Beef Lo Mein is a takeout favorite that you can easily recreate at home. Tender strips of beef, vibrant vegetables, and chewy noodles are tossed in a savory sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This one-pan dish is perfect for a quick, delicious dinner that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with bold, savory flavors and fresh ingredients.
- Completely customizable with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- Beef (sirloin, flank steak, or tenderloin)
- Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil for the sauce
- Garlic and ginger for an aromatic base
Find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
Slice the beef thinly against the grain. In a small bowl, toss the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and vegetables for 3–4 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pan and add the cooked noodles. Pour in the sauce (a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar). Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Slice beef thinly: This ensures quick cooking and tender bites. Freezing the beef for 10–15 minutes makes slicing easier.
- Prep ahead: Have all your ingredients ready before starting, as stir-frying is a fast process.
- Customize the veggies: Use what you have on hand—broccoli, mushrooms, and zucchini all work well.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.
- Use rice noodles or udon noodles if you don’t have lo mein.
- Add a splash of hoisin or sriracha to the sauce for extra flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this Beef Lo Mein with steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a light Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal. A glass of chilled green tea or a sparkling water with lime complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back the moisture.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make it gluten-free.
Q2: What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Flank steak, sirloin, or tenderloin work best due to their tenderness and quick cooking time.
Q3: Can I make the sauce sweeter or spicier?
Absolutely! Add honey or brown sugar for sweetness and chili paste or crushed red pepper for heat.
Q4: Can I freeze Beef Lo Mein?
Yes, freeze it in portions for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet.
Conclusion
Beef Lo Mein is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s simple to make and better than takeout. With tender beef, vibrant veggies, and savory noodles, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Try this recipe and bring the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant into your home!
Print
Beef Lo Mein
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
Beef Lo Mein is a savory and satisfying Chinese-inspired noodle dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. With tender slices of beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a homemade takeout experience.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup water
For the Lo Mein:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, julienned
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, ground ginger, sugar, and water until smooth.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add garlic and onion. Sauté for 1 minute. Add bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, cooking until slightly tender but still crisp, about 3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir well to coat. Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg