Beef Broccoli Chow Mein: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Beef Broccoli Chow Mein: craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further! Imagine tender strips of beef, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and perfectly stir-fried noodles, all coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

Chow mein, meaning “stir-fried noodles,” has a fascinating history, evolving from simple street food in China to a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine. It represents a fusion of cultures and flavors, adapting to local ingredients and tastes while retaining its essential character. The addition of beef and broccoli elevates this classic dish, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

What makes Beef Broccoli Chow Mein so irresistible? It’s the symphony of textures – the chewiness of the noodles, the tenderness of the beef, and the slight crunch of the broccoli. The sauce, a harmonious blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, ties everything together, creating a deeply flavorful and aromatic dish. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This one-pan wonder comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a culinary delight that will have you coming back for more!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chow Mein Noodles:
• 1 pound fresh chow mein noodles (or dried egg noodles)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Beef Marinade:
• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup water
• For the Chow Mein Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• For the Aromatics & Other Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Beef:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), sugar, ground ginger, and white pepper.
2. Mix well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Preparing the Broccoli:

1. Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure to remove any tough stems.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the broccoli florets to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to turn bright green.
5. Pour in 1/2 cup of water, cover the wok, and steam the broccoli for 3-5 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp. You want it to still have a bit of bite to it.
6. Remove the broccoli from the wok and set aside.

Preparing the Chow Mein Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and chicken broth until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This is important to prevent lumps in your sauce.
2. Set the sauce aside.

Cooking the Chow Mein Noodles:

1. If using fresh chow mein noodles, they are usually pre-cooked. However, if they are clumped together, you can briefly blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to separate them. Drain well.
2. If using dried egg noodles, cook them according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. Toss the cooked noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.

Stir-Frying the Beef and Aromatics:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the same wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the wok, as this will lower the temperature and steam the beef instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
3. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until softened.

Assembling the Beef Broccoli Chow Mein:

1. Add the cooked broccoli and beef back to the wok with the onions, garlic, and ginger.
2. Pour the prepared chow mein sauce over the beef and broccoli.
3. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
4. Add the cooked chow mein noodles to the wok.
5. Toss everything together well, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and mixed with the beef and broccoli.
6. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through.

Serving:

1. Transfer the Beef Broccoli Chow Mein to a serving platter or individual bowls.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if desired).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot.

Tips for the Best Beef Broccoli Chow Mein:

• Slice the Beef Thinly: Slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain is crucial for tender beef. This makes it easier to chew and allows the marinade to penetrate more effectively.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want the broccoli to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Steaming it briefly helps retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that characteristic wok hei flavor. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the ingredients.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and steam the ingredients instead of searing them. Cook the beef in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, or brown sugar in the sauce to suit your preferences. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Fresh Noodles are Best: While dried egg noodles can be used, fresh chow mein noodles will give you the best texture and flavor.
• Marinate the Beef: Don’t skip the marinating step! It’s essential for tenderizing the beef and infusing it with flavor.
• Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Stir-frying is a quick cooking method, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes slicing the beef, chopping the vegetables, and mixing the sauce.

Variations:

• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Beef Broccoli Chow Mein, such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.
• Use Different Protein: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can substitute it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the beef and oyster sauce and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version. You can also add extra tofu or mushrooms for protein.
• Add a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use Different Noodles: While chow mein noodles are traditional, you can also use other types of noodles, such as lo mein noodles or udon noodles.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Store leftover Beef Broccoli Chow Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chow mein in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the noodles may become a bit softer.

Conclusion:

This Beef Broccoli Chow Mein isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The tender beef, perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, and those satisfyingly chewy noodles, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers restaurant-quality deliciousness without the hefty price tag or the need to leave your cozy kitchen. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even shredded carrots would be fantastic additions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat. For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture before stir-frying. And for those who prefer a lighter meal, you can use whole wheat noodles or even zucchini noodles instead of traditional chow mein noodles.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! I personally love to serve this Beef Broccoli Chow Mein with a side of steamed rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few chopped scallions add a touch of elegance and freshness. For a more substantial meal, you could add a side of egg rolls or spring rolls. And if you’re feeling really fancy, a small bowl of hot and sour soup would be the perfect complement.

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making your own chow mein. This recipe is designed to be foolproof, even for beginner cooks. I’ve included detailed instructions and helpful tips to guide you through every step of the process. And trust me, the end result is well worth the effort. The aroma alone will have your family gathering around the table, eager to dig in.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I’m practically begging you to try it! Seriously, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. And once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? Did you add any secret ingredients? What did your family think?

Please, please, please share your photos and feedback in the comments below. Your insights are invaluable, and they help me to improve my recipes and create even more delicious dishes for you to enjoy. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’re putting their own spin on my creations. So don’t be shy, let me know what you think! I can’t wait to hear from you and see your amazing Beef Broccoli Chow Mein creations! Happy cooking!