Beef Chow Fun is a classic Cantonese dish that’s packed with savory, smoky flavor and a satisfying chewy texture from the wide rice noodles. Tender slices of marinated beef are stir-fried to perfection with crisp bean sprouts, green onions, and a flavorful soy-based sauce that coats everything beautifully. The key to this dish is achieving that signature “wok hei,” or smoky char, which gives it its unmistakable taste.
The first time I made Beef Chow Fun, I was amazed at how such a simple combination of ingredients could create something so delicious. The wide rice noodles absorbed the sauce perfectly, while the beef stayed tender and juicy. What I love most about this recipe is how quick and straightforward it is to prepare—it’s like bringing your favorite takeout home! Customize it with extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special treat, Beef Chow Fun is a dish that never disappoints.
Perfect for:
- Family meals
- Stir-fry lovers
- Weeknight dinners
- Special occasions
- Chinese food enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Beef Chow Fun will quickly become your go-to stir-fry recipe:
- Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of savory soy and oyster sauce with a hint of sesame oil creates a rich and flavorful dish.
- Tender Beef: Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly, remaining tender and juicy.
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: The wide rice noodles absorb the sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
- Crisp Vegetables: The stir-frying technique keeps the vegetables crispy and fresh, offering a great contrast in texture.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the level of spice for your own personal touch.
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe brings an authentic taste of Cantonese cooking right to your home kitchen.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile Protein Options: Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A great dish to serve for a dinner party or family gathering—everyone will love it!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Chow Fun:
- 10 oz fresh wide rice noodles (or dried, cooked according to package)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced chili peppers
Ingredient Highlights
- Wide Rice Noodles: The chewy texture of these noodles makes them ideal for stir-frying.
- Flank Steak: Flank steak is perfect for stir-frying because it’s lean and tender when sliced thinly.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma that brings the dish together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
- Prepare Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain.
- Marinate: In a bowl, mix the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it sit for 10 minutes to marinate.
Stir-Fry the Chow Fun:
- Cook Noodles: If using dried noodles, cook according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onions, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Bell Pepper and Bean Sprouts: Add the bell pepper and bean sprouts, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Beef: Add the remaining oil to the pan and cook the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the beef is cooked through.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper to the pan with the beef. Toss to combine.
- Add Vegetables Back In: Add the vegetables back into the pan and toss everything together until evenly mixed and heated through.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and chili peppers if desired. Serve hot.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Beef Chow Fun:
- As a Main Course: Serve this dish as the centerpiece of your dinner.
- With a Side of Soup: Pair with hot and sour soup or egg drop soup for a complete meal.
- For Family Gatherings: This dish is a perfect family-style meal that everyone will enjoy.
- With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine rice if you want extra carbs.
- As a Lunch Option: A great dish to pack for work or school lunch.
- With Dumplings: Pair with some steamed dumplings on the side for a full Chinese feast.
- As a Stir-Fry Buffet Item: Perfect for a stir-fry station at a buffet or party.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled radish or other pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
- For a Light Meal: Serve with a side salad or simple cucumber salad for a lighter option.
- With Tea: Enjoy with a cup of green or oolong tea to balance the richness of the dish.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook the beef quickly on high heat to keep it tender.
- Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh wide rice noodles give the best texture, but dried noodles can be used if necessary.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat to ensure the noodles and beef get a nice sear and smoky flavor.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like mushrooms or bok choy.
- Keep Everything Ready: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as stir-frying is quick.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Chow Fun: Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs.
- Vegetarian Chow Fun: Use tofu or more vegetables like broccoli and carrots in place of beef.
- Spicy Beef Chow Fun: Add chili paste or sliced fresh chilies to bring some heat to the dish.
- Shrimp Chow Fun: Replace the beef with shrimp for a seafood version of this classic dish.
- Beef and Broccoli Chow Fun: Add broccoli florets for a classic beef and broccoli stir-fry variation.
- Sweet and Sour Beef Chow Fun: Add pineapple and bell peppers for a sweet and sour twist.
- Mushroom Chow Fun: Add mushrooms for a deeper umami flavor and extra texture.
- Garlic Beef Chow Fun: Increase the garlic for a bolder flavor profile.
Special Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for high-heat stir-frying.
- Sharp Knife: For thinly slicing the beef.
- Tongs or Chopsticks: For tossing and stirring the ingredients.
- Ladle or Spatula: To mix everything together during stir-frying.
- Strainer: If using dried noodles, a strainer is helpful for draining them.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen beef instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it properly and pat it dry before slicing and marinating. - How long does this dish last in the fridge?
It will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. - Can I freeze Beef Chow Fun?
It’s not ideal, as the noodles may lose their texture when reheated, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. - What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
You can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little sugar for a similar effect. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles for a gluten-free version. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan. - How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Rinse the noodles under cold water after cooking and toss them with a little oil before stir-frying. - Can I add more sauce?
Yes, if you prefer more sauce, simply add extra soy sauce or oyster sauce during cooking. - What can I use instead of bean sprouts?
Try using shredded cabbage or bok choy for a different texture.
Conclusion
Beef Chow Fun is a classic Cantonese stir-fry dish that’s packed with bold flavors and hearty textures. It features tender slices of marinated beef, stir-fried with wide, chewy rice noodles (ho fun) in a savory soy-based sauce. The dish is balanced with fresh bean sprouts, green onions, and sometimes onions or bell peppers for added crunch and brightness.
The secret to a great Beef Chow Fun is the smoky, charred flavor known as “wok hei,” which comes from cooking the dish at high heat in a well-seasoned wok. The beef is often marinated with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of cornstarch, ensuring it stays tender and flavorful. The noodles soak up the sauce, creating a satisfying blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed flavors. This dish is quick to prepare and incredibly versatile—feel free to add mushrooms, bok choy, or other veggies to make it your own. Perfect as a main course or served alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes, Beef Chow Fun is a comforting and crowd-pleasing favorite.
I can’t wait to see how your Beef Chow Fun turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!