Beef Lo Mein Recipe
If you have a craving for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Chinese takeout right into your kitchen, this Beef Lo Mein Recipe will become your new go-to. Tender flank steak slices mingle with crisp vegetables and silky noodles bathed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s layered with garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce goodness. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels a little special without any fuss, making it easy to impress family or friends with a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef Lo Mein Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the juicy beef to the bright veggies and bold sauces, every component is essential.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth to both the marinade and the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps the beef marinade cling and tenderizes the meat.
- Sesame oil: Brings a toasty aroma and authentic Asian flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: Provides a touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the overall taste.
- Oyster sauce: Boosts the savory richness of the dish.
- Minced garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that create a fragrant base.
- Lo mein noodles: Or spaghetti as a convenient substitute, for that chewy, satisfying bite.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Shredded carrots, broccoli florets, bell peppers, snow peas: A colorful mix that adds crunch and freshness.
- Green onions: A final fresh garnish for bite and brightness.
How to Make Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by mixing soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl for your marinade. Toss the thin flank steak slices in the marinade until they’re well coated. Letting the beef soak for about 15 minutes is key to maximizing flavor and ensuring it stays tender and juicy when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Follow the package instructions to cook your lo mein noodles or spaghetti until just tender. Drain them well and set aside. Under or overcooked noodles can throw off the dish’s texture, so timing here is important.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This sauce blend is the heart of the Beef Lo Mein Recipe, giving it that perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Quickly stir-fry the marinated beef for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s browned but still tender. Remove it from the pan and set aside so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the shredded carrots, broccoli florets, bell peppers, and optional snow peas. Stir-fry the veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender but still have a nice crunch, adding both color and a fresh bite to the dish.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef and the drained noodles to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. This step allows the noodles, beef, and vegetables to soak up all the delicious sauce, uniting every ingredient beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Beef Lo Mein Recipe by sprinkling sliced green onions on top for a fresh, zesty punch. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the flavors are at their best.
How to Serve Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the dish with subtle texture and flavor contrasts. Alongside sliced green onions, consider toasted sesame seeds for a gentle crunch or a drizzle of chili oil if you love a little heat. A wedge of lime can also brighten the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite complete on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, steamed dumplings or crispy spring rolls pair beautifully. A light Asian cucumber salad or miso soup also complements the hearty noodles nicely without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Beef Lo Mein in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a fresh and festive presentation. You can also plate portions atop a bed of lightly wilted spinach or kale to sneak in extra greens. Using colorful bowls or bamboo steamers adds an authentic feel to your meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Beef Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain the texture of the noodles and the freshness of the vegetables.
Freezing
Freezing Beef Lo Mein is possible but not ideal, as the noodles may become mushy. If you must freeze, place the dish in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace, and use it within one month for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring midway helps heat evenly and retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is great for its tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or ribeye can also work well if sliced thinly. Just be mindful to slice against the grain for the best texture.
What if I don’t have hoisin or oyster sauce?
You can substitute hoisin sauce with a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of honey or plum jam. Oyster sauce has a unique flavor, but soy sauce combined with a touch of mushroom sauce or Worcestershire sauce can come close in a pinch.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef for firm tofu, tempeh, or your favorite mushrooms like shiitake or portobello. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or just increase the soy and hoisin sauce for flavor.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp during cooking?
Stir-frying over high heat and keeping the cooking time short are key. That way, vegetables get cooked through while retaining their crunch and vibrant color.
Is it okay to use regular spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes! Spaghetti can be used as an easy substitute if you can’t find lo mein noodles. Just cook it slightly less than usual so it doesn’t get mushy when stir-fried with the sauce and other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with fresh, bold flavors, don’t hesitate to try this Beef Lo Mein Recipe. It’s approachable, quick enough for busy evenings, and endlessly satisfying every time you make it. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it will be a staple in your dinner rotation that never fails to please.
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Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and quick Beef Lo Mein recipe featuring tender flank steak, fresh vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce, all stir-fried together with lo mein noodles for a delicious Asian-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Other Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup snow peas (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set them aside to be added later.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger until smooth and well combined.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add shredded carrots, broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and snow peas (if using). Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat, ensuring the noodles and beef are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve the beef lo mein hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tender beef.
- If lo mein noodles are unavailable, spaghetti can be used as a substitute.
- Snow peas are optional but add a nice crunch and color contrast.
- Adjust the soy sauce amount in the sauce according to your preferred saltiness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, a dash of red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce can be added to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
