Quick Beef Chow Mein (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 6 ounces fresh chow mein noodles
02 - 1/2 pound sirloin beef, thinly sliced against the grain
03 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (for marinating)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
05 - 1/2 medium shallot, thinly sliced
06 - 2 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
07 - 1/2 cup fresh green onions, chopped
08 - 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
09 - 1 cup carrots, julienned

→ Stir-Fry Sauce

10 - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
13 - 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
14 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

# Instructions:

01 - Combine the sliced beef with oyster sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix well to coat evenly and let it marinate while you prep everything else.
02 - Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the chow mein noodles following the package instructions. Usually takes just a few minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves completely. Keep this nearby for easy access during cooking.
04 - Have all your vegetables prepped and ready to go - this dish moves fast once you start cooking!
05 - Get your wok screaming hot over high heat. This is crucial for that perfect stir-fry flavor and texture.
06 - Add a splash of oil to the hot wok and immediately add the marinated beef. Let it sear undisturbed for 15-20 seconds until golden, then flip and cook another 30-60 seconds. Don't overcook - remove as soon as it's no longer pink.
07 - Toss the shallots, garlic, and green onions into the wok. Stir constantly until they become fragrant and start to soften.
08 - Add the cooked noodles and julienned carrots to the wok. Keep everything moving with your spatula for a couple minutes.
09 - Pour in your prepared sauce and toss everything together, making sure the noodles get nicely coated.
10 - Add the bean sprouts and give everything a good stir to distribute evenly.
11 - Return the seared beef to the wok and quickly toss to combine with the noodles and vegetables. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
12 - Transfer to serving plates right away while everything is still hot and crispy. Enjoy your homemade takeout!

# Notes:

01 - This authentic Chinese stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
02 - The key to great chow mein is keeping your wok extremely hot and moving quickly through each step
03 - Slicing the beef against the grain ensures tender, easy-to-chew pieces