Looking for a tasty and satisfying noodle dish? This Beef Chow Fun Recipe combines flank steak, wide rice noodles, and a rich, flavorful sauce with dark soy sauce and oyster sauce. A staple of Cantonese cuisine, Beef Chow Fun is popular for its simple preparation and delicious taste, capturing the essence of Chinese stir fries.
How to Make Beef Chow Fun
Beef Chow Fun, or Gon Chow Ngau Ho in Cantonese, is a traditional noodle dish that originates from the Cantonese region of China. It’s a quick, stir-fried meal known for its chewy rice noodles and tender beef. Beef Chow Fun is traditionally cooked over high heat in a well-seasoned wok, which gives it a signature smokey flavor, often referred to as “wok hei.”
The dish became widely popular in Chinese restaurants worldwide due to its unique texture and savory taste. It’s a versatile dish, allowing for different variations, so you can customize it based on your preferences.
Ingredients for Beef Chow Fun
Noodles and Beef
- 12 oz fresh wide rice noodles (also called hor fun noodles)
- 8 oz flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Beef Marinade
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for tenderizing)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp water
Vegetables and Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 tbsp of oil, for cooking (neutral oils like canola or peanut work best)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Combine the flank steak slices with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, and white pepper in a bowl. Add baking soda if you prefer extra tender meat. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Rice Noodles:
- If you have fresh wide rice noodles, separate them gently. For dried noodles, follow the package instructions to cook until soft, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Make the Sauce:
- Mix light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a carbon steel wok over high heat. Add 1 tbsp of oil until it’s smoking, then stir-fry the marinated beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Add the remaining oil, then toss in the yellow onion and stir-fry until translucent. Add the green onions and bean sprouts, stirring continuously for about a minute.
- Add the Noodles and Sauce:
- Stir in the noodles, pour the sauce over them, and mix thoroughly. Add the cooked beef, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat once noodles are tender and everything is well combined.
Cooking Techniques for the Perfect Beef Chow Fun
Achieving the right texture and flavor in Beef Chow Fun requires attention to a few key techniques:
- High Heat Stir-Frying: The iconic wok hei flavor of Beef Chow Fun comes from cooking over very high heat. Use a well-heated carbon steel wok for the best results.
- Quick Cooking: Don’t overcook the ingredients. The beef and vegetables should be tender-crisp, while the noodles should be just soft enough to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Separate the Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, cook the beef, noodles, and vegetables separately, then combine them at the end.
Variations of Beef Chow Fun
Protein Substitutions
You can easily swap out the flank steak for other proteins:
- Chicken: Use thinly sliced chicken breast marinated in soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Shrimp: Add shrimp for a seafood twist, cooking it just until pink before removing from the wok.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use tofu and substitute vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.
Sauce Variations
Experiment with different sauces to tailor the flavor to your taste:
- Spicy Beef Chow Fun: Add chili oil or sliced red chili peppers to the sauce mix.
- Garlic Soy Beef Chow Fun: Add a tablespoon of minced garlic for a garlicky kick.
Noodle Substitutes
Although wide rice noodles are traditional, you can try other noodles:
- Egg Noodles: Use egg noodles for a Beef Chow Mein variation.
- Gluten-Free Ho Fun Noodles: If gluten is a concern, choose certified gluten-free noodles and sauces.
Health Benefits of Beef Chow Fun
Beef Chow Fun can be a nutritious meal, offering a good balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins:
- Protein: The beef provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Fiber: The bean sprouts contribute fiber, supporting digestive health.
- Micronutrients: Onions and green onions provide vitamin C, while soy sauce adds iron and manganese.
Serving Suggestions
- Spring Rolls: Start with crispy spring rolls to add a contrast in texture.
- Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce: A simple, nutritious vegetable side dish.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A warm and tangy soup makes an excellent companion to this hearty dish.
Dietary Adjustments
Gluten-Free Option
Choose gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Lower Sodium
Soy sauce can be high in sodium. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or replace with coconut aminos for a similar flavor with reduced sodium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Chow Mein and Chow Fun?
Chow Mein typically uses thin egg noodles, while Chow Fun uses wide rice noodles. Additionally, Chow Fun is stir-fried over high heat, giving it a unique charred flavor.
Can I make Beef Chow Fun ahead of time?
While Beef Chow Fun is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, then reheat in a wok with a little oil.
Final Thoughts
Beef Chow Fun is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting bowl of nostalgia for many who grew up enjoying Cantonese cuisine. Its rich flavors, chewy noodles, and tender beef make it a meal that brings people together. Try this recipe and savor the umami flavors that have made it a beloved choice for generations.
