Beef Ho Fun

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Beef Ho Fun is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, offering a savory and comforting meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. It’s a stir-fried noodle dish made with tender beef, wide rice noodles, and a savory sauce that brings everything together. Beef Ho Fun is known for its rich umami flavor, smokey char from stir-frying, and melt-in-your-mouth beef that pairs perfectly with the soft noodles. Whether you’re craving a delicious dinner for your family or planning to impress guests with your cooking skills, Beef Ho Fun is an ideal choice. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal.

This Halal version of Beef Ho Fun uses only Halal-certified beef, ensuring it’s suitable for all dietary preferences, and contains no pork, bacon, or alcohol.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Special occasions
• Quick, satisfying meals
• Asian food lovers
• Halal-friendly meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Title

Here’s why Beef Ho Fun will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes:

• Savory and Flavorful: The beef is marinated to perfection, while the sauce is rich in flavors like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil, making every bite incredibly savory.
• Tender Beef: The key to this dish is the marinated beef, which turns out perfectly tender and juicy after stir-frying.
• Wide Rice Noodles: The wide, flat rice noodles provide a chewy texture and absorb all the flavors of the sauce, making each mouthful absolutely delicious.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you’ll have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Halal-Friendly: This version of Beef Ho Fun is made with Halal-certified beef, ensuring that it adheres to Halal dietary guidelines.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful Beef Ho Fun:

• For the Beef Marinade:
• 1 lb (450g) Halal beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (Halal version)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• For the Stir-Fry:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 4 cups fresh wide rice noodles (or dried noodles, cooked according to package instructions)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (Halal version)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Halal Beef: Using tender, Halal-certified beef ensures this dish is suitable for those who follow Halal dietary restrictions. The beef’s marination ensures it’s flavorful and juicy.
• Rice Noodles: The soft and chewy texture of rice noodles is the perfect vehicle to carry the stir-fry sauce and soak in all the savory flavors.
• Oyster Sauce (Halal Version): This sauce brings a deep umami flavor that’s crucial to this dish’s authenticity. Make sure to use a Halal-certified version that does not contain alcohol.
• Garlic and Vegetables: Fresh garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts add crunch, sweetness, and freshness to the dish, balancing out the rich sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Beef Ho Fun:

Prepare the Beef Marinade:

1. Slice the Beef: Slice the Halal beef (sirloin or flank steak) thinly against the grain to ensure it stays tender when cooked.
2. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and sugar. Mix well to coat the beef. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Prepare the Vegetables:

3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, thinly slice the onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Mince the garlic and chop the green onions. Set everything aside.

Stir-Fry the Beef:

4. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

5. Cook the Vegetables: In the same wok or skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Then, add the onion, bell pepper, and carrot, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Combine the Noodles and Sauce:

6. Add the Noodles: If you’re using fresh rice noodles, add them directly to the wok. If you’re using dried noodles, cook them according to the package instructions and drain them well before adding them to the wok.
7. Add the Sauces: Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Add the sesame oil and stir-fry everything for another 1-2 minutes.

Finish the Dish:

8. Add the Beef and Bean Sprouts: Add the cooked beef back to the wok, along with the bean sprouts. Toss everything together until the beef and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the noodles.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve your Beef Ho Fun hot, and enjoy!

How to Serve

Beef Ho Fun is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve it as the main course for a family dinner or a casual meal with friends.
• With a Side of Soup: Pair it with a light soup, such as Hot and Sour Soup or Wonton Soup, to complete the meal.
• For a Festive Meal: Make it part of a Chinese-themed feast with other dishes like Sweet and Sour Chicken or Dumplings.
• With a Salad: Serve a light cucumber or Asian-style salad on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich noodles.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Beef Ho Fun turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Beef: The beef should be stir-fried quickly to maintain its tenderness. Overcooking it can make it tough.
• Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh wide rice noodles give the best texture and flavor for this dish. If using dried noodles, be sure to cook them until just al dente to avoid them becoming mushy.
• Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce or oyster sauce to suit your personal taste preferences. For a sweeter dish, add a little extra sugar.
• Add More Vegetables: If you like, you can add more vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or snow peas to enhance the dish.
• Serve Immediately: Beef Ho Fun tastes best when served immediately, so be sure to have everything prepared and ready to go before you start cooking.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations of Beef Ho Fun that you can try to mix things up:

• Chicken Ho Fun: Substitute the beef with Halal chicken breast or thigh, sliced thinly.
• Vegetarian Ho Fun: Skip the meat altogether and load the dish with extra vegetables like mushrooms, tofu, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Beef Ho Fun: Add some chili paste or fresh sliced chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Beef and Shrimp Ho Fun: Combine the beef with Halal shrimp for a surf-and-turf version of this dish.
• Beef Ho Fun with Hoisin Sauce: Swap the oyster sauce for hoisin sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Korean-Style Ho Fun: Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for a unique twist.
• Beef Ho Fun with Pineapple: For a sweet contrast, toss in chunks of pineapple to balance the savory flavors.
• BBQ Beef Ho Fun: Grill the beef first for a smoky flavor before adding it to the stir-fry.
• Beef Ho Fun with Sesame Seeds: Top with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
• Beef and Egg Ho Fun: Add a scrambled egg to the stir-fry for an extra layer of richness.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Beef Ho Fun can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store the cooled dish in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir-fry in a pan to warm through.
• Storage: Store leftover Beef Ho Fun in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or wok with a bit of oil to maintain the noodles’ texture.

Special Equipment

Here are 10 special equipment items you might need to make Beef Ho Fun:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying and gives the dish its characteristic smoky flavor.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the beef thinly, a sharp knife is essential.
• Rice Cooker: Use a rice cooker to prepare the rice for serving or for steaming vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for the sauces and seasonings.
• Spatula or Tongs: A long spatula or tongs are helpful for tossing the noodles and beef in the wok.
• Cutting Board: A large cutting board is necessary for slicing all the vegetables and beef.
• Colander: If you’re using dried noodles, a colander is necessary to drain them properly.
• Bowl for Marinating: Use a bowl to marinate the beef before cooking.
• Storage Containers: Use airtight containers for storing leftovers or freezing the dish.
• Toothpick or Skewer: Use a toothpick to test the doneness of the beef when stir-frying.

FAQ Section about

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your rice noodles are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I use dried rice noodles instead of fresh ones?
   Yes, just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions and drain well before stir-frying.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   While stir-fried dishes like Beef Ho Fun are best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time and stir-fry everything right before serving.
5. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce?
   Yes, dark soy sauce adds color and richness, but you can use regular soy sauce if that’s what you have.

Conclusion

Beef Ho Fun is a hearty and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for any occasion. Its tender beef, chewy rice noodles, and savory sauce come together in a dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make, customizable, and Halal-friendly, making it a great option for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, Beef Ho Fun will never disappoint. Enjoy!