Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef Lo Mein is the ultimate comfort food that’s both quick and flavorful! Tender slices of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and chewy noodles all come together in a savory sauce that’s better than takeout. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or any time you’re craving something satisfying. The balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering combination that brings the best of Chinese cuisine to your dinner table. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding your favorite veggies or protein options!
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside, tossing with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the beef: Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. If the beef is hard to slice, freeze it for 15-20 minutes beforehand to make it easier to cut.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch (if using). Stir until the cornstarch dissolves and the sauce is well combined.
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Stir-fry the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Combine the noodles and beef: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss to coat evenly, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens.
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Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Beef Lo Mein!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the beef for tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. You can also add more vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or bok choy for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture to bring some heat to the dish.
- Other Protein Options: Besides beef, you can use chicken, shrimp, or pork in place of the beef for a different twist on the classic lo mein.
- Additional Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like baby corn, snap peas, or spinach to boost the nutrition and texture of the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen up the noodles. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute lo mein noodles with other types of noodles such as soba noodles, spaghetti, or rice noodles.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Lo mein is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Slice the beef and vegetables and store them separately in the fridge. Cook the noodles in advance and store them in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze leftover Beef Lo Mein?
Yes, you can freeze Beef Lo Mein for up to 2 months. Store it in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat. Keep in mind that the noodles may soften slightly after freezing.
4. Can I make the sauce without hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a little bit of peanut butter or almond butter for a similar flavor profile.
5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure the noodles are gluten-free as well.
6. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, or bok choy. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain crisp-tender.
7. How can I make this dish spicier?
For more heat, you can add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture. Taste as you go to achieve your preferred spice level.
8. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Flank steak and sirloin are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use skirt steak or ribeye. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
9. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Toss the cooked noodles with a little oil (vegetable oil or sesame oil) after draining them. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking and ensures they stay separated when stir-frying.
10. Can I make this dish with less sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or coconut sugar.
Conclusion
This Beef Lo Mein recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful, homemade Chinese dish right in your kitchen. With tender beef, crispy vegetables, and savory noodles, it’s the perfect comfort food that’s satisfying and customizable. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just craving something delicious, this recipe will become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. Try it out and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Beef Lo Mein!
Print
Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Craving a quick, flavorful dinner? This Beef Lo Mein recipe is the answer! With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles, it’s better than takeout and ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, this dish offers a delicious balance of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for an authentic Chinese experience right at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil a large pot of water and cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and toss with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. If needed, freeze the beef for 15-20 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch (if using) in a small bowl until the cornstarch dissolves.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the onion, bell pepper, and carrot for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Combine Beef and Noodles: Return beef to the skillet, followed by the cooked noodles. Pour the sauce over and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. Add more veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha sauce to the sauce for some heat.
- Protein Variations: Try chicken, shrimp, or pork instead of beef for a new twist.
- More Veggies: Add extra vegetables like baby corn, snap peas, or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
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