Beef chow mein is a timeless Chinese takeaway favorite, but it’s fantastic to know you can easily whip up a version that’s just as delicious – if not better – at home. Renowned chef Rick Stein, known for his esteemed hotel and restaurant empire in the UK, unveiled his go-to beef chow mein recipe on his popular BBC Two series, ‘Rick Stein’s Food Stories.’ Inspired by his culinary adventure through the bustling Chinatown in central London, Stein recreated one of the nation’s most beloved Cantonese dishes. The best part? This beef chow mein is incredibly quick and easy to make, making it an even more appealing meal to enjoy at home.
Here’s Rick Stein’s delectable chow mein recipe that you, your family, and friends will adore, a dish you can confidently recreate time and time again. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this simple yet flavorful masterpiece.
Beef Chow Mein Recipe
Serves:
Three to four peopleIngredients:
* 400g sirloin steak, fat removed
* Two tbsp water
* One tbsp cornflour
* One tbsp oyster sauce
* Ground white pepper
* One tbsp sunflower oil
* 250g dried egg noodles, cooked as per instructions and well drained
* 125ml sunflower or vegetable oil for frying
* One spring onion, finely sliced
For the sauce:
* 100ml water
* Half tsp sugar
* One tbsp oyster sauce
* Three tbsp soy sauce
* Ground white pepper
* 150g beansprouts
* Three spring onions, trimmed and shredded lengthways
* Three cloves garlic, chopped
* 3cm piece of ginger, peeled grated or finely chopped
* 100g shitake mushrooms, sliced
* 100g mangetout
Method:
1. Begin by slicing the sirloin steak across into thin strips. Transfer the slices to a bowl and sprinkle with cornflour and white pepper, ensuring they’re well coated. Then, add the water, oyster sauce, and sunflower oil, mixing everything together thoroughly.
2. In a separate bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside. While you’re at it, get those noodles cooking according to the package instructions.
3. Heat 100ml of the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cooked and drained noodles and fry until they become crispy. Remove the noodles from the pan and keep them warm.
4. Add the remaining oil to the pan and stir-fry the beef over high heat, ensuring it’s cooked through. Then, introduce the vegetables to the pan and continue to stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Finally, pour in the sauce and allow it to bubble and thicken.
5. Divide the crispy noodles among serving bowls and pour the flavorful steak mixture over them. Garnish with a few more sliced spring onions for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
6. Enjoy your homemade beef chow mein! Serve it as is, or pair it with a delicious side dish. Options include fried rice, egg rolls, steamed dumplings, Asian slaw, or even a side of chips for those who dare!
