One thing I’ll never get bored of is making every fakeaway possible in my slow cooker, and this Beef Chow Mein is one of my favorites. Taken from the Bored of Lunch cookbook, this intensely flavorful Beef Chow Mein is made with beef, sesame oil, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice wine.

To cook Beef Chow Mein in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply add the prepared beef and aromatics to the pot, cover with sauces and stock, and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

While chow mein usually involves stir-frying, using a slow cooker simplifies the process and infuses the beef with rich flavors, making it a comforting and effortless meal.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Can I Use a Different Type of Noodles for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as soba or udon instead of egg noodles. Just ensure they are cooked according to their package instructions before adding them to the slow cooker. This substitution can add a different texture and flavor to your dish.

Slow Cooker Beef Chow Mein Ingredients

• 400g of beef (rump or budget-friendly thin steak recommended), sliced
• 1 tbsp of sesame oil
• 2 tbsp of oyster sauce
• 1 tsp of hoisin sauce
• 4 tbsp of dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp of rice wine
• 100ml of chicken or beef stock
• 1 tbsp of cornflour
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 small thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, grated (frozen can be used)
• 3 spring onions, sliced
• 200g of sugar snap peas
• 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
• 200g of dried egg or rice noodles, prepared according to package instructions
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp of sesame seeds, for garnish

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Chow Mein

1. Prepare the meat and aromatics: Begin by placing the sliced beef, chopped onion, crushed garlic, and grated ginger into the slow cooker, setting the stage for a flavorful base.
2. Add the sauces and liquids: To the slow cooker, add the sesame oil, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce, and rice wine, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
3. Incorporate the stock: Pour the chicken or beef stock into the mixture in the slow cooker, helping to create a moist environment for the beef to cook perfectly.
4. Mix in the cornflour: Create a slurry by mixing the cornflour with a small amount of water, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
5. Cook the beef mixture: Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 3–4 hours or on low for 6 hours, depending on how tender you prefer your beef.
6. Add final ingredients and serve: Thirty minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the carrot and sugar snap peas to retain their crunch. Stir in the pre-cooked noodles just before serving to heat through. Serve the chow mein garnished with spring onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of pepper.

Is It Necessary to Brown the Beef Before Adding It to the Slow Cooker?

Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is not necessary, but it can enhance the flavor. If you have time, sear the beef in a hot skillet until it’s browned on all sides. This step adds a rich depth to the overall taste of the Chow Mein.

Recipe Tips

• Enhance the flavor: To deepen the umami flavor of the dish, consider adding a tablespoon of fish sauce along with the other sauces in the recipe.
• Ensure tender beef: If using tougher cuts of beef, extend the low cooking time to 8 hours to ensure the meat becomes exceptionally tender and falls apart easily.
• Adjust the thickness: For a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornflour with two tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.
• Boost vegetable variety: Feel free to add bell peppers or broccoli for an extra crunch and a boost of vitamins; just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Control sodium levels: If you are watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount by half, adjusting according to your taste preference.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free adaptation: Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free as well.
• Spice it up: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of Sriracha sauce to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
• Different proteins: Try using sliced chicken breast or thigh, or even thinly sliced pork as an alternative to beef in this recipe for a different take on the classic chow mein.
• Low-carb option: Replace the egg noodles with shirataki noodles or spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a lower-carb version of this dish.

What To Serve With Beef Chow Mein

Serve your Beef Chow Mein with refreshing sides like cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or sesame kale. I love pairing it with a crisp Asian slaw or sautéed snap peas. You can also add roasted baby corn or stir-fried mushrooms for extra flavor.

How To Store Leftover Beef Chow Mein

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Beef Chow Mein in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to three days. I always make sure it cools down before refrigerating. Reheat thoroughly before serving again to ensure it’s safe and tasty.

In The Freezer:

Beef Chow Mein does not freeze well. The noodles become mushy and the vegetables lose their crunch. I suggest enjoying it fresh or from the fridge.

How To Reheat Leftover Beef Chow Mein

Reheat your leftover Beef Chow Mein in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking and cover it to steam. Stir occasionally, ensuring it heats evenly. This method keeps the textures intact better than microwaving.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Honey Chilli Beef Noodles
• Slow Cooker Pork Belly Slices
• Slow Cooker Chinese Beef Curry