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.
