Beef Chow Fun Recipe: A Classic Cantonese Delight
Beef Chow Fun is a popular Cantonese dish known for its savory flavors, tender beef, and chewy rice noodles. Whether you’re looking to recreate the dish from your favorite Chinese restaurant or simply trying a new recipe at home, this guide will take you through all the essential steps. Packed with authentic flavors and textures, beef chow fun is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
What Is Beef Chow Fun?
Beef chow fun, or gon chow ngau ho, is a stir-fried dish featuring wide rice noodles, marinated beef slices, bean sprouts, and scallions. It’s a beloved dish in Cantonese cuisine that pairs well with a simple soy-based sauce for an umami-rich taste. Achieving the perfect wok hei (the charred, smoky flavor) is key to making a truly authentic beef chow fun.
Ingredients for Beef Chow Fun
To make a delicious beef chow fun, you need a balance of fresh ingredients and a few key seasonings. Below is a table detailing the main ingredients needed:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wide rice noodles | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Beef (flank steak) | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Bean sprouts | 1 cup |
| Scallions | 4, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Soy sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Dark soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Shaoxing wine (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Beef Marinade
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tsp |
| Shaoxing wine | 1 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
| Sugar | 1/2 tsp |
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Beef Chow Fun
1. Preparing the Beef
- Slice the beef: Cut the flank steak into thin slices against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Marinate: In a bowl, mix the beef slices with soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and sugar. Let the beef marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepping the Noodles
- Soften the noodles: If using fresh rice noodles, gently separate them. If using dried rice noodles, cook them according to the package instructions and drain well.
- Avoid overcooking: Ensure that the noodles are still firm after cooking to prevent them from breaking during the stir-fry.
3. Cooking the Beef
- Heat the wok: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a hot wok or large skillet.
- Sear the beef: Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until it is browned but not fully cooked. Remove from the wok and set aside.
4. Stir-Frying the Noodles
- Add more oil: Heat the remaining oil in the wok and add the garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add noodles: Place the noodles in the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they pick up a slight char for that desired wok hei.
- Season: Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix until the noodles are evenly coated.
5. Combining Ingredients
- Add the beef and veggies: Return the beef to the wok and add the bean sprouts and scallions. Stir-fry everything for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt or pepper if needed.
6. Serve
- Transfer the beef chow fun to a large serving platter and enjoy while hot.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Chow Fun
- Use high heat: The key to achieving wok hei is cooking on high heat.
- Avoid overcrowding: Stir-fry in small batches if needed to prevent steaming the ingredients.
- Use fresh rice noodles: If possible, fresh noodles give the dish a better texture than dried ones.
- Marinate for maximum flavor: Letting the beef marinate for a sufficient amount of time helps infuse it with deeper flavors.
Common Variations
- Spicy Beef Chow Fun: Add sliced chili peppers or chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Chow Fun: Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Seafood Chow Fun: Substitute the beef with shrimp or a combination of seafood for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 960 mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQs About Beef Chow Fun Recipe
Q1: What kind of noodles are best for beef chow fun?
Wide rice noodles (ho fun) are traditionally used for this dish. They provide the chewy texture and can be found at most Asian grocery stores.
Q2: Can I use another type of beef for the recipe?
Yes, flank steak is ideal, but you can also use skirt steak or sirloin as a substitute. Just make sure to cut the beef against the grain for tenderness.
Q3: How do I achieve the smoky wok hei at home?
Use a high-powered burner or cook in small batches in a very hot wok. The high heat helps create that charred flavor.
Q4: What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry or a small amount of white wine can be used as a substitute for Shaoxing wine.
Q5: Is dark soy sauce necessary?
Dark soy sauce adds color and a richer flavor. If unavailable, you can use extra regular soy sauce, but the dish may not have the same depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Beef chow fun is a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish that you can easily recreate at home with the right techniques and ingredients. By following this detailed recipe, you can master the flavors and textures of this Cantonese classic. With tips on achieving wok hei and variations to personalize the dish, you’ll be serving up a delicious beef chow fun in no time. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of Asian cuisine.