| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 374 | 20g | 7g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 4g | 25g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Canadian Beef Chow Mein
Meet the charming delight of Beef Chow Mein, a Canadian recipe that I hold a soft spot for. Every simmering pot of this dish tells a beautiful flavor story of robust meat, crisp vegetables, and satisfying noodles all held together by a deeply savory sauce. It reminds me of late Friday night dinners when I was growing up; the theater of chopsticks, laughter, and steam that filled our busy household kitchen.
Cultural Fusion in a Bowl
As a California-based cook, I’ve always leaned towards promoting healthy recipes using fresh, locally-sourced produce. But the Beef Chow Mein, inspired by my interest in global cuisine, perfectly balances comfort with nourishment. The lean ground beef lends to its robustness, while the melange of onions, carrots, and celery bring a crisp freshness. The dish stays true to my West Coast health-conscious approach and yet, pays homage to my roots of cultivated American comfort food. It’s a fusion that my family, especially my adopted kids, have grown to love over time. If you’re interested in global fusion cuisines, the works of David Chang, the American restaurateur, author, and television personality, can be quite interesting.
A Dish of Harmony and Balance
But the Beef Chow Mein is more than just its ingredients. It’s about the balance of flavors – the umami from soy and oyster sauces blending with the subtle sweetness of sugar, against the background of a robust beef broth. This mixture is then slightly thickened with cornstarch bringing a layer of smooth silkiness to the dish. The balance it strikes is similar to classic Chinese stir-fry dishes like Kung Pao Chicken or Mongolian Beef. Beef Chow Mein could easily be the central dish of your meal and pair it with something lighter like an Avocado Grapefruit Salad.
Then there’s also the textural play – the chewiness of chow mein noodles meets the crunch of julienned carrots and sliced celery, with a hint of the slight crispness of green onions. It’s harmonious, much like the symphony of a well-orchestrated culinary ensemble.
Enjoy the process of making this wonderful recipe as much as you’ll delight in its flavors. In that pot of Beef Chow Mein, expect to find part of the culinary diversity and aroma of my kitchen, blending the holistic nature of West Coast health-consciousness and the comforting touches of classic American cuisine.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (5 ounces) chow mein noodles
- 3 green onions, sliced
Method
Step One
To begin cooking the Beef Chow Mein, first heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is heated, add the lean ground beef and brown it, breaking it up as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step Two
Next, add the chopped onions, julienned carrots, sliced celery ribs, and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue to cook these ingredients with the beef until the vegetables are tender.
Step Three
Once the vegetables are tender, add the can of reduced-sodium beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir everything together to make sure it’s well combined and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Once it’s well mixed, slowly add this slurry to the skillet while stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step Five
After the sauce has thickened, add the chow mein noodles and sliced green onions to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.
Step Six
After the noodles are heated, your Beef Chow Mein is ready to serve and enjoy!
