Beef Chow Fun with is a delightful dish that transports you straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant. This homemade version features thick, chewy rice noodles, tender beef, and crisp vegetables, all enveloped in a savory brown sauce. It’s a meal that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, Beef Chow Fun has become a staple in many households. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Chow Fun with
This Beef Chow Fun recipe is an absolute winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the combination of tender beef and fresh vegetables makes it a balanced meal. Third, the flavor profile is outstanding, thanks to the rich sauce that coats every bite. Additionally, it’s versatile; you can easily adapt it to include your favorite vegetables or proteins. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers. Packed with nutrients, this dish fits well into a gluten-free diet, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients for Beef Chow Fun with
Gather these items:
- 1/2 lb beef flank steak
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 7 oz dried rice noodles (or 12 oz / 360 g fresh thick rice noodles)
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 thumb ginger, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/4 white onion, sliced
- 4 loosely packed cups bean sprouts
- 4 green onions, sliced to 2” (5 cm) pieces, white halved, white and green separated
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
How to Make Beef Chow Fun with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Slice beef against the grain into 1/8” (3mm) thick and 2” (5 cm) long pieces, and transfer the pieces to a small bowl. Add the light soy sauce and Shaoxing wine. Use your hand to gently mix the beef until the sauce is fully absorbed. Add the cornstarch and mix again until evenly distributed. Let marinate for 15 minutes while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
- Step 2: Combine all the sauce ingredients. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 3: If using dried noodles: Cook (or soak) the rice noodles according to the instructions minus 1 minute, until cooked through, but still a bit chewy inside. Rinse rice noodles with cold water and drain. To avoid sticky rice noodles during stir fry, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil to the drained noodles. Gently toss noodles by hand to separate and evenly coat them with a thin layer of oil.
- Step 4: If using fresh noodles: slice the rice noodle sheet into noodles, then separate the noodles with your hands. Do not soak the noodles in water.
- Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat until hot. Spread the beef slices in the skillet in a single layer. Cook until the bottom side of the beef turns golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the beef and cook the other side until browned, but the inside is still a bit pink, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer beef to a plate immediately.
- Step 6: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and turn to medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic, white onion, and the white part of the green onion. Stir and cook until the aromatics turn light golden on the edges, about 1 minute.
- Step 7: Toss the cooked noodles again to separate gently, and add them into the skillet. Use a pair of tongs to toss the noodles with the rest of the ingredients to coat well with the oil.
- Step 8: Add the beef back into the skillet. Pour in the mixed sauce. Immediately use a pair of tongs or chopsticks to toss and mix everything.
- Step 9: Add the bean sprouts. Keep tossing gently (to avoid breaking apart the noodles) until the bean sprouts just start to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the green onion. Toss a few more times, until the sauce is absorbed by the noodles, and the veggies are softened but still crunchy. Turn off heat and transfer everything to serving plates immediately. Serve hot as a main dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Beef Chow Fun with
Keep these in mind:
- For the best texture, ensure your beef is thinly sliced and marinated well.
- Use high heat during cooking for a proper stir-fry effect, which helps to achieve that authentic restaurant-style flavor.
- Fresh ingredients make a significant difference, especially the vegetables. Opt for seasonal produce when possible.
- If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil to the mix.
- To avoid sticky noodles, add sesame oil to them after rinsing.
Best Ways to Serve Beef Chow Fun with
This dish is fantastic on its own but can also be paired with a few sides or appetizers. Consider serving it alongside some crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad to balance the flavors. If you want to elevate your meal, provide soy sauce and chili oil on the side for those who love an extra kick. For a complete dinner experience, serve with a chilled beer or a fruity iced tea.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Chow Fun with
To store leftover Beef Chow Fun, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. This method will help maintain the noodles’ texture and flavor, making for a quick meal prep option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Chow Fun with
What’s the secret to perfect Beef Chow Fun with?
The secret lies in the cooking method and the quality of the ingredients. High heat is essential for achieving that perfect stir-fried texture. Additionally, marinating the beef properly ensures it remains tender and flavorful.
Can I make Beef Chow Fun with ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. However, it’s best to cook the dish fresh for optimal flavor and texture. You can also reheat leftovers easily.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Beef Chow Fun with?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your noodles are not overcooked. Also, keep the heat high when stir-frying to prevent the ingredients from steaming instead of frying. Finally, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
Variations of Beef Chow Fun with You Can Try
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few variations you can try. For a seafood twist, substitute beef with shrimp for a delightful Beef Chow Fun with shrimp. Alternatively, for a lighter version, consider adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to create a Beef Chow Fun with vegetables. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore using chicken instead of beef for a different protein option. Each variation brings its own unique flavor while retaining the essence of this classic dish.
For more delicious recipes, check out Garlic Chili Oil Noodles or Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. If you’re interested in dessert, try Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies.
Print
Beef Chow Fun with Savory Sauce and Fresh Vegetables
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade Beef Chow Fun 干炒牛河 features thick, chewy rice noodles, tender steak, and crisp vegetables coated in a savory brown sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb beef flank steak
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 7 oz dried rice noodles (or 12 oz / 360 g fresh thick rice noodles)
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 thumb ginger, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/4 white onion, sliced
- 4 loosely packed cups bean sprouts
- 4 green onions, sliced to 2” (5 cm) pieces, white halved, white and green separated
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Slice beef against the grain into 1/8” (3mm) thick and 2” (5 cm) long pieces, and transfer the pieces to a small bowl. Add the light soy sauce and Shaoxing wine. Use your hand to gently mix the beef until the sauce is fully absorbed. Add the cornstarch and mix again until evenly distributed. Let marinate for 15 minutes while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients. Mix well and set aside.
- If using dried noodles: Cook (or soak) the rice noodles according to the instructions minus 1 minute, until cooked through, but still a bit chewy inside. Rinse rice noodles with cold water and drain. To avoid sticky rice noodles during stir fry, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil to the drained noodles. Gently toss noodles by hand to separate and evenly coat them with a thin layer of oil.
- If using fresh noodles: slice the rice noodle sheet into noodles, then separate the noodles with your hands. Do not soak the noodles in water.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat until hot. Spread the beef slices in the skillet in a single layer. Cook until the bottom side of the beef turns golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the beef and cook the other side until browned, but the inside is still a bit pink, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer beef to a plate immediately.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and turn to medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic, white onion, and the white part of the green onion. Stir and cook until the aromatics turn light golden on the edges, 1 minute or so.
- Toss the cooked noodles again to separate gently, and add them into the skillet. Use a pair of tongs to toss the noodles with the rest of the ingredients to coat well with the oil.
- Add the beef back into the skillet. Pour in the mixed sauce. Immediately use a pair of tongs or chopsticks to toss and mix everything.
- Add the bean sprouts. Keep tossing gently (to avoid breaking apart the noodles) until the bean sprouts just start to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the green onion. Toss a few more times, until the sauce is absorbed by the noodles, and the veggies are softened but still crunchy. Turn off heat and transfer everything to serving plates immediately. Serve hot as a main dish.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 706 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 27.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 100 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 13.6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
