Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe
Introduction
This healthy beef chow mein is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean steak, fresh vegetables, and wholemeal noodles, it’s a satisfying and nutritious dish that everyone will enjoy.

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 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 chopped onion and ginger until softened, adding a drop of water if needed to prevent burning. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the mushrooms and garlic, cooking until they begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the beansprouts and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Step 6: Add the drained noodles back into the wok and toss well. Pour in the tamari mixture, then add the spring onions and cooked beef. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until heated through.
- Step 7: Season with plenty of black pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use sesame oil for a nuttier flavor or rapeseed oil for a milder taste.
- Substitute tamari with soy sauce if tamari is unavailable, but reduce added salt as soy sauce is saltier.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or seasoning.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a wok or microwave until piping hot. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep noodles from becoming mushy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other noodles like egg noodles, rice noodles, or soba. Just cook them according to the package instructions before adding to the stir-fry.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes, a sliced fresh chili, or a dash of chili oil while stir-frying the vegetables to give the chow mein a spicy kick.
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Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Beef Chow Mein is a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic Chinese stir-fry, featuring wholemeal noodles, lean beef fillet, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful tamari and rice vinegar sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g)
Protein and Oil
- 2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil
- 200g lean fillet steak, fat removed and cut into strips
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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
- 4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths
Sauce
- 1½ tsp tamari
- 1 tbsp brown rice vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the wholemeal noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Stir-fry the beef: Heat half of the oil in a wok over high heat. Add the beef strips and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until browned but still tender. Remove from the wok and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the onions and ginger: Add the remaining oil to the wok and stir-fry the finely chopped red onion and ginger until softened. If the mixture starts to stick or burn, add a drop of water and cover to steam for 2-3 minutes to soften further.
- Add mushrooms and garlic: Stir in the chestnut mushrooms and chopped garlic, cooking for approximately 3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.
- Finish vegetables: Add the ready-to-eat beansprouts and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are piping hot but still crisp.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water to create the sauce.
- Combine and stir-fry: Add the drained noodles back into the wok and toss to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the tamari sauce mixture, add the spring onions and cooked beef strips, and stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Season and serve: Season the chow mein with plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately for a hot, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use lean fillet steak for the healthiest protein choice with low fat content.
- Wholemeal noodles provide added fiber compared to traditional white noodles.
- If you prefer a lower sodium option, reduce or omit the tamari and substitute with a low-sodium soy sauce alternative.
- You can swap rapeseed oil for sesame oil to add a nuttier flavor to the dish.
- Ensure the wok or pan is very hot before stir-frying to achieve a quick sear and maintain the tenderness of the beef.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chili if you like a bit of heat in your chow mein.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add extra mushrooms or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: healthy beef chow mein, wholemeal noodles, stir-fry recipe, low fat dinner, quick Asian meal

