Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein Recipe

Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying stir-fry dish that brings together tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and springy noodles tossed in a rich soy-based sauce. It offers a wonderful mix of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors with a light smoky hint from high-heat cooking.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or any moment when you want something fast and full of flavor. With simple ingredients, a short cooking time, and minimal preparation, it delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. Thanks to the stir-frying method, the dish remains fresh, vibrant, and packed with texture.

What Is Mary Berry’s Beef Chow Mein?

Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein is a British-inspired version of the classic Chinese stir-fry, featuring thin beef slices cooked with vegetables, egg noodles, soy sauce, and aromatic seasonings. It’s known for its simplicity, balanced flavor, and reliable results that suit all skill levels in the kitchen.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Gingerbread House
• Mary Berry Shortcrust Pastry
• Mary Berry Celeriac Soup
• Mary Berry Chicken Liver Pâté

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Quick to prepare – The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Full of flavor – You get a well-balanced mix of savory soy, garlic warmth, and tender beef richness.
• Uses simple ingredients – Everything needed is easy to find in most supermarkets.
• Versatile for adjustments – You can tweak vegetables, beef cuts, or sauce strength to your liking.
• Family-friendly – The flavors are mild enough for kids but still satisfying for adults.
• Ideal for meal prep – Leftovers reheat well and stay delicious for days.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein

Here are the fresh and pantry ingredients that give this dish its bold yet balanced flavor:

• 300g beef steak strips (sirloin or rump, thinly sliced)
• 200g egg noodles (medium or fine chow mein style)
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornflour slurry)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• A large wok or deep frying pan – Ensures even heat and space for tossing.
• Sharp chef’s knife – For thin, even beef slices.
• Noodle strainer – To quickly drain cooked noodles.
• Mixing bowls – Helpful for marinating and prepping ingredients.
• Tongs or stir-fry spatula – Best for tossing ingredients quickly over high heat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein

Step 1 — Prepare the beef

Marinate the thin beef strips with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little cornflour. Set aside.

Step 2 — Cook the noodles

Boil egg noodles until just tender, rinse under cold water, and set aside to prevent sticking.

Step 3 — Heat your wok

Warm oil over high heat until it begins to shimmer.

Step 4 — Stir-fry the beef

Add the marinated beef and cook for a few minutes until browned and almost cooked through.

Step 5 — Add the vegetables

Toss in carrots, peppers, cabbage, and bean sprouts; stir-fry until crisp-tender.

Step 6 — Combine noodles and sauce

Add cooked noodles along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7 — Finish and serve

Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Overcrowding the wok – Led to steaming instead of frying; I now cook in batches for better searing.
• Using thick beef slices – Made the meat chewy; thin slicing solved the problem.
• Skipping noodle rinsing – Caused noodles to clump; rinsing keeps them separate and springy.
• Adding sauces too early – Burned the sauce; adding them last gives better flavor control.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein

• Use lean beef cuts such as sirloin or flank.
• Replace part of the noodles with spiralized vegetables for fewer carbs.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-salt soy sauce.
• Lightly steam vegetables before stir-frying to use less oil.
• Use air-fried beef strips for a lower-fat option.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein

• Swap beef for chicken or prawns – Great if you prefer lighter protein.
• Use whole-wheat noodles – For a healthier twist.
• Replace oyster sauce with hoisin – If you prefer sweeter notes.
• Use frozen stir-fry veg – When fresh vegetables aren’t available.
• Replace sesame oil with chili oil – To add heat and smokiness.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein

• Crispy spring rolls – They add crunch that balances the soft noodles.
• Simple cucumber salad – A refreshing, cooling side to offset the warm stir-fry.
• Egg drop soup – Light and silky, perfect before or after stir-fries.
• Garlic fried rice – Works well for a more filling Asian-inspired meal.
• Steamed dumplings – Bring a comforting, restaurant-style touch.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein

• Slice beef against the grain – This keeps the texture tender and easy to chew.
• Use very high heat – Stir-frying needs quick, intense heat for best flavor.
• Prep all ingredients first – The cooking process is fast, so everything should be ready.
• Do not overcook noodles – Slightly firm noodles hold up well when tossed in the wok.
• Add bean sprouts last – They wilt quickly, so they need only seconds of heat.
• Avoid watery vegetables – Dry them before stir-frying to keep the dish crisp.
• Taste as you go – Adjust soy and oyster sauce depending on saltiness preference.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein

• Add heat with chili flakes – Gives the dish a spicy edge.
• Mix in sesame seeds – Adds texture and a nutty aroma.
• Use broccoli or snap peas – Great for boosting fiber and crunch.
• Add a drizzle of honey – For subtle sweetness that balances soy sauce.
• Top with fried onions – Adds crispiness and depth.
• Stir in fresh herbs – Coriander or spring onions add freshness.

Storing Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein the Right Way

• Cool completely – Prevents condensation from making noodles soggy.
• Use airtight containers – Helps retain moisture and flavor.
• Refrigerate promptly – Store within 2 hours of cooking.
• Keep sauce separate – If storing for meal prep, mixing the sauce later keeps the noodles fresh.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein

• Stovetop – Heat a splash of oil in a pan and stir-fry chow mein for 2–3 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Avoid adding water – It can make noodles mushy; instead, use a little oil or soy sauce.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 920mg

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FAQs

How do I keep the beef tender in Mary Berry’s Beef Chow Mein?

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and marinate it with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little cornflour. This helps break down the fibers and keeps the meat soft during high-heat stir-frying.

Why are my chow mein noodles sticking together?

Noodles stick when they are overcooked or not rinsed after boiling. Rinse them under cold water to stop cooking, then toss lightly in oil so they stay separated when added to the wok.

When should I add the vegetables for the best texture?

Add hard vegetables like carrots first, then softer ones like cabbage or bean sprouts at the end. This helps everything stay crisp instead of turning soggy.

Can I make Mary Berry’s Beef Chow Mein ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef and vegetables in advance, but cook the noodles and stir-fry just before serving. Chow mein tastes best fresh because noodles soften when stored for long periods.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Beef Chow Mein is a quick, flavorful, and convenient dish that works beautifully for weeknight dinners or easy entertaining. By following the steps, using the right ingredients, and applying a few expert tips, you can create a delicious homemade chow mein that tastes fresh, balanced, and satisfying every time. If you’d like, I can also create Pinterest titles, schema markup, or a recipe card for this dish.