Tender, Flavorful Beef Lo Mein Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Whipping up a delightful beef lo mein can transport you straight to the bustling streets of China.

Noodles dance with tender strips of meat, creating a symphony of flavors that sing on your plate.

Savory sauces blend seamlessly, coating each ingredient with rich, complex notes.

Seasonal vegetables add crisp textures and vibrant colors to this classic dish.

Quick and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Fragrant ginger and garlic infuse the entire meal with an irresistible aroma that will make your kitchen feel like a gourmet restaurant.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds explore a world of deliciousness.

How To Make Beef Lo Mein Recipe At Home

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Create a delicious marinade by combining soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Slice beef thinly and coat it completely in the mixture. Let the beef soak up the flavors for 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and sear the marinated beef until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside for later.

Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

Cook lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and keep ready for the final mix.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, splash in more vegetable oil. Toss in sliced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their fragrant aroma for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Veggie Party

• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Snow peas

Stir-fry these veggies until they’re tender-crisp and vibrant.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add the prepared noodles and gently toss everything together.

Step 7: Create the Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Beef broth

Pour this flavor-packed sauce over the beef, vegetables, and noodles, ensuring every bite is coated.

Step 8: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Pour into the skillet and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a perfect, glossy consistency.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Plate the steaming hot lo mein and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Tips To Nail Your Beef Lo Mein Recipe

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the beef soak in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for the full 15 minutes to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration.
• Control Vegetable Crunch: Stir-fry vegetables quickly on high heat to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, avoiding mushy results.
• Boost Sauce Depth: Use low-sodium soy sauce and add a splash of rice wine or mirin for extra complexity and balanced seasoning.
• Noodle Cooking Hack: Rinse cooked noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming sticky or clumpy.
• Protein Swap Option: Replace beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a versatile dish that suits different dietary preferences and taste needs.

Delicious Variations On Beef Lo Mein Recipe

• Chicken Lo Mein: Replace beef with thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter protein option. Marinate and cook chicken similarly to the beef method.
• Vegetarian Lo Mein: Swap beef with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then cube and stir-fry until golden brown.
• Gluten-Free Lo Mein: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce. Replace regular noodles with rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Seafood Lo Mein: Substitute beef with shrimp or mixed seafood. Cook seafood quickly to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.

What To Serve With Beef Lo Mein Recipe

• Boost Beer Delight: Choose a crisp Asian lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo that cuts through the rich beef flavors and complements the savory sauce.
• Elevate Wine Experience: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, which balances the dish's umami notes and enhances the meat's tenderness.
• Match Refreshing Cocktails: Opt for a ginger-based cocktail like a Japanese Highball or Asian-inspired Moscow Mule that echoes the dish's aromatic spices and provides a cooling contrast.
• Complement Non-Alcoholic Options: Try jasmine green tea or a sparkling yuzu drink that brings light, citrusy undertones to cleanse the palate between bites.

How To Store Beef Lo Mein Recipe Properly

• Store leftover beef lo mein in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled lo mein to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen lo mein maintains quality for up to 2 months.
• Place lo mein in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or broth to prevent sticking.

FAQs About Beef Lo Mein Recipe

• Why marinate the beef before cooking?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The soy sauce and cornstarch mixture breaks down protein fibers and creates a protective coating that keeps the beef juicy during high-heat cooking.

• Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have or prefer. Just ensure they’re sliced similarly and have comparable cooking times to maintain the dish’s texture and even cooking.

• What if I don't have oyster sauce?

You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar. These alternatives will provide a similar sweet and savory flavor profile to your lo mein.

Why Beef Lo Mein Recipe Hits All The Right Notes

• Quickly Customize: Swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences.
• Minimal Prep Needed: Slice beef and veggies, mix simple sauce ingredients, and you're ready to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in a single skillet or wok, minimizing cleanup and making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with savory flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need For Beef Lo Mein Recipe

• Beef: Tender meat sliced thinly for a delicious protein base in this lo mein dish.

• Lo Mein Noodles, Spaghetti: Provides the hearty pasta foundation for the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Adds rich umami flavor and depth to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, aromatic essence to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional savory liquid for the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds a flavorful aromatic base for the stir-fry.
• Carrots, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Snow Peas: Offers a colorful and nutritious vegetable mix.

• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Optional garnish for added flavor and visual appeal.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying beef and vegetables.

Beef Lo Mein Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 31-34 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the authentic flavors of beef lo mein, a classic Chinese noodle dish that blends tender beef, crisp vegetables, and silky noodles in a rich, savory sauce. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in this quick, satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced

Noodles:

• 8 ounces (8 oz) lo mein noodles or spaghetti

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snow peas

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Cooking Oils:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Whisk soy sauce and cornstarch in a mixing vessel, thoroughly coating thinly sliced beef. Allow protein to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a spacious wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Rapidly stir-fry marinated beef for 5-7 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior. Transfer cooked protein to a separate plate.
3. Prepare lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package directions. Carefully drain and reserve.
4. Utilize the identical skillet, introducing additional vegetable oil. Gently sauté sliced onions and minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors.
5. Incorporate crisp vegetables including carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. Energetically stir-fry for approximately 5 minutes, maintaining a vibrant, tender-crisp texture.
6. Reintroduce previously cooked beef into the vegetable mixture. Add prepared noodles, tossing ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
7. Create sauce by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and beef broth in a separate container. Cascade sauce over noodle mixture, guaranteeing complete coating.
8. Sprinkle cornstarch slurry across the skillet, continuously stirring for 2-3 minutes until sauce reaches desired thickness and glossy consistency.
9. Present steaming hot lo mein, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Tenderize beef by slicing against the grain to ensure maximum softness and easier chewing.
• Marinate beef for longer than 15 minutes if possible, up to 30 minutes, to enhance flavor absorption and meat tenderness.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Swap beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains similar texture and protein levels.
• Cook vegetables quickly to preserve their vibrant colors, crispness, and nutritional value.
• Prepare all ingredients before cooking to streamline the stir-frying process and prevent overcooking.
• Opt for fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-19 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg