Easy Beef Chow Mein under 30 minutes!

Easy Beef Chow Mein under 30 minutes! is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 3. 340 calories per serving. Recipe by Khin's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 13 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 27 min

Cost: $11.52 total, $3.84 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g Ground Beef (85% lean, preferably fresh)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 4 tbsp Stir‑Fry Sauce (Store‑bought Asian stir‑fry sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Regular Soy Sauce (Light soy sauce)
  • 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce (Adds color and depth)
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing Wine (Chinese cooking wine; can substitute dry sherry)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (Toasted sesame oil for flavor)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 medium Carrot (Julienned)
  • 1 small Onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 0.5 large Bell Pepper (Red, sliced into strips)
  • 200 g Egg Noodles (Dry, quick‑cook; can substitute rice noodles for gluten‑free)
  • 100 g Bean Sprouts (Rinsed and drained)
  • 2 stalks Spring Onions (Chopped, green parts only)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (For high‑heat stir‑frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce

    In a small mixing bowl combine 1 tbsp regular soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Stir until well blended.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Prep the Vegetables

    Julienne the carrot, thinly slice the onion and bell pepper, rinse and drain the bean sprouts, and chop the spring onions (green parts only). Set aside in separate bowls.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Season the Beef

    Place the ground beef in a bowl, add ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper and 2 tbsp stir‑fry sauce, then mix gently until evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cook the Noodles

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (about 3‑4 minutes). Drain and set aside.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: 100°C

  5. Stir‑Fry Garlic and Beef

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, then sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned beef and stir‑fry for 3‑4 minutes, breaking it up, until it turns brown but is still slightly pink inside.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  6. Add the Vegetables

    Add the carrot, onion, and bell pepper to the wok. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  7. Combine Noodles and Sauce

    Add the cooked noodles to the wok, pour in the prepared sauce and the remaining 2 tbsp stir‑fry sauce. Toss everything together for 2 minutes, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  8. Finish with Bean Sprouts and Spring Onions

    Stir in the bean sprouts and chopped spring onions, cooking for another 1 minute just to warm through.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  9. Serve

    Transfer the hot beef chow to a serving plate and enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
340
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with tamari and rice noodles, Low‑sugar, Contains meat (not vegetarian)

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Gluten (if using wheat noodles)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Easy Beef Chow Mein under 30 minutes!

Recipe by Khin's Kitchen

A fast, flavorful Chinese‑style beef stir‑fry with noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory soy‑sesame sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

EasyChineseServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.52
Total cost
$3.84
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Seasoning the beef with black pepper and stir‑fry sauce before cooking.
  • Cooking on high heat to achieve a quick sear without overcooking the meat.
  • Adding the sauce at the right moment to coat noodles without making them soggy.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot wok.
  • Be cautious when draining boiling water for noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of beef chow (stir‑fry noodles) in Chinese cuisine?

A

Beef chow, often called beef chow mein, is a classic Cantonese street‑food dish that emerged in the early 20th century as a quick, affordable meal for laborers. It showcases the Chinese technique of high‑heat stir‑frying, which preserves the crispness of vegetables while coating noodles in a savory sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of beef chow in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Guangdong (Cantonese) style, the dish uses thin egg noodles and a light soy‑based sauce. In Sichuan, it may include spicy doubanjiang and chili oil. Northern versions sometimes replace noodles with wheat‑flour hand‑pulled noodles and add fermented bean paste.

cultural
Q

How is beef chow traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, on a large family plate. It is often accompanied by a small bowl of clear soup and sometimes a side of pickled vegetables to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is beef chow commonly prepared in Chinese culture?

A

Beef chow is a popular weekday family dinner but also appears at informal gatherings, street festivals, and as part of banquet spreads during Lunar New Year when families want quick, satisfying dishes alongside more elaborate courses.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Chinese beef chow, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients include thin egg noodles, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Substitutes can be rice noodles for gluten‑free diets, dry sherry for Shaoxing wine, and regular soy sauce with a dash of brown sugar for dark soy.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with quick beef chow?

A

It pairs nicely with a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar, steamed dumplings, or a simple hot and sour soup. The contrast of textures makes for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making quick beef chow at home?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the wok, which causes steaming instead of searing; overcooking the noodles, leading to mushiness; and adding the sauce too early, which can make the dish soggy. Follow the high‑heat, quick‑toss method for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this quick beef chow recipe use a pre‑mixed soy‑sesame sauce instead of adding each ingredient separately during cooking?

A

Mixing the sauce beforehand ensures the correct balance of salty, sweet, and aromatic flavors and saves time during the high‑heat stir‑fry, preventing the sauce from burning or separating.

technical
Q

Can I make quick beef chow ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Cooked noodles and stir‑fried beef are best reheated quickly in a hot wok to retain texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Khin's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Khin's Kitchen focuses on simple, home‑cooked Southeast Asian and Chinese recipes, emphasizing quick preparation, authentic flavors, and budget‑friendly ingredients for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Khin's Kitchen's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Khin's Kitchen prioritizes ultra‑quick, one‑pan meals using readily available supermarket ingredients, whereas many other Chinese cooking channels often showcase more elaborate, traditional techniques and specialty pantry items.

channel

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