Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein

For the Noodles:

• 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles or chow mein noodles
• Water, for boiling
• A pinch of salt

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sugar

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
2. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Once fully cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving a small amount of fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
3. If using bean sprouts, add them in the last minute of cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, beef broth, black pepper, and sugar.
2. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the chow mein to a large serving dish or serve directly from the skillet.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Grandma’s cooking!

Tips for the Perfect Chow Mein

• Don’t overcook the noodles: They should remain slightly firm, as they will absorb some sauce during mixing.
• Customize your veggies: Mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli are great additions.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce and chop veggies in advance for a quicker weeknight meal.
• Leftovers: Chow mein tastes even better the next day after flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory, sweet, and umami flavors with a satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but hearty enough for a weekend family feast. With this recipe, you can recreate the warmth of grandma’s kitchen right in your own home.

If you want, I can also create a step-by-step illustrated version with photos for each stage, making it even easier to follow like a cooking guide.

Do you want me to do that?