When it comes to comfort food, few dishes satisfy like a plate of steaming Beef Lo Mein. The combination of tender beef strips, perfectly cooked noodles, and crunchy vegetables tossed in a savory sauce is hard to resist. This recipe brings the magic of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen, with a few simple ingredients and a foolproof method. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a weeknight dinner or someone craving authentic Chinese flavors, this easy Beef Lo Mein recipe is a sure winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef Lo Mein is a versatile dish, packed with both protein and vegetables, making it a well-balanced meal. It’s the perfect harmony of flavors – slightly salty, sweet, and rich in umami from soy sauce and oyster sauce. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to make and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. The noodles absorb the delicious sauce, while the beef and veggies add texture and taste that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for Beef Lo Mein
One of the best parts of this recipe is that it uses ingredients you likely already have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Lo Mein:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (use a mix of red, yellow, and green for color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3-4 scallions, chopped (both white and green parts)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp sugar (balances the saltiness)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup beef or chicken broth (to thin the sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef Lo Mein
1. Marinate the Beef
Start by marinating the beef to infuse it with flavor and ensure tenderness. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
2. Cook the Noodles
While the beef is marinating, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and set them aside. Pro tip: Toss the noodles with a little sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and broth. This mixture will coat the noodles and vegetables, giving the dish its signature flavor.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the onion, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain some crunch for texture.
5. Cook the Beef
Push the vegetables to one side of the wok and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Let the beef sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, ensuring a nice brown crust. Stir the beef with the vegetables and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through, about 2-3 minutes more.
6. Combine Noodles, Sauce, and Beef
Add the cooked noodles to the wok, along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together so that the noodles are well-coated in the sauce and the beef and vegetables are evenly distributed. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to warm the noodles through.
7. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish your Beef Lo Mein with chopped scallions. Serve immediately, while hot. The noodles will soak up even more of the sauce as they sit, making leftovers just as tasty the next day!
Tips for the Perfect Beef Lo Mein
- Cut the beef thinly: Thin slices of beef cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re having trouble slicing the beef thinly, try freezing the meat for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
- Use a hot wok or skillet: A high heat ensures that the beef sears quickly and the vegetables stay crisp-tender. If your pan is not hot enough, the ingredients may steam rather than stir-fry.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Lo mein noodles should be cooked just until tender but still firm. Overcooked noodles can become mushy when stir-fried.
- Add extra vegetables: Feel free to customize this dish by adding mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn. The more vegetables, the merrier!
Variations of Beef Lo Mein
If you want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to try:
- Chicken Lo Mein: Swap out the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh meat.
- Shrimp Lo Mein: For a seafood twist, use shrimp in place of beef. Be sure to cook them quickly to avoid overcooking.
- Spicy Lo Mein: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
This Beef Lo Mein is a balanced meal packed with protein, veggies, and satisfying noodles. Adjust the ingredients as per your dietary needs, such as using low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of noodles for Beef Lo Mein? Yes! If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or udon noodles are great substitutes. Just be sure not to overcook them.
How do I store Beef Lo Mein leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and find gluten-free noodles to create a delicious, gluten-free Beef Lo Mein.
What cut of beef is best for Beef Lo Mein? Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and cooks quickly, but you can also use sirloin or skirt steak.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, simply leave out the beef and double the vegetables or add tofu for a vegetarian version of Lo Mein.
What can I serve with Beef Lo Mein? Beef Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with side dishes like egg rolls, dumplings, or a light Asian salad.
Conclusion
This easy Beef Lo Mein recipe is a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and chewy noodles. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. With its versatility and deliciousness, Beef Lo Mein is sure to become a favorite in your home-cooked meal rotation. Enjoy!