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Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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