Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe

Introduction

Healthy beef chow mein is a delicious and light twist on a classic takeout favorite. Packed with lean beef, fresh vegetables, and wholemeal noodles, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g)
• 2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil
• 200g lean fillet steak, fat removed and cut into strips
• 1 small red onion (100g), finely chopped
• 15g piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 160g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 160g ready-to-eat beansprouts
• 1½ tsp tamari
• 1 tbsp brown rice vinegar
• 4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat half the oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry the beef strips for about 30 seconds until browned. Remove from the wok and set aside on a plate.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry the chopped onion and ginger until softened. If needed, add a drop of water to prevent burning and cover the wok, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the mushrooms and garlic to the wok. Fry for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.
5. Step 5: Stir in the beansprouts and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
7. Step 7: Add the drained noodles to the wok, tossing well to combine. Pour in the tamari mixture, then add the spring onions and cooked beef.
8. Step 8: Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until hot. Season with plenty of black pepper and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute shiitake or button mushrooms if chestnut mushrooms are unavailable.
• Use tamari for a gluten-free option, or soy sauce if preferred.
• Add a splash of chili oil or fresh chili slices for a spicy kick.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a wok or microwave until piping hot. To maintain the noodles’ texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other lean cuts like sirloin or rump steak. Just make sure to slice them thinly for quick cooking.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the beef with tofu or extra mushrooms and adjust cooking times accordingly. Use vegetarian tamari or soy sauce to keep it plant-based.

Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

This Healthy Beef Chow Mein recipe offers a nutritious twist on the classic Chinese stir-fry by using wholemeal noodles and lean fillet steak. Packed with colorful vegetables like red onion, ginger, chestnut mushrooms, and beansprouts, it delivers a flavorful, wholesome dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Noodles and Sauces

• 2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g)
• 1½ tsp tamari
• 1 tbsp brown rice vinegar

Protein and Oils

• 200g lean fillet steak, fat removed and cut into strips
• 2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 small red onion (100g), finely chopped
• 15g piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 160g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 160g ready-to-eat beansprouts
• 4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles: Prepare the wholemeal noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once cooked.
2. Stir-fry the beef: Heat half of the oil (1 tsp) in a wok over high heat. Add the beef strips and stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds until browned on the outside. Remove the beef from the wok and place on a plate to rest.
3. Cook onion and ginger: Add the remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry the finely chopped red onion and ginger until softened, approximately 2-3 minutes. If the ingredients start sticking or burning, add a splash of water and cover the wok for a short time to steam and soften the vegetables.
4. Add mushrooms and garlic: Stir in the sliced chestnut mushrooms and chopped garlic cloves. Cook for around 3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften and release their juices.
5. Add beansprouts: Toss in the beansprouts and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are hot but still crisp.
6. Prepare tamari sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water to create a flavorful sauce.
7. Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked and drained noodles back to the wok. Toss thoroughly to combine with the vegetables.
8. Add tamari mixture, spring onions, and beef: Pour the tamari sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Add the sliced spring onions and the cooked beef. Stir-fry all the ingredients together for a few minutes until everything is heated through evenly.
9. Season and serve: Season the chow mein generously with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot for a nourishing and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use wholemeal noodles to add extra fiber and nutrients compared to traditional white noodles.
• If you prefer a vegan version, replace beef with firm tofu and use a soy or tamari sauce free of animal products.
• Adjust the oil type to sesame for a nuttier flavor or rapeseed oil for a neutral taste.
• Adding a splash of water while cooking the onions helps prevent burning and keeps the vegetables moist.
• For added heat, consider tossing in some sliced chili peppers or chili flakes during the garlic and mushroom step.

Keywords: healthy beef chow mein, wholemeal chow mein, stir fry beef noodles, healthy Chinese stir-fry, quick beef chow mein