If you’re craving a delicious and easy homemade chow mein recipe, you’re in the right place! This versatile stir-fried noodle dish is absolutely delicious!
Whether you prefer beef chow mein, shrimp chow mein, or chicken chow mein, you can customize this dish to fit your tastes. Today, we’ll guide you through making a perfect chow mein, including tips on how to prepare the best chow mein sauce, avoid overcooking your noodles, and offer protein and vegetable substitutions.
Love easy dinner recipes? Try One-Pan Chicken and Rice with Spinach, Tilapia with Lemon Herb Butter Sauce, and Fish in Sweet and Sour Ginger Sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chow Mein Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Customizable: Swap proteins, veggies, and noodles to match your taste.
- Homemade Chow Mein Sauce: A simple, savory sauce that brings authentic flavor
Why This Ground Beef Chow Mein is a Healthy Choice
- High in Protein: Ground beef provides a rich source of protein to keep you full.
- Loaded with Veggies: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Balanced Meal: A satisfying combination of lean protein, whole grains, and fiber-packed vegetables.
Expert Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Chow Mein
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook noodles to al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Add Sauce Gradually: Pour the sauce slowly, tossing as you go, to ensure even coating without making the dish too soggy.
- Customize Your Protein: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a different twist.
- Vegetable Variations: If you don’t have boy choy, you can substitute with spinach.
FAQ: Ground Beef Chow Mein Recipe
- Can I make chow mein ahead of time? Yes! Store leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
- What if I can’t find chow mein noodles? You can use thin spaghetti.
- Can I freeze homemade chow mein? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- What’s the name of the chow mein used in this recipe? Wel Pac chow mein (purchase from amazon, target or check your local grocery)
How to Store & Reheat Ground Beef Chow Mein
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze:Place cooled chow mein in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to restore moisture
Vegetable and Protein Variations for Chow Mein
Vegetable Variations:
- Bell Peppers: Add sliced red, yellow, or green bell peppers for sweetness and crunch.
- Broccoli Florets: Lightly steam or stir-fry for a hearty, nutritious addition.
- Mushrooms: Use shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms for an umami boost.
- Cabbage: Substitute or add green or purple cabbage for a crunchy texture.
Protein Variations:
- Chicken: Use thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs.
- Shrimp: Peeled and de-veined shrimp cook quickly and add a seafood twist.
- Pork: Thinly sliced pork loin or ground pork works well.
- Beef Strips: Use flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain.
Prefer to watch instead of reading this delicious recipe? check out this video for a quick and easy guide:
Easy Ground Beef Chow Mein
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Easy Ground Beef Chow Mein recipe is a quick, flavorful stir-fried noodle dish made with tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite proteins and veggies!
Scale
Ingredients
For the Chow Mein Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2–3 drops browning sauce (for color, alternative: ¼ tsp dark soy)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ tsp five spice powder
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1.5 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
For the Chow Mein:
- 12 oz chow mein noodles (or egg noodles)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 3 baby bok choy, chopped
- ¼ red bell peppers, julienned
- 2 green onions, diced
- 1.5 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust based on preference of heat)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chow Mein Noodles
- Boil the noodles according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook—they should be slightly firm (al dente). Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, browning or dark soy sauce, ginger, five spice powder, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked (about 5 minutes) then set aside.
- Do not drain as the juices from the ground beef will enhance the flavor of the chow mein.
Step 4: Add Aromatics & Veggies:
- Heat oil in a Wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onions, carrots and bell peppers.
- Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens.
- Add bok choy. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Combine & Serve:
- Return the cooked noodles to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until well coated.
- Add the cooked ground beef and pepper flakes.
- Mix up then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for another minute, then serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Calories: 450 kcal
- Calories: Protein: 28g
- Sugar: Carbohydrates: 50g, Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 6g
- Sodium: Fat: 15g, Saturated-Fat: 5g
- Fat: Cholesterol: 70mg
- Saturated Fat: Sodium: 980mg
- Unsaturated Fat: Iron: 4mg
- Trans Fat: Calcium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: Vitamin-A: 120% DV (from carrots and bok choy)
- Fiber: Vitamin-C: 50% DV (from bell peppers and bok choy)
Keywords: Chow Mein Sauce, Chowmein Recipes Easy, Beef Chow Mein, Easy Chow Mein, Homemade Chow Mein, Shrimp Chow Mein, Chinese Food Recipes, Chicken Chow Mein
