Introduction

Beef Chow Fun (干炒牛河) is one of the popular Cantonese stir-fried noodles with wide rice noodles (ho fun), beef, and soy sauce. Due to regional differences in pronunciation, this dish is also referred to as ‘ho fun’ or ‘hor fun’. Furthermore, it is well-known for its wok hei, which refers to the charred and smoky flavor from high-temperature cooking.

Using simple ingredients and techniques, this easy beef chow fun recipe captures the authentic restaurant taste at home. This guide will enable you, whether a beginner in Chinese cooking or a seasoned stir fry lover, to master this classic takeout favorite in under 30 minutes!

What is Beef Chow Fun?

Origin & Cultural Significance

• A Cantonese staple, it comes from Guangdong, China.

• Prepared in a carbon steel wok over very high heat to maximize flavor.

• Commonly found in dim sum restaurants and Hong Kong style cafés.

Key Characteristics

✔ Dark soy and oyster sauce – Gives deep umami richness to the dish.

✔ Wok hei (breath of the wok) – The prominent characteristic of smoke aroma.

✔ Tender beef slices – Achieved by marinating for juiciness.

✔ Wide, flat rice noodles (ho fun) are chewy and have good flow absorption.

Chow Fun vs. Other Noodle Dishes

Dish	Noodle Type	Key Features
Beef Chow Fun	Wide rice noodles (ho fun)	Stir-fried with dark soy sauce, beef, and bean sprouts
Chow Mein	Egg noodles	Crispy or soft, often with mixed vegetables
Pad See Ew (Thai)	Wide rice noodles	Sweet-savory with soy sauce and Chinese broccoli

Why You’ll Love This Beef Chow Fun Recipe

✅ Authentic flavors – It tastes just like your favorite Chinese restaurant.
✅ Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Customizable – Swap proteins or veggies to your liking.
✅ Minimal ingredients – Most items are found at Asian grocery stores.

Ingredients for Authentic Beef Chow Fun

Main Ingredients

Noodles

• 1 lb fresh ho fun noodles (or dried rice noodles if fresh unavailable) – fresh for best texture.

Beef & Marinade

• 12 oz flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (optional)

Sauce

• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color & depth) – explain its importance.
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp white pepper

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 3 green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (julienned)

Optional Add-ins

• Chili oil (for spice)
• Bok choy or Chinese broccoli

Equipment Needed

✔ Carbon steel wok (best for high-heat stir-frying)
✔ Wooden spatula (prevents sticking)
✔ Large bowl (for soaking noodles)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1️⃣ . Prepare the Noodles

• If using fresh ho fun: Separate gently to avoid breaking.
• If using dried rice noodles: Soak in warm water for 20-30 mins until pliable.

2️⃣ . Marinate the Beef

• Mix beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and Shaoxing wine.
• Let sit 10-15 mins while prepping other ingredients.

3️⃣ . Mix the Sauce

• Combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.

4️⃣ . Stir-Fry in Batches (Key to Wok Hei!)

1. Heat wok until smoking hot, then add 1 tbsp oil.
2. Sear beef (1-2 mins), then remove.
3. Stir-fry garlic & ginger (30 secs).
4. Add noodles + sauce, tossing quickly.
5. Return beef + add bean sprouts & green onions.
6. Toss everything 1-2 mins until well-coated.

5️⃣ . Serve Immediately

• Garnish with extra green onions and chili oil if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Chow Fun

🔥 High heat is crucial – Prevents soggy noodles.
🍜 Don’t overcrowd the wok – Cook in batches if needed.
🥢 Use chopsticks + spatula – Helps separate noodles easily.
🔄 No fresh noodles? Dried work—just don’t overcook.

Recipe Variations

🌱 Vegetarian Chow Fun – Swap beef for tofu or mushrooms.
🍤 Seafood Version – Use shrimp or squid.
🌶 Spicy Beef Chow Fun – Add Sichuan peppercorns or chili paste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ What’s the difference between beef chow fun and ho fun?

They’re the same! “Ho fun” (河粉) refers to the wide rice noodles, while “chow fun” (炒粉) means stir-fried noodles.

❓ Can I use dried rice noodles?

Yes! Soak in warm water first (not boiling) to soften.

❓ How do I prevent sticky noodles?

• Don’t overcook.
• Toss constantly in the wok.

❓ What’s the best beef cut for chow fun?

Flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain).

Final Thoughts

This authentic beef chow fun recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. With chewy noodles, tender beef, and smoky wok hei, it’s a must-try for Chinese food lovers!

Give it a try and leave a review below!

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