Beef Lo Mein Recipe
If you’re searching for a flexible, family-pleasing meal that packs all the comforting flavors of your favorite takeout, Beef Lo Mein is your dish! Picture juicy strips of beef, crisp-tender veggies, and springy noodles tangled together in a glossy, perfectly seasoned sauce—that’s Beef Lo Mein at its best. It’s ready in 30 minutes, is endlessly customizable, and will absolutely turn your kitchen into the hottest noodle spot on the block.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Beef Lo Mein at home is delightfully simple, especially when you use everyday pantry staples that come together for maximum flavor and color. Each ingredient here has a starring role, from the silky noodles to the vibrant vegetables and umami-packed sauce.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 oz): Traditional lo mein noodles are fantastic, but if you’re in a pinch, spaghetti works beautifully for that chewy, satisfying bite.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a signature nutty aroma and helps keep the noodles from clumping.
- Flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): Slicing against the grain keeps the beef tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons, for beef): Gives the beef its savory foundation.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, for beef): Locks in the beef’s moisture and helps create that classic silky texture.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Ideal for stir-frying at high heat, keeping everything cooking quickly and evenly.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers a punch of aromatic flavor right from the start.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Brings a sweet crunch and beautiful color to the dish.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Adds freshness and a hint of sweetness, with plenty of color.
- Snow peas or broccoli florets (1 cup): Choose your favorite for a dose of green and satisfying crispness.
- Green onions (4, sliced): Reserved for garnish, their subtle oniony kick tops everything off perfectly.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup, for sauce): Forms the salty, savory backbone of the lo mein sauce.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Offers a layer of rich, savory depth with subtle sweetness.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Balances out the saltiness with a mellow, earthy sweetness.
- Brown sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a touch helps round out all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Sriracha (1 teaspoon, optional): For a little kick—feel free to add more if you love things spicy!
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity to the sauce.
- Beef broth or water (1/4 cup): Loosens up the sauce so it coats every noodle perfectly.
How to Make Beef Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain them well, then toss immediately with the sesame oil so they don’t stick and soak up extra flavor. Set them aside while you prep the rest—it’s always helpful to get the noodles out of the way first since stir-frying moves quickly!
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain and place it in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and the cornstarch, tossing well so each piece gets evenly coated. Let it sit while you move on; this brief marinade keeps the beef super tender and infuses it with flavor before it even hits the pan.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
Whisk together the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sriracha (if using), black pepper, and beef broth or water—in a small bowl. Set aside so it’s ready to go when you need it; having your sauce prepped makes stir-frying so much easier and ensures nothing gets overcooked.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to a hot wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove the beef as soon as it’s just cooked through; it’ll finish up with the noodles and veggies later, avoiding any dry, overcooked slices.
Step 5: Stir Fry the Veggies
Pour in the remaining oil, then add the minced garlic. Give it a quick stir for 30 seconds till fragrant, then pile in the carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas (or broccoli). Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes—just until they’re crisp-tender and brightly colored. This step is key for delivering that signature crunch and visual pop in Beef Lo Mein.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the beef back to the pan, followed by the cooked noodles. Pour the sauce over everything and toss well to coat evenly. Stir-fry everything together for another two minutes to heat through and let the noodles soak up that glossy, crave-worthy sauce. You’re nearly at the finish line—and your kitchen’s probably smelling irresistible at this point!
How to Serve Beef Lo Mein
Garnishes
Dust off those finishing touches: sliced green onions add a fresh, zesty bite and a pronounced splash of color right before serving. If you have some toasted sesame seeds on hand, a sprinkle on top never hurts! Don’t forget a little extra sriracha or chili oil for spice lovers at the table.
Side Dishes
Beef Lo Mein is hearty enough for a meal on its own, but pairing it with a light Asian cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or some classic egg drop soup makes for a fun, balanced spread. A side of crispy spring rolls or potstickers turns dinner into a lively feast worth lingering over.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow, try serving Beef Lo Mein in individual noodle bowls, topped with a colorful veggie pile or a soft-fried egg. For parties or potlucks, a large platter with tongs is always a hit—just watch it disappear! Garnish with plenty of fresh herbs or chili threads for an extra splash of flair and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Beef Lo Mein, lucky you! Cool the noodles completely before transferring to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge and they’ll keep fresh for up to three days—perfect for next-day lunches or a quick, satisfying dinner.
Freezing
Beef Lo Mein can be frozen in case you want to prep ahead. Divide into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Just be aware: the veggies may lose some of their crunch when reheated, but the fabulous flavors always shine through.
Reheating
To reheat, splash a little water or beef broth over your noodles and gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently until everything is hot. The microwave works in a pinch—just use short bursts and stir between each to keep things evenly heated and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Feel free to use thinly sliced chicken, pork, or shrimp for a tasty twist on Beef Lo Mein. Tofu is also a great vegetarian option for those wanting something meatless.
Do I need a wok to make this?
Nope! A large high-sided skillet works just as well for stir-frying the noodles and veggies. The trick is to use high heat and keep everything moving for that signature texture and flavor.
How can I make Beef Lo Mein spicier?
If you enjoy extra heat, simply boost the sriracha in the sauce or drizzle chili oil over your finished noodles. Diced fresh chili peppers tossed in with the veggies are a fun option, too.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes! Swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version (like tamari) and use your favorite gluten-free noodles. Double-check your oyster and hoisin sauces for hidden gluten as well.
What’s the best way to cut flank steak for lo mein?
Slicing thinly against the grain is key—it shortens the meat fibers and keeps every bite tender and easy to chew. Partially freezing the steak for 20 minutes before slicing can make this even easier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about tossing together a skillet of homemade Beef Lo Mein, watching the noodles glisten and the beef and veggies mingle in that rich, aromatic sauce. Give this recipe a try—you’ll see just how easy (and delicious) it is to bring takeout-style noodles to your own table!
Print
Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Beef Lo Mein is a classic Chinese-American stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles coated in a flavorful sauce. This homemade version is quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for beef)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for beef)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets
- 4 green onions (sliced)
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and toss with sesame oil.
- Marinate the Beef: Combine sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch, then let it marinate.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Sear the beef, sauté garlic, add vegetables, return beef, noodles, and sauce to the pan, toss well, and cook until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute chicken or shrimp for beef.
- Use pre-cut stir-fry vegetables for quicker preparation.
- Add more sriracha for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
