Dinner

Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe

ByCleo Brixton November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

Introduction

This healthy beef chow mein is a quick and satisfying stir-fry packed with tender lean steak, fresh vegetables, and wholemeal noodles. It’s a nutritious twist on a classic takeout favorite, bursting with flavor thanks to ginger, garlic, and tamari sauce.

Two white bowls filled with stir-fried noodles, slices of grilled mushrooms, pieces of cooked meat, and green onion chunks. The noodles are golden-brown and mixed with the dark brown grilled mushrooms and meat, creating a textured, savory look. Bright green spring onion pieces are scattered on top, adding a fresh color contrast. One bowl rests on a purple cloth napkin, and both sit on a white marbled surface next to glasses filled with water and lemon slices. A folded pink cloth napkin is placed between the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g)
2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil
200g lean fillet steak, fat removed and cut into strips
1 small red onion (100g), finely chopped
15g piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
160g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
160g ready-to-eat beansprouts
1½ tsp tamari
1 tbsp brown rice vinegar
4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the noodles according to the pack instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat half the oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry the beef strips for about 30 seconds until browned. Remove from the wok and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Add the remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry the red onion and ginger until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add a drop of water and cover the wok if needed to prevent burning.
Step 4: Stir in the mushrooms and garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.
Step 5: Add the beansprouts and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
Step 7: Add the drained noodles to the wok and toss well to combine. Pour in the tamari mixture, add the spring onions and beef, then stir-fry for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 8: Season with plenty of black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add shredded carrots or bell peppers during the stir-fry stage.
Use tamari or soy sauce based on your preference or dietary needs.
Use sesame oil instead of rapeseed oil for a nuttier flavor.
Swap lean fillet steak for chicken breast or tofu for a different protein option.

Storage

Store any leftover chow mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a wok or microwave until piping hot, adding a splash of water if it seems dry to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with stir-fried noodles form the main focus, each dish containing several layers: the bottom layer is light brown cooked noodles, followed by dark brown, slightly charred slices of beef, interspersed with dark brown sautéed mushrooms. Scattered on top are bright green chunks of spring onion and thin, light beige bean sprouts adding texture and fresh color. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface with a light pink cloth napkin above the top bowl and a light purple cloth napkin below the bottom bowl. Two clear glasses of water with lime wedges rest beside the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular noodles instead of wholemeal?

Yes, you can substitute regular egg noodles or any other type of stir-fry noodles if preferred. Wholemeal noodles add extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.