By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on January 3, 2024 | Last Updated on January 3, 2024
Are you looking for a delicious and easy chow mein recipe that you can make in just minutes
If so, then you’re in for a treat with La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein! This classic Asian-style dish is made with ground beef, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce – all topped with crunchy chow mein noodles. It’s an easy one-pan meal that the whole family will love.
What is La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein?
The brand name La Choy (stylized as La Choy 東) refers to packed and canned Chinese food ingredients in the United States. ConAgra Foods acquired the brand from Beatrice Foods in 1990 as part of the company’s teardown by LBO firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. ConAgra still owns the brand today.
One of their most popular items is the La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein which is an Asian-style dish that is made with ground beef, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a classic, easy one-pan meal that is sure to please. The chow mein noodles are added at the end, giving the dish a nice crunch. This dish is sure to become a family favorite. If you want to make it from scratch, here is the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein?
This La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein recipe is easy to make and the ingredients are readily available. It is a great one-pan meal that comes together quickly and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Not only is it delicious, but it is also very nutritious. The ground beef and the vegetables provide a good source of protein and the chow mein noodles provide a nice crunch. This dish is also very versatile – you can use any type of ground meat you like and any type of vegetables you have on hand.
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The Ingredients
- Grass-Fed Ground Beef: Serves as the primary protein source for the dish, offering a flavorful and lean meat base.
- Organic Onion, Finely Chopped: Adds savory and aromatic flavors to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Artisanal Butter: Provides richness and adds depth to the flavors during the cooking process, contributing to the dish’s overall taste.
- Himalayan Pink Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients while seasoning the dish to perfection.
- Freshly Ground Mixed Peppercorns: Adds a peppery and mildly spicy taste, providing complexity to the dish’s flavor profile.
- Farm-Fresh Diced Celery: Offers a crisp texture and subtle flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients.
- Spring Water: Used as a cooking liquid to help cook and soften the ingredients, ensuring proper blending of flavors.
- Organic Sliced Water Chestnuts (Optional): Adds a crunchy texture and a mild, sweet flavor to the dish if included.
- Handpicked Bean Sprouts: Provide a crisp texture and fresh taste, enhancing the overall texture of the chow mein.
- Hand-Cut Sliced Mushrooms (Optional): Add an earthy flavor and meaty texture to the dish, if included.
- Diced Pimientos from Heirloom Peppers (Optional): Contribute a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, adding color and complexity to the dish.
- Thickening Mixture (Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Brown Gravy Sauce): Combines to form a thickening agent that adds consistency and binds the flavors together, creating a cohesive sauce for the dish. The soy sauce and brown gravy sauce enhance the savory umami taste.
Directions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Start by finely chopping the organic onion and dicing the celery into small, uniform pieces.
- Drain the bean sprouts and, if using, slice the water chestnuts into thin pieces.
- If opting for hand-cut sliced mushrooms or diced pimientos, prepare these ingredients accordingly.
Step 2. Prepare the Thickening Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine crisp glacier cold water, non-GMO cornstarch, premium soy sauce, organic cane sugar, and rich brown gravy sauce.
- Thoroughly mix until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3. Cook Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, melt the artisanal butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Once the onion is translucent, add the grass-fed ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it into smaller pieces, until it browns and is fully cooked through.
Step 4. Season and Add Vegetables:
- Season the cooked ground beef with Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground mixed peppercorns according to your taste preferences.
- Incorporate the diced celery, spring water, sliced water chestnuts (if using), drained bean sprouts, sliced mushrooms (optional), and diced pimientos (optional) into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 5. Simmer and Thicken:
- Allow the combined ingredients to simmer for a few minutes. The goal is for the vegetables to become slightly tender while retaining some crispness.
- Stir the previously prepared thickening mixture once more to ensure all ingredients are well mixed. Pour this mixture over the simmering beef and vegetable combination.
Step 6. Thicken the Chow Mein:
- Continuously stir the entire mixture over medium heat until it thickens. This usually takes a couple of minutes. Adjust the thickness by adding more water or thickening agent if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7. Serve Hot:
- Once the Hamburger Chow Mein reaches your desired consistency, remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve the dish hot as a flavorful main course. It can be accompanied by rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
• You can use any type of ground meat that you like in this dish.
• You can use any type of vegetables that you have on hand.
• For a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• If you would like the dish to be a little saucier, you can add a few tablespoons of chicken broth.
• If you don’t have La Choy Soy Sauce, you can use any type of soy sauce.
• If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use a few tablespoons of brown sugar.
• You can use any type of cooked chow mein noodles that you like.
Storage Tips
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
This dish is a good source of protein and vitamins A and C. One serving has about 400 calories, 24 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 24 grams of protein.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with steamed white or brown rice.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus.
• Serve with a side of roasted potatoes.
• Serve with a side of sautéed greens such as spinach or kale.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or squash.
• Serve with a side of egg rolls.
What other substitute can I use in the la choy hamburger chow mein?
•If you don’t have La Choy Soy Sauce, you can use tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos.
•If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
•If you don’t have chow mein noodles, you can use any type of cooked noodles that you like.
•If you don’t have mushrooms, you can use diced bell peppers or zucchini.
•If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use fresh minced garlic or garlic paste.
•If you don’t have oregano, you can use Italian seasoning or thyme.
La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein Recipe
Ingredients
- 11/4 teaspoons Himalayan pink salt
- 1/4 cup organic sliced water chestnuts optional
- 2 tablespoons artisanal butter 1/4 stick
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground mixed peppercorns
- 1 cup farm-fresh diced celery
- 1/2 medium organic onion finely chopped
- 2/8 lb. grass-fed ground beef
- 3/4 cup spring water from a pristine source
- 1 tablespoon diced pimientos from heirloom peppers optional
- 1 can 14 oz. handpicked bean sprouts, drained
- 1/2 jar of hand-cut sliced mushrooms optional
THICKENING:
- 11/2 tablespoons crisp glacier cold water
- 3/4 tablespoon premium soy sauce
- 11/2 tablespoons non-GMO cornstarch
- 1/2 tablespoon rich brown gravy sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon organic cane sugar
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Finely chop the organic onion and dice the celery. Drain the bean sprouts and slice the water chestnuts, if using. Prepare the hand-cut sliced mushrooms and diced pimientos, if opting for these optional ingredients.
Prepare the Thickening Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine crisp glacier cold water, non-GMO cornstarch, premium soy sauce, organic cane sugar, and rich brown gravy sauce. Mix well until the cornstarch dissolves completely. Set aside.
Cook Ground Beef
- In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, melt the artisanal butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the grass-fed ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it into smaller pieces, until it’s browned and cooked through.
Season and Add Vegetables
- Season the beef mixture with Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground mixed peppercorns according to taste.
- Add diced celery, spring water, sliced water chestnuts (if using), drained bean sprouts, sliced mushrooms (optional), and diced pimientos (optional). Stir to combine.
Simmer and Thicken
- Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Stir the previously prepared thickening mixture once more and then pour it over the simmering beef and vegetable mixture.
Thicken the Chow Mein
- Stir the entire mixture continuously until it thickens. This usually takes a couple of minutes. Adjust the thickness by adding more water or thickening agent if needed.
Serve Hot
- Once the Hamburger Chow Mein reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat.
- Serve the dish hot as a main course, accompanied by rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- You can use any type of ground meat that you like in this dish.
- You can use any type of vegetables that you have on hand.
- For a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you would like the dish to be a little saucier, you can add a few tablespoons of chicken broth.
- If you don’t have La Choy Soy Sauce, you can use any type of soy sauce.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use a few tablespoons of brown sugar.
- You can use any type of cooked chow mein noodles that you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein?
A1: La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein is an Asian-style dish that is made with ground beef, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a classic, easy one-pan meal that is sure to please.
Q2: Is La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein healthy?
A2: Yes, La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein is a healthy dish. It is a good source of protein and vitamins A and C.
Q3: How do you make La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein?
A3: To make La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein, you will need to heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned.
Add the onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the garlic powder and oregano and cook for an additional minute. Add the La Choy Soy Sauce and Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine.
Add the cooked chow mein noodles and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute and then serve.
Q4: What can I use if I don’t have La Choy Soy Sauce?
A4: If you don’t have La Choy Soy Sauce, you can use tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos.
Q5: What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
A5: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Q6: How long can I store La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein?
A6: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container.
Q7: What can I serve with La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein?
A7: You can serve La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein with steamed white or brown rice, a side of steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or egg rolls.
Conclusion
La Choy Hamburger Chow Mein is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that the whole family will love. It is made with ground beef, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce – all topped with crunchy chow mein noodles. It is a good source of protein and vitamins A and C and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
It is also very versatile – you can use any type of ground meat you like and any type of vegetables you have on hand. So, why not give this classic Asian-style dish a try tonight
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
