Introduction

Healthy beef chow mein is a nutritious twist on a classic takeout favorite. Packed with lean steak, fresh vegetables, and wholemeal noodles, this dish is both satisfying and light. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g)
2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil
200g lean fillet steak, fat removed and cut into strips
1 small red onion (100g), finely chopped
15g piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
160g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
160g ready-to-eat beansprouts
1½ tsp tamari
1 tbsp brown rice vinegar
4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the noodles according to the pack instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat half the oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry the beef strips for about 30 seconds until browned. Remove from the wok and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Add the remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry the chopped onion and ginger until softened, adding a small splash of water to prevent burning if necessary. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the mushrooms and garlic. Fry until the mushrooms start to soften, about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the beansprouts and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until piping hot.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
Step 7: Add the drained noodles back to the wok and toss them well with the vegetables.
Step 8: Pour in the tamari mixture, add the spring onions and cooked beef. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until heated through.
Step 9: Season with plenty of black pepper, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use sesame oil for a more authentic flavor, or rapeseed oil for a neutral taste.
Swap the fillet steak for chicken breast or firm tofu for a different protein option.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots for more color and crunch.
For a gluten-free option, ensure your tamari is certified gluten-free and use rice noodles instead of wholemeal.
To keep the meat tender, avoid overcooking by stir-frying beef quickly over high heat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a wok or microwave until piping hot, adding a splash of water if the noodles have dried out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can cook the ingredients separately and combine them before serving, but for best texture and flavor, stir-fry and mix the noodles with the sauce just before eating.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

This recipe uses wholemeal noodles, which are higher in carbs. To reduce carbs, you can replace noodles with spiralized vegetables like courgette or use shirataki noodles.

Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 528 reviews

A healthy and flavorful beef chow mein made with wholemeal noodles and lean fillet steak, stir-fried with fresh vegetables and a tangy tamari and brown rice vinegar sauce. This quick and nutritious dish combines tender beef, crunchy beansprouts, and vibrant aromatics for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g)

Beef and Vegetables

2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil
200g lean fillet steak, fat removed and cut into strips
1 small red onion (100g), finely chopped
15g piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
160g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
160g ready-to-eat beansprouts
4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths

Sauce

1½ tsp tamari
1 tbsp brown rice vinegar
2 tbsp water (for tamari mixture)

Instructions

Cook the noodles: Prepare the wholemeal noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Stir-fry the beef: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a wok over high heat. Add the lean fillet steak strips and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside on a plate.
Cook onion and ginger: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to the wok. Stir-fry the finely chopped red onion and ginger until softened, adding a drop of water if needed to prevent burning. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add mushrooms and garlic: Stir in the sliced chestnut mushrooms and finely chopped garlic. Fry for approximately 3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.
Cook beansprouts: Add the ready-to-eat beansprouts to the wok and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are piping hot.
Prepare sauce and combine: In a small bowl, mix the tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the drained noodles back into the wok and toss well. Pour in the tamari mixture along with the spring onions and the cooked beef.
Final stir-fry and season: Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until heated through. Season generously with black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Notes

Use rapeseed oil for a neutral flavor or sesame oil for a nuttier taste.
To keep the dish gluten-free, ensure the tamari sauce is certified gluten-free.
Add a splash of water while cooking the onion and ginger to prevent the ingredients from burning and to retain moisture.
Feel free to swap the beef fillet for lean chicken breast or tofu for a different protein.
Serve with extra chopped spring onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish.

Keywords: healthy beef chow mein, wholemeal noodles, stir-fry beef, low fat Asian recipe, quick beef chow mein, gluten free chow mein option