Beef Chow Fun is a classic Cantonese stir-fried rice noodle dish that’s savory, smoky, and deeply satisfying. If you’ve ever struggled with mushy noodles or bland beef at home, this step-by-step guide will help you master takeout-quality results. With marinated flank steak, chewy hor fun noodles, and a balanced savory sauce, this homemade version will beat your favorite takeout every time.
Beef Chow Fun Recipe
Serving: 2 to 4
Prep time: 25 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
For the beef and marinade:
1 pound beef flank, thinly sliced against the grain
Pinch of salt
Pinch of white pepper
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
1 egg white
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon oil
For the sauce:
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
4 tablespoons water
Pinch of white pepper
For the noodles:
1 package hor fun noodles
5 tablespoons oil, separated
1 medium onion, sliced
3 stalks scallions, sliced
1 cup mung bean sprouts
Beef Chow Fun Instructions
1. Marinate the beef:
- In a mixing bowl, add the sliced beef flank and season with salt. Mix until the beef has fully absorbed the salt.
- Add white pepper, Shaoxing wine, egg white, cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water), and oil. Combine thoroughly.
- Marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the hor fun noodles:
- Store-bought hor fun noodles are usually firm. Microwave them for 3 minutes to soften.
- Cut the noodles into 1-inch-wide pieces and gently separate them.
3. Make the sauce:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, and white pepper until combined. Set aside.
4. Stir-fry:
- In a wok over high heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Stir-fry the marinated beef for about 3 minutes until browned. Remove.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil and stir-fry the onion until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Remove.
- Add another tablespoon of oil and the hor fun noodles. Gently stir with chopsticks or tongs for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return the beef and onions to the wok. Add the sauce and mix everything gently with chopsticks.
- Add the bean sprouts and scallions last. Toss to combine and serve hot.
Tips & notes
- Choose the right noodles: Look for hor fun noodles that include starch in the ingredients—this helps them stay intact during stir-frying.
- Maximize wok hei: Keep your wok on the highest heat setting throughout for that signature smoky flavor.
- Use chopsticks or tongs: Avoid spatulas when stir-frying the noodles—this helps prevent them from tearing or clumping.
4 thoughts on “Beef Chow Fun Recipe: Better Than Takeout!”
Do the ho fun noodles come as one block? Unsliced? Where can we get that brand?
Hi Alice,
Yep! The one I got comes in as a block, and we can cut it at home. It’s available in most Chinese supermarkets. You could also get the dried rice noodles, boil them until softened, and then stir fry them. These are also available on Amazon. Happy cooking!
i left hk 2005,now i am in my senior years,,Seeing your different recipes daily,makes me feel young and joyful,,feeling as if once again i am in hk cooking for my bosses,i love all your recipes,all the way you neatly demonstrate every steps,up to the end,,,l love rice rolls
Hi Jenelita, Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly warms my heart to know that my recipes bring back wonderful memories. Cooking has a special way of connecting us to the past, and I’m so happy that my demonstrations make you feel joyful again. Wishing you many more happy cooking moments!