Beef Chow Fun Recipe — Authentic Cantonese Stir-Fried Noodles

Beef Chow Fun Recipe – If you’ve ever visited a Cantonese restaurant or enjoyed dim sum, you’ve likely encountered Beef Chow Fun — a beloved stir-fried noodle dish known for its smoky aroma, silky noodles, and perfectly seared beef. The Beef Chow Fun Recipe is one of the cornerstones of Cantonese cuisine, featuring wide rice noodles (“ho fun”), marinated beef slices, bean sprouts, and scallions all tossed together in a flavorful soy-based sauce.

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Recipe Overview

1. Cuisine: Cantonese (Chinese)

2. Course: Main Course / Stir-Fry

3. Prep Time: 25 minutes

4. Active Cooking Time: 15 minutes

5. Resting Time: None

6. Total Time: 40 minutes

7. Servings: 4

8. Calories per Serving: Approximately 520 kcal

Equipment Needed

1. Wok or Large Skillet – for stir-frying at high heat

2. Mixing Bowls – for marinating beef and preparing sauce

3. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – for slicing beef and vegetables

4. Tongs or Spatula – for tossing ingredients

5. Measuring Spoons – to ensure accurate sauce ratios

6. Paper Towels – to blot excess oil if needed

 Ingredients

For the Beef and Marinade

1. 300 g (10 oz) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

2. 1 tablespoon soy sauce

3. 1 teaspoon oyster sauce

4. 1 teaspoon cornstarch

5. ½ teaspoon sugar

6. 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

7. 1 teaspoon sesame oil

8. A pinch of white pepper

For the Sauce

1. 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

2. 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

3. 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

4. 1 teaspoon sugar

5. 1 tablespoon water

For the Stir-Fry

1. 300 g (10 oz) fresh wide rice noodles (ho fun) – gently separated

2. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

3. 2 garlic cloves, minced

4. 1 medium onion, sliced

5. 1 cup bean sprouts

6. 3–4 scallions, cut into 2-inch sections

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and white pepper.

3. Add the beef slices and coat them evenly with the marinade.

4. Let the beef marinate for 15–20 minutes at room temperature.

(This step ensures juicy, flavorful beef that cooks quickly and evenly.)

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles and Sauce

1. If using fresh rice noodles, gently separate the strands.

2. If they are cold and clumped, microwave for 30 seconds to loosen.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water.

4. Set the sauce aside — you’ll add it during stir-frying.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until hot and shimmering.

2. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 30 seconds before stirring.

3. Stir-fry until the beef is 80% cooked (slightly pink inside).

4. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Vegetables

1. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok.

2. Add minced garlic and sliced onion; stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the rice noodles and spread them out to maximize surface contact.

4. Pour in the sauce mixture evenly over the noodles.

5. Toss gently to coat, letting the noodles absorb the sauce for 1–2 minutes.

6. Return the cooked beef to the wok, along with bean sprouts and scallions.

7. Stir-fry everything together for another 1–2 minutes until well mixed and slightly charred.

(Tip: Avoid constant stirring — let the noodles sit briefly to develop that signature smoky “wok hei.”)

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the Beef Chow Fun to a serving plate.

2. Garnish with extra scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

3. Serve hot as a standalone dish or alongside Chinese soups or dumplings

Tips for Success

1. Use a hot wok: The high heat creates the essential smoky wok hei flavor.

2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook beef in batches if needed to prevent steaming.

3. Fresh noodles are best: Fresh rice noodles give a better texture and flavor than dried ones.

4. Slice beef against the grain: This ensures tender and juicy bites

Final Thoughts

This Beef Chow Fun Recipe brings the taste of authentic Cantonese street food straight into your kitchen. With tender beef, silky noodles, crisp vegetables, and that irresistible wok hei aroma, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and satisfying.