If you’re craving a classic Chinese takeout dish, this Beef Chow Fun (also known as Beef Ho Fun) is the perfect dish to make at home. It’s a quick and easy stir-fried noodle dish loaded with tender beef, savory soy-based sauce, and chewy wide rice noodles.

With just a few simple ingredients and some high-heat wok action, you can have this Cantonese favorite on your table in no time!

What Are Chow Fun Noodles?

Chow Fun noodles, also called Ho Fun noodles, are wide, flat rice noodles commonly used in Cantonese stir-fries and soups. These noodles have a soft, chewy texture and soak up sauces beautifully, making them perfect for dishes like Beef Chow Fun.

If using fresh noodles, they may be a bit stuck together—just separate them before cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Chow Fun (Beef Ho Fun) Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a fast cooking time, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Savory & Satisfying: The umami-packed soy-based sauce coats the tender beef and chewy noodles perfectly.
Authentic Takeout-Style Flavor: This dish tastes just like what you’d get from a great Cantonese restaurant.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Soy sauce: Adds a deep, salty umami flavor to the beef and sauce.
Oyster sauce: Gives a touch of sweetness and richness to the dish.
Shaoxing wine (optional): Enhances the flavor of the beef with a slightly nutty aroma.
Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying at high heat.
Cornstarch: Helps create a silky coating on the beef and thickens the sauce.
Baking soda: Tenderizes the beef, making it extra soft.

For the Noodles & Sauce:

Fresh wide rice noodles (hor fun): The star of the dish, with a chewy, satisfying texture.
Dark soy sauce: Adds color and depth to the sauce.
Sugar: Balances out the salty and savory flavors.
White pepper: A subtle heat that enhances the dish.
Water: Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.

For the Stir-Fry:

Garlic & onion: Build the base flavor of the stir-fry.
Scallions & bean sprouts: Add freshness, crunch, and a pop of color.
Salt: Just a pinch to season the final dish.

How to Make Beef Chow Fun (Beef Ho Fun)

Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, mix beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, vegetable oil, cornstarch, and baking soda. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce & Noodles

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, white pepper, and water. Set aside.

If using fresh rice noodles, gently separate them. If they’re stiff, microwave for 20-30 seconds to loosen.

Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or pan over high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 45 seconds to 1 minute until just browned. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Noodles & Combine

Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Stir-fry garlic and onion for 20 seconds until fragrant. Add noodles, then pour the sauce over them. Toss gently to coat.

Return the beef to the wok, then add scallions, bean sprouts, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until everything is combined and the noodles have softened. Avoid over-stirring to prevent breaking the noodles.

Serve & Enjoy

Transfer to a plate and serve hot!

Storage

This dish is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan with a little oil over medium heat.

Tips

Use baking soda and corn starch: These ingredients help tenderize and velvet the beef - a restaurant trick!
Use high heat: Stir-frying at high heat ensures the noodles don’t get soggy and helps develop the best flavor.
Don’t over-stir the noodles: Toss them gently to avoid breaking them apart.