This Beef and Bok Choy Chow Mein is a quick, flavor-packed stir-fry that brings takeout vibes straight to your kitchen. Tender strips of marinated beef, crisp bok choy, and bouncy chow mein noodles are tossed together in a savory sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
- 4 cups bok choy, chopped (leaves and tender stems)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional soy sauce, to taste (optional)
Instructions

- Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Toss until the beef is evenly coated and let marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, or until browned and just cooked through. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the chopped bok choy, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the bok choy stems are just turning tender.
- Return the cooked beef (and any juices) to the skillet. Add the cooked chow mein noodles. Toss everything together with tongs or chopsticks, stir-frying for another 2–3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and coated in the pan juices.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of extra soy sauce if desired. Stir in the chopped green onions, remove from heat, and serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions if you like.
Variation
- Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken thighs or shrimp, adjusting cook time so the protein just cooks through.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the beef and adding extra veggies like snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli, plus a few cubes of tofu.
- For a spicier chow mein, add 1–2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a drizzle of sriracha when you toss everything together.
Cooking Notes
- Use high heat for stir-frying so the beef sears quickly and the veggies stay crisp-tender instead of steaming.
- If your noodles clump after cooking, toss them with a teaspoon of oil to separate before adding to the wok.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef if needed, brown it in two batches for better color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed edamame or dumplings for a takeout-style meal at home.
- Add a simple cucumber salad or Asian-style slaw to bring freshness and crunch to the plate.
- Top bowls with toasted sesame seeds, chili oil, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor and contrast.
Tips
- Partially freeze the beef for 20–30 minutes before slicing; it makes it much easier to cut into thin, even strips.
- Prep and measure all ingredients before heating the pan so you can stir-fry quickly without overcooking anything.
- Use a neutral, high-heat oil (like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) to prevent burning and keep flavors clean.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can use lo mein, spaghetti, or other wheat noodles just cook until al dente and don’t overcook so they hold up in the stir-fry. - How do I keep the beef tender?
Slice it thinly against the grain, marinate with soy, oyster sauce, and cornstarch, and cook it quickly over high heat without overcooking. - Can this be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative, and swap the chow mein noodles for gluten-free rice noodles or another GF pasta. - Can I make this ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the veggies and slice/marinate the beef ahead. Leftovers reheat well in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Conclusion
Beef and Bok Choy Chow Mein is a fast, satisfying way to bring bold, takeout-style flavor to your table with fresh ingredients. Tender marinated beef, crunchy vegetables, and chewy noodles all come together in one pan in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy, weeknight-friendly dish that’s sure to become part of your regular rotation.
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Beef and Bok Choy Chow Mein
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
This Beef and Bok Choy Chow Mein is a quick, flavor-packed stir-fry that brings takeout vibes straight to your kitchen. Tender strips of marinated beef, crisp bok choy, and bouncy chow mein noodles are tossed together in a savory sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz chow mein noodles
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
- 4 cups bok choy, chopped (leaves and tender stems)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional soy sauce, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Toss until the beef is evenly coated and let marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, or until browned and just cooked through. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the chopped bok choy, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the bok choy stems are just turning tender.
- Return the cooked beef (and any juices) to the skillet. Add the cooked chow mein noodles. Toss everything together with tongs or chopsticks, stir-frying for another 2–3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and coated in the pan juices.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of extra soy sauce if desired. Stir in the chopped green onions, remove from heat, and serve immediately, garnished with additional green onions if you like.
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain so it stays tender and cooks quickly.
- Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking; stir-fries move fast once the pan is hot.
- Adjust the soy sauce and oyster sauce to taste, especially if you’re using low-sodium or regular versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 950 mg (approx.)
- Fat: 18 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 4 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 4 g (approx.)
- Protein: 26 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 70 mg (approx.)
Keywords: beef and bok choy chow mein, stir-fried noodles, beef chow mein, easy weeknight stir-fry, bok choy noodles