Healthier Beef Chow Mein Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil Water

   • Fill a medium pot with water and place it on the stove. Turn the heat to high to bring it to a boil.

2. Add Noodles

   • When the water is boiling, add 2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g). Stir gently to separate them.

3. Cook Noodles

   • Follow the package instructions (usually 4-5 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Drain and Rinse

   • Once cooked, turn off the heat. Pour the noodles into a colander to drain.
   • Rinse them under cold water to stop cooking and keep them from sticking together. Set aside.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef

5. Heat the Wok

   • Place a wok on the stove. Add 1 tsp of rapeseed or sesame oil.
   • Turn the heat to high until the oil is hot and shimmering.

6. Prepare the Beef

   • While the oil heats, cut 200g lean fillet steak into thin strips. Remove any fat for a healthier option.

7. Cook the Beef

   • Carefully add the beef strips to the hot oil in the wok.
   • Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until browned. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

8. Set Beef Aside

   • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate. Set aside while you cook the vegetables.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

9. Add More Oil

   • Pour in the remaining 1 tsp oil into the wok.

10. Cook Onion and Ginger

    • Add 1 small red onion (finely chopped) and 15g ginger (finely chopped) to the wok.
    • Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft. If it starts to stick, add a little water.

11. Cover to Steam

    • If you have a lid, cover the wok for a minute to help soften the vegetables.

12. Add Mushrooms and Garlic

    • Stir in 160g chestnut mushrooms (thickly sliced) and 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped).
    • Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms soften.

13. Add Beansprouts

    • Add 160g ready-to-eat beansprouts.
    • Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

14. Make the Sauce

    • In a small bowl, mix 1½ tsp tamari and 1 tbsp brown rice vinegar.
    • Add 2 tbsp water to thin it out.

15. Combine Ingredients

    • Add the drained noodles back into the wok with the veggies.
    • Toss everything together gently using tongs or a spatula.

16. Add Sauce and Beef

    • Pour the tamari mixture into the wok.
    • Add 4 spring onions (cut into diagonal lengths) and the cooked beef.
    • Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until everything is hot and well mixed.

17. Final Touches

    • Taste the dish and add more tamari or black pepper if desired.

18. Serve

    • Transfer the beef chow mein to plates or bowls. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!