Name: Beef Chow Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 200g (7oz) of egg noodles; 400g (14oz) of fresh bean sprouts, blanched in hot water for 2 mins; 400g (14oz) of flank or steak of choice (sliced thinly); 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, sliced; low calorie spray; 1 onion, roughly chopped; 4 spring onions, sliced into strips; 1 tablespoon of soy sauce; 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce; 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil; black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Beef Chow Mein - a homemade version of the classic takeaway favourite with tender beef, noodles, crisp vegetables and a delicious savoury sauce. It is packed with flavour, quick to make and perfect for those evenings when you are craving takeaway but still want something a little lighter.

Beef Chow Mein in a non stick frying pan with wooden tongs

Recreating takeaway favourites at home has always been one of my favourite ways to stay on track without feeling like I am missing out, and this beef chow mein really hits the spot. Fresh ginger, oyster sauce and beansprouts give it that proper takeaway flavour and texture, while still being made with simple everyday ingredients. It is one of those meals the whole family enjoys and honestly tastes just as good, if not better, than ordering in.

Calories in Beef Chow Mein

This recipe serves 3 and is 370 calories per serving.

If you're looking for more recipes by calories, you'll find plenty of options grouped by calorie range here: Slimming Eats Low Calorie Recipes

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.

See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.

close up of Beef Chow Mein in a non stick frying pan with wooden tongs

Ingredients Notes

To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:

Egg Noodles: Classic egg noodles work perfectly in chow mein and soak up all the delicious sauce.
Bean Sprouts: Add freshness and that lovely slight crunch that makes a good chow mein so delicious. Blanching them briefly helps keep the perfect texture.
Steak: Thinly sliced flank steak works really well as it cooks quickly and stays tender. Sirloin or rump steak are also great choices.
Fresh Ginger: Adds loads of flavour and gives the dish that authentic takeaway style taste.
Low Calorie Spray: Used for stir frying everything quickly without needing lots of oil.
Onion: Adds sweetness and flavour as it softens in the wok.
Spring Onions: Add freshness and extra flavour throughout the dish.
Soy Sauce: Adds savoury flavour and helps season the noodles and beef.
Oyster Sauce: A must for proper chow mein flavour, adding richness and that classic takeaway style sauce.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a delicious nutty flavour and really finishes the dish perfectly.
Black Pepper: Adds a little warmth and extra seasoning.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

Variations and Substitutes

This beef chow mein is really easy to adapt depending on what proteins, vegetables or noodles you have on hand.

Swap the beef for chicken, pork or shrimp for a different version.
Use a mixture of beef and shrimp or chicken and shrimp for a mixed chow mein.
For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for tofu or extra vegetables and use a vegetarian oyster style sauce.
Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage or baby corn.
Rice noodles or gluten free noodles can be used if needed.
Tamari or coconut aminos work well instead of soy sauce for a gluten free option.
Add chilli flakes or fresh chilli if you like a little heat.
Hoisin sauce can be added for a slightly sweeter flavour.
Cashews or peanuts sprinkled over the top add a lovely crunch.
If you like extra sauce, simply add a little extra oyster sauce and soy sauce to taste.
Stir through some scrambled egg for extra protein

serving of Beef Chow Mein on a white plate with chopsticks, placed on a blue napkin, frying pan visible in background

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

Storing

Allow the chow mein to cool before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this chow mein, although the noodles and beansprouts may soften slightly once defrosted and reheated. Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a wok or frying pan over a medium heat until piping hot, tossing frequently. You can add a small splash of soy sauce if needed to refresh the noodles. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave until heated through.

More Chinese Fakeaway Inspired Recipes

Looking for some more Chinese inspired recipes? Check out these:

See more Chinese Recipes →

or if you would like more recipe ideas - head on over to the FULL RECIPE INDEX where you will find over 900 delicious recipes with calories and you can search by meal type, ingredients, course, diet and more.

All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.

close up of serving of Beef Chow Mein on a white plate with chopsticks, placed on a blue napkin

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Recipe Card

Yield: SERVES 4

Beef Chow Mein

Beef Chow Mein - a homemade version of the classic takeaway favourite with tender beef, noodles, crisp vegetables and a delicious savoury sauce.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

200g (7oz) of egg noodles
400g (14oz) of fresh bean sprouts, blanched in hot water for 2 mins
400g (14oz) of flank or steak of choice (sliced thinly)
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, sliced
low calorie spray
1 onion, roughly chopped
4 spring onions, sliced into strips
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
3 tablespoons of oyster sauce
2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil
black pepper

Instructions

Place noodles into a saucepan of boiling hot water, and simmer for 4 mins, drain, rinse with cold water, stir in the soy sauce to coat and set aside.
Heat a wok over a high heat and spray with low calorie spray add the ginger, once the flavour infuses the pan add the beef and stir fry till golden, remove and set aside.
Add the onion and fry for a couple of mins, then add in the noodles, spring onion and beansprouts, and fry or further couple of mins.
Add back in the beef, the oyster sauce and the sesame oil and mix all together in the wok, continuing to fry for a further 2 mins to combine.
Season with black pepper
Serve and enjoy

Notes

Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:

Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
❄️ Freezer Friendly - see storing, freezing and reheating section

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Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1 SERVING
Amount Per Serving Calories 411Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 110mgSodium 891mgCarbohydrates 47gFiber 4gSugar 19gProtein 31g

Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.