Beef Chow Mein

This is a quick and hearty Chinese-style stir-fry dish featuring tender strips of beef tossed with soft noodles, crunchy veggies, and a simple savory sauce. It's like takeaway at home but way cheaper and fresher—perfect for a busy weeknight family dinner. Serves 4 in about 20-25 minutes, and it's customizable with whatever veg you've got lurking in the fridge.

How to Make It:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Cut the beef into strips and add to the pan, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside—don't overcook it!
2. In the same pan, add the remaining oil, then toss in the sliced onion and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but stay crunchy.
3. Add whatever you have: mushrooms, beansprouts and straight-to-wok noodles (or cook a pack of noodles per instructions). Add a splash of soy sauce and a cornflour/water mixture. Stir everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are hot and the sauce thickens a bit.
4. Throw the beef back in, mix it all up, and cook for 1 more minute to heat through. Sprinkle with chopped spring onions if you have them.
5. Serve straight away in bowls—easy peasy! If the kids are fussy, you can swap beef for chicken or leave out the veg they hate. Leftovers reheat well for lunch tomorrow.