Chow Mein Over Noodles
Satisfying Chow Mein with crispy noodles and tender beef, infused with ginger, soy, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 6 cups boiling water
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 lb Chinese egg noodles ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) package frozen pea pods, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice the sirloin steak across the grain into 1/4-inch strips.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water and soy sauce to make a marinade.
- Place noodles in boiling water; cover and let stand for 2 minutes or until softened, but not fully cooked.
- Drain noodles and rinse thoroughly with cold water, then pat dry.
- Heat vegetable oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet with sloping sides.
- Carefully place the noodles into the skillet and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Turn the noodles and fry until crisp, then drain and keep warm in a low oven.
- In the same skillet, cook the sliced beef until browned.
- Add sliced onion, sliced mushrooms, water chestnuts, grated ginger, chopped celery, and thawed pea pods.
- Stir-fry the mixture until vegetables are tender and beef is cooked through.
- Serve hot with crispy noodles on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the sirloin steak for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the sirloin with chicken or tofu for a different protein. If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the stir-fry. Make sure to drain the noodles well to prevent sogginess, and consider using a mix of vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy to enhance the dish's color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chow mein immediately for the best texture, placing the crispy noodles on top of the beef and vegetable mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a light salad. For an authentic touch, serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger. Explore more Chinese recipes to complement this dish for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chow mein in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking, and stir-fry until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chow Mein Over Noodles contains roughly 443 calories, with 11g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Yes, you can use rice noodles or even whole wheat noodles as a substitute for Chinese egg noodles. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose, as some may require different preparation methods.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of chow mein, replace the sirloin steak with tofu or tempeh, and ensure the soy sauce is plant-based. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to enhance the flavors and texture.
What can I do if my noodles stick together?
If your noodles stick, make sure to rinse them thoroughly under cold water after boiling. Toss them lightly in a little vegetable oil to keep them separated before frying. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying, as this can lead to sticking.
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).