Hong Kong-Style Dry Fried Beef Noodles

Hong Kong-Style Dry Fried Beef Noodles is a vibrant and savory Cantonese dish featuring tender, marinated beef, wide rice noodles, and crisp vegetables stir-fried together in a hot wok. This classic recipe captures the essence of Hong Kong street food, delivering bold flavors and a satisfying, chewy texture from the noodles, all enhanced by a rich, umami seasoning sauce. The dish is typically prepared with high heat to achieve a slight char on the beef and noodles, resulting in a deliciously complex flavor profile that reflects authentic Cantonese culinary techniques.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 200g thinly sliced beef (ideally sliced against the grain)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• Pinch of sugar
• Pinch of white pepper
• 1 tbsp cooking oil

For the Rice Noodles:

• 400g wide rice noodles, softened in hot water but still slightly firm, then drained

For the Vegetables:

• 1/2 medium onion, sliced
• 100g bean sprouts
• 2–3 stalks of scallions, cut into segments
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning Sauce:

• 2–3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1–2 tbsp oyster sauce
• Pinch of salt and sugar
• Dash of sesame oil (optional, for additional fragrance)

Cooking Oil:

• As needed for frying

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh scallions, finely sliced (for garnish)
• Freshly ground white pepper (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, white pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oil.
   • Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors infuse into the meat.

2. Prepare the Vegetables and Rice Noodles:

   • Slice the onion and trim the bean sprouts if needed. Prepare the scallions and mince the garlic.
   • Soften the wide rice noodles by soaking them in hot water until flexible but still slightly firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

3. Preheat the Wok:

   • Preheat a large wok or skillet over high heat until it becomes very hot.
   • Swirl in cooking oil to evenly coat the bottom and sides.

4. Sear the Beef:

   • Add the marinated beef slices to the hot wok in a single layer.
   • Allow them to sear undisturbed until browned, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, then flip to brown the other side.
   • Remove the beef from the wok when fully browned on both sides and set aside. Continue this process until all the beef is seared, maintaining a hot wok throughout to sear but not overcook.

5. Stir-Fry Vegetables and Noodles:

   • In the same hot wok, add a bit more oil if necessary and stir-fry the minced garlic until fragrant.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook until they become translucent.
   • Toss in the bean sprouts and scallion segments. Stir-fry together for another 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
   • Push the cooked aromatics and vegetables aside on one edge of the wok.
   • Place the drained noodles evenly onto the open spot of the hot wok surface and sear lightly to develop a pleasant char flavor. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking or burning.
   • Gently toss the noodles with the already-cooked aromatics and vegetables until everything is mixed.

6. Combine Ingredients:

   • Return the cooked beef slices to the wok, overlaying them onto the stir-fried vegetables and noodles.
   • Season by pouring the seasoning sauce over everything: add 2–3 tbsp soy sauce, 1–2 tbsp oyster sauce, a pinch of salt and sugar. Drizzle in a dash of sesame oil if using.
   • Gently toss everything together with tongs until all ingredients are heated through, the sauce is absorbed, and everything is well coated with flavorings.

7. Serve:

   • Remove the wok from heat once the noodles are hot and the flavors have melded together.
   • Plate the noodles, beef, and vegetables attractively on serving plates or in bowls.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped scallions and a sprinkle of freshly ground white pepper if desired. 

Important: Hong Kong-style Stir-Fried Beef Noodles should ideally be consumed fresh and hot right from the wok or immediately after serving, with noodles remaining al dente for the best chewing experience and full flavor development.

Enjoy this iconic Hong Kong delight, savoring the chewy noodles, tender beef, and crisp vegetables in every bite!