Chinese Beef Chow
A savory Chinese-inspired beef dish featuring ground meat, fresh vegetables, and soy sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt lightly the ground meat, as soy sauce is salty.
- In a large skillet, melt the margarine over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in the peeled and chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, and mushrooms.
- Add soy sauce to taste and cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Shred 1/2 head of lettuce and set aside.
- Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice and top with shredded lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding ginger or a splash of sesame oil. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to include snap peas or carrots. Make sure to adjust the soy sauce according to your taste, especially if you are using low-sodium soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef mixture over the cooked rice with the shredded lettuce on top for added crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with Chinese String Beans for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with a side of Chinese Oriental Pea Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals until heated through, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Beef Chow contains roughly 883 calories, with 59g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (328% of the Daily Value), protein (118% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2506mg per serving (109% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. The flavors can actually improve overnight, making it a great make-ahead option.
What kind of ground meat works best?
Ground beef is traditional, but you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork depending on your preference. Each option will give the dish a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or a meat alternative. Adjust the soy sauce and add more vegetables for texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).