Delicious Beef Chow Fun Recipe: Easy Homemade Dish

Delicious Beef Chow Fun Recipe

As a busy mom, I’m always searching for quick, tasty meals that bring everyone together. That’s how I discovered beef chow fun, a classic Cantonese dish. It’s a mix of tender beef, chewy noodles, and fresh veggies in a rich sauce. It’s a true taste of home.

In this article, I’ll share my favorite recipe for authentic beef chow fun. You’ll get step-by-step instructions and expert tips. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to the kitchen, you can make this dish easily. Get ready to wow your family with a taste of China’s rich culinary traditions.

What is Beef Chow Fun?

Beef chow fun, also known as beef ho fun, is a favorite Cantonese dish. It features wide, flat rice noodles, sliced beef, and fresh veggies. The name “fun” comes from the noodles’ wide, flat shape.

In North America, it’s often called beef chow fun. But in Hong Kong, China, and the Philippines, it’s known as beef ho fun. Both names refer to the same tasty dish.

Difference Between Beef Chow Fun and Beef Ho Fun

The main difference is in the noodles. Beef chow fun uses wider noodles, while beef ho fun has thicker, narrower ones. But the cooking method, flavors, and main ingredients are the same in both Cantonese noodle dishes.

Both dishes are loved for their tender beef, fresh veggies, and savory sauces. They’re served with the unique chewy rice noodles. This makes them stand out in Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients for Authentic Beef Chow Fun

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Beef chow fun is a classic Cantonese dish known for its key ingredients. These ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dish’s foundation is the wide rice noodles, which set it apart from other stir-fry noodle dishes.

The protein is usually thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin. It’s marinated to make it tender. The marinade includes soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and baking soda.

Other important ingredients are bean sprouts, green onions, garlic, and onion. They add freshness, crunch, and depth of flavor. The sauce is made from light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of sugar.

If you have dietary restrictions, there are substitutions. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce. Dry sherry can be used instead of Shaoxing wine.

Ingredient	Substitution
Flank steak or sirloin	Any thinly sliced beef cut
Soy sauce	Tamari (for gluten-free)
Shaoxing wine	Dry sherry
Bean sprouts	Sprouts or leafy greens

With the right ingredients and preparation, you can make authentic beef chow fun at home.

Preparing the Beef

To make a delicious beef chow fun, you need to prepare the beef right. Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This makes the meat tender. Use 8 oz of flank steak for this dish.

Then, marinate the sliced beef for about 30 minutes. Use 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine. This marinade tenderizes the beef and adds flavor.

Ingredient	Amount
Flank Steak	8 oz
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce	1 tbsp
Cornstarch	1 tsp
Baking Soda	1/2 tsp
Shaoxing Wine	1 tbsp

By slicing the beef thinly and marinating it, you ensure it’s tender and flavorful. This makes a great base for your beef chow fun.

Choosing and Preparing the Rice Noodles

The key to a great Beef Chow Fun dish is the right rice noodles. Traditionally, it uses wide, flat rice noodles called ho fun or hor fun. You can find these noodles fresh or dried at Asian grocery stores.

Fresh rice noodles just need a quick soak in hot water. But dried rice noodles need to soak for 10-15 minutes. They should be soft but still a bit firm.

To prepare dried noodles, soak them in hot water in a bowl. Let them soak for the recommended time, then drain and rinse well. This step helps prevent the noodles from sticking together when stir-frying.

Noodle Type	Preparation
Fresh Rice Noodles	Soak in hot water for a brief period until softened
Dried Rice Noodles	Soak in hot water for 10-15 minutes until pliable but still firm

Learning how to rehydrate wide rice noodles, fresh rice noodles, or dried rice noodles is crucial. It helps you make a delicious Beef Chow Fun dish with the right texture and flavor.

Beef Chow Fun Recipe

Get ready to enjoy the real taste of Cantonese food with this beef chow fun recipe. It’s a homemade dish that combines tender beef, chewy noodles, and crunchy veggies.It’s a dish that is both delicious and satisfying.

To start, marinate the beef. Mix 250g of sirloin steak with 3 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of Shaoxing rice wine, and 2 teaspoons of cornflour. Let it marinate for about an hour. This step adds amazing flavors to the beef.

Then, cook the rice noodles. Use 100g of noodles and follow the package instructions. They should be tender but still a bit chewy. After cooking, drain and set them aside.

1. In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until the beef is seared and slightly cooked.
2. Toss in the cooked rice noodles, a small thumb-sized piece of grated ginger, 4 sliced spring onions, and 100g of bean sprouts. Stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
3. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce and continue to stir-fry for another 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve this authentic Chinese beef chow fun recipe hot. Enjoy the perfect mix of textures and tastes. The tender beef, chewy noodles, and crunchy veggies make for a great homemade beef chow fun experience.

Cooking Process

Step-by-Step Instructions

Learning to make beef chow fun is about mastering stir-frying techniques and using a 1wok. Here’s how to make a tasty beef chow fun dish step by step.

1. Begin by searing the marinated beef slices. Preheat a wok or large skillet over high heat.. Cook the beef quickly to get a nice crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
2. After searing the beef, take it out and set it aside. In the same wok, add oil and stir-fry garlic and ginger until they smell great.
3. Next, add the blanched rice noodles and stir-fry sauce to the wok. Mix well, making sure the noodles are coated and warm.
4. Put the seared beef back in the wok. Stir-fry everything together, letting the flavors mix. Add bean sprouts and scallions at the end for a quick toss.
5. Finish by drizzling sesame oil over the dish and stirring once more. Serve hot, topped with extra scallions if you like.

The secret to great beef chow fun is in the stir-frying techniques and the wok‘s high heat. Follow these steps to make a delicious beef chow fun at home.

“The key to a perfect beef chow fun lies in the technique used with the wok.” Sear the beef, stir-fry the aromatics, and toss everything together for a perfectly balanced dish.”

Expert Tips for Authentic Flavor

To make your homemade beef chow fun taste like it’s from a restaurant, follow some expert advice. First, tenderize the beef well. Cut the flank steak into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. Then, marinate them in a mix of cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, baking soda, and white pepper for 15 minutes. This makes the meat tender and flavorful.

When cooking in a wok, the right amount of oil is important. Use 4 tablespoons of a neutral oil like avocado, sunflower, or peanut oil. Don’t overcrowd the wok, as it can steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if you need to, so the beef can brown evenly.

The key to the “wok hei” or “wok breath” flavor is high-heat searing. Keep the wok or skillet very hot. Let the beef and noodles char a bit. This caramelization adds the smoky, complex flavors that make beef chow fun special.

Tip	Why It Matters
Tenderize the beef	Ensures a tender, flavorful texture
Use the right amount of oil	Prevents steaming and promotes searing
Achieve “wok hei”	Imparts the signature smoky, caramelized flavor

By using these expert tips, you can make a delicious, restaurant-quality beef chow fun at home. Enjoy the tasty results and the praise from your loved ones.

Variations and Substitutions

The classic beef chow fun recipe is tasty, but you can make it your own. Try these variations and substitutions to give it a unique twist.

Veggie-Packed Variations

Add more flavor and nutrients to your beef chow fun with extra veggies. Here are some great choices:

• Tender Chinese broccoli or bok choy for a pop of color and crunch
• Sliced shiitake mushrooms for an earthy, umami boost
• Fragrant garlic chives or green onions for a touch of allium flavor

Gluten-Free Adaptations

Want a gluten-free beef chow fun? Just make a few easy swaps:

1. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce
2. Opt for dry sherry in place of Shaoxing wine
3. Select gluten-free rice noodles as the base

For a great beef chow fun dish, balance flavors and textures well. Try different ingredients to create your favorite version of this classic Chinese stir-fry.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Beef chow fun tastes best when it’s hot and fresh. Add some chopped green onions or sesame oil on top for extra flavor and look. This makes the dish even more enjoyable.

Beef chow fun goes well with many foods and drinks. Try it with steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or bok choy. These add a nice crunch. Also, a side of white rice can balance the dish’s richness.

For a drink, a cold beer or jasmine tea is perfect. They refresh your palate and match the dish’s bold tastes.

Serving Suggestions	Pairing Recommendations
Garnish with chopped green onions Drizzle with sesame oil	Steamed or roasted vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bok choy) Warm, fluffy white rice Crisp, cold beer Fragrant jasmine tea

To fully enjoy beef chow fun, eat it right after cooking. This way, you get the best texture and taste. With the right sides and drinks, it’s a hit with family and friends.

Nutritional Information

If you care about what you eat, the beef chow fun recipe is a great choice. It has a good 2mix of nutrients and vitamins. Let’s look at the beef chow fun nutrition details:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	663	–
Macronutrients
Carbohydrates	72g	44%
Protein	39g	24%
Fat	23g	32%
Micronutrients
Fiber	4g	16%
Potassium	1078mg	23%
Calcium	123mg	12%
Iron	6mg	80%

The beef chow fun nutrition profile is impressive. It’s packed with protein, carbs, and important vitamins and minerals. This makes it a perfect choice for a macronutrient-rich meal. It fits well into a healthy, dietary considerations-friendly lifestyle.

Beef lovers and those looking to try new dishes will love beef chow fun. It’s not only tasty but also nutritious. Enjoy the flavors of beef chow fun, knowing it’s good for you, for a satisfying meal.

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Conclusion

Making homemade beef chow fun is a fun way to enjoy Chinese flavors at home. This recipe combines tender beef, chewy noodles, and a tasty sauce. It feels like a trip to Cantonese streets.

Just follow the easy steps and use our expert tips to make this dish. The quick wok cooking and rich soy and oyster sauces make it a cozy meal for any night.

Start your journey into Chinese cooking with our recipes. Try the Propitious Mango Ice Cream or Watermelon Mung Bean Jelly Noodles. Enjoy the homemade beef chow fun as a tasty part of your cooking collection.

FAQ

What is the difference between beef chow fun and beef ho fun?

Beef chow fun and beef ho fun are the same dish. They use wide, flat rice noodles, sliced beef, and vegetables. “Beef chow fun” is common in North America. “Beef ho fun” is more used in Hong Kong, China, and the Philippines.

What are the key ingredients for making authentic beef chow fun?

To make beef chow fun, you need wide rice noodles, sliced beef, and soy sauce. You also need Shaoxing cooking wine, bean sprouts, and green onions. The beef is marinated in a mix of baking soda, cornstarch, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine.

How do you prepare the beef for beef chow fun?

Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. A 20-minute marinade in baking soda, cornstarch, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine makes it tender and flavorful.

What type of rice noodles are used for beef chow fun?

Wide, flat rice noodles, or “ho fun,” are used. You can find them fresh or dried at Asian stores. Fresh noodles need a quick soak, while dried ones need 10-15 minutes to soften.

What are some tips for cooking authentic beef chow fun?

To make great beef chow fun, tenderize the beef well and use the right oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan and choose the right noodles. Achieving “wok hei” flavor is key.

Can I make substitutions or variations to the beef chow fun recipe?

Yes, you can substitute different vegetables and make it gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and dry sherry for Shaoxing wine.

How should I serve beef chow fun?

Serve beef chow fun hot for the best flavor. Garnish with green onions or sesame oil. It goes well with many dishes and drinks.

What is the nutritional information for beef chow fun?

A serving of beef chow fun has calories, protein, carbs, and fat. It can be made gluten-free with the right substitutions.