 mgCalcium
- 5 mgIron
- 38 mgVitamin C
- 540 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the Beef and Marinade
- 12 oz flank steak, sliced thin across the grain
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Chow Mein Sauce
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
For the Stir Fry
- 12 oz fresh or dried chow mein wheat noodles
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, bias-sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 3 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
Directions
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic. Let marinate for 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, beef broth, cornstarch, and white pepper in a small bowl until the cornstarch fully dissolves. Set aside.
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to package directions, about 3 to 4 minutes for fresh or 5 for dried. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, toss with 1 teaspoon of the vegetable oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until just smoking. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir-fry until just browned but still slightly pink, about 1 more minute. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the wok. Stir-fry the onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrot for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring until it thickens and turns glossy, about 30 seconds.
- Return the beef to the wok along with the cooked noodles and bean sprouts. Toss vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Stir in the scallions, give one final toss, and serve immediately in shallow bowls.
Cook’s Notes
- Slice the flank steak very thinly across the grain, then freeze it for 15 minutes first for cleaner cuts.
- Get the wok or skillet ripping hot before adding the beef so you get a proper sear instead of steaming.
- If using dried chow mein, don't overcook the noodles since they finish softening in the wok.
- Add the bean sprouts and scallions at the very end so they stay crisp and bright.
- A splash more broth at the end loosens the sauce if the noodles have absorbed too much while tossing.










