Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe
Introduction
This healthy beef chow mein is a vibrant and satisfying dish packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables. Quick to prepare, it combines wholemeal noodles with tender steak and a flavorful mix of garlic, ginger, and tamari. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

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 package 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 chopped onion and ginger until softened, adding a drop of water and covering the wok if needed, for 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Stir in the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.
- Step 5: Add the beansprouts and cook for another 1-2 minutes until piping hot.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Step 7: Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss well. Pour in the tamari mixture, spring onions, and the cooked beef. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until heated through.
- Step 8: 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.
- Swap fillet steak for lean chicken breast or tofu for a different protein.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- If tamari isn’t available, use soy sauce, but reduce added salt elsewhere to balance flavors.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a wok or microwave until steaming hot. Avoid reheating more than once to keep the beef tender and prevent overcooking the vegetables.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular noodles instead of wholemeal?
Yes, regular egg or rice noodles will work fine, though wholemeal noodles add extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and chop the vegetables in advance, but it’s best to cook and combine everything just before serving to keep the noodles and vegetables fresh.
Print
Healthy Beef Chow Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A wholesome and flavorful healthy beef chow mein made with wholemeal noodles, lean fillet steak, and an array of fresh vegetables, all quickly stir-fried with a light tamari and brown rice vinegar sauce for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 2 wholemeal noodle nests (85g)
Protein and Vegetables
- 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
- 4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths
Oils and Sauces
- 2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil
- 1½ tsp tamari
- 1 tbsp brown rice vinegar
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the wholemeal noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Stir-fry Beef: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a wok over high heat. Add the lean fillet steak strips and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until browned on the outside but not overcooked. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to the wok. Stir-fry the finely chopped red onion and ginger until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add a small splash of water if needed to prevent burning, then cover the wok and cook gently.
- Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the sliced chestnut mushrooms and chopped garlic, frying until the mushrooms begin to soften and release moisture, around 3 minutes.
- Cook Beansprouts: Add the ready-to-eat beansprouts to the wok and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine tamari, brown rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water, mixing well to create a light sauce.
- Combine and Stir-fry: Add the drained noodles back into the wok, tossing them well with the vegetables. Pour in the tamari mixture, then return the cooked beef and add the spring onions. Continue stir-frying for a few minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Season and Serve: Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Serve the healthy beef chow mein hot for a delicious, nutritious meal.
Notes
- Use wholemeal noodles for added fiber and a healthier twist.
- Rapeseed or sesame oil can be used depending on flavor preference; sesame oil adds a nutty aroma.
- Adjust the amount of tamari for a lower sodium option if desired.
- Adding a splash of water during frying helps prevent burning without adding oil.
- Lean fillet steak keeps the dish low in fat while maintaining tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: beef chow mein, healthy chow mein, wholemeal noodles, lean beef stir-fry, quick Chinese recipe, low fat dinner

