Beef Chow Fun Recipe (Easy Cantonese Way!)

Looking for an easy and delicious beef chow fun recipe? Look no further! This Cantonese-style dish is simple to make and so flavorful. You’ll love the combination of tender beef, chewy noodles, and sweet onions.

Plus, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Give this authentic beef chow fun recipe a try today!

WHAT IS BEEF CHOW FUN?

If you’re not familiar with beef chow fun, it’s a Cantonese dish made with flat rice noodles, beef, and vegetables. It’s usually found on the menu at Chinese restaurants, but it’s also a popular street food in Hong Kong.

This dish is typically stir-fried, which gives the noodles a nice chewy texture. And the beef is usually slices of flank steak or sirloin, which makes it nice and tender.

Plus, there’s usually some sort of vegetable added.

Beef chow fun is called gon chow ngau huo in Cantonese, which literally means “Stir-fried flat rice noodles with beef”.

Where were flat rice noodles created?

Flat rice noodles were actually created in China, Guangzhou.

And while they’re now found all over Asia, they remain a staple in Cantonese cuisine.

Cantonese cuisine is known for being fresh, flavorful, and slightly sweet. And this beef chow fun recipe is a perfect example of that!

Beef Chow Fun Recipe Ingredients

1. Beef (flank steak works best, skirt steak or thinly sliced sirloin will substitute great)
2. Dark soy sauce
3. Regular soy sauce (use oyster sauce as a substitute)
4. Cornstarch
5. Avocado oil or vegetable oil
6. Ginger
7. Sugar
8. Bean sprouts (mung bean sprouts)
9. Wide rice noodles (fresh or dry noodles)
10. Scallions or green onions
11. Baking soda
12. Shaoxing wine
13. Sesame oil
14. White pepper
15. Salt

You can find many of these ingredients in Asian markets. White onion or yellow onion can also be used as a replacement for this stir fry.

Beef Chow Fun Recipe Instructions

First, let’s marinate the beef. In a large bowl, combine the beef, baking soda, corn starch, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Mix well and set aside for 1 hour.

Next, prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Fresh Rice noodles: Cut your rice noodle sheets 1 inch thick if not pre-cut. Soak the noodles in warm water for 5 minutes if stiff and stuck together. Drain and set aside. (or follow the package directions)

Bean sprouts: Rinse and set aside.

Scallions: Cut in half vertically and into 3 inch pieces

Ginger: Cut into thin slices and set aside

Next,

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.

Add in the rice noodles and blanch them for 30 seconds to soften. Remove and transfer to an ice bath or cold water then drain.

In a large pan, heat up oil on medium to high heat until hot.

Add in the marinated beef and cook until browned, about 60-90 seconds.

Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate or small bowl.

In your large skillet, add more oil if needed. Stir in ginger slices and cook until fragrant, about 10-15 seconds.

Add the scallions and chow fun noodles to the pan.

Stir-fry until everything is evenly mixed and coated with oil, about 15 seconds on medium high heat.

Make a well in the center of the pan and pour in the tablespoons of Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, soy sauces, a pinch of sugar, and the cooked beef.

Stir-fry/ mix until noodles are evenly coated. Add salt and white pepper if needed.

Finish with bean sprouts and stir-fry until tender.

Serve your Beef Chow Fun immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for making the best Beef Chow Fun recipe:

1. Use a non stick wok (non-stick pan or skillet) If you don’t have a non-stick wok, make sure to use enough oil so the noodles don’t stick and burn.
2. Stir-fry everything on high heat so the noodles get that nice chewy texture.
3. Don’t overcook the noodles or they will become mushy.
4. Make sure to use fresh noodles for the best texture and flavor.
5. If you can’t find fresh noodles, you can use dried rice noodles. Just make sure to soak them in water before using.
6. Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
7. Adjust the amount of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar to taste.
8. Heat should remain high throughout the cooking process.
9. If everything starts to stick to the pan, add a little more oil.
10. Use a wok spatula (or large spoon) to toss and stir-fry everything.
11. Freeze the beef before slicing it. This makes it much easier to slice thinly.
12. If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or chicken broth.

Can you make Beef Chow Fun Vegetarian?

Yes! To make this popular dish vegetarian, simply omit the beef and double the amount of vegetables.

Can I use ground beef, tofu, or pork?

Yes, you can substitute the flank steak with sliced chicken, ground beef, pork tenderloin, tofu, and even shrimp!

Can you make Beef Chow Fun gluten free?

Yes! Use tamari in place of soy sauce and use gluten-free rice noodles.

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil. The flavor won’t be quite the same but it will still be delicious.

Can you make Beef Chow Fun ahead of time?

The noodles can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat in the microwave or stir-fry briefly before serving.

How to store homemade Beef Chow Fun

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply add the noodles back into the pan and cook over medium heat until warmed through.

You may need to add a little water (or beef broth) to soften the noodles.

Can you freeze Cantonese Beef Chow Fun?

I do not recommend freezing this dish as the noodles will become mushy when thawed.

What is the difference between Chow Mein and Chow Fun?

The main difference is Chow Mein is made with egg noodles while Chow Fun is made with rice noodles.

What does Beef Chow Fun taste like?

Beef Chow Fun tastes savory, slightly sweet, and a little bit salty. The sauce is made with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. The dish is typically served with bean sprouts for a crunchy contrast.

What to eat with Beef Chow fun?

1. Fried rice
2. Egg rolls
3. Spring rolls
4. Steamed veggies

Final thoughts

This is a quick and easy recipe for beef chow fun that can be made in under 30 minutes! The key to making the best chow fun is to use fresh ingredients and cook everything on high heat.

 This dish can be easily customized to your liking by adding in different vegetables or proteins. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

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