Beef Lo Mein

Beef Lo Mein is a beloved Chinese takeout dish that brings together tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned noodles. This recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for those evenings when I want a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of my own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, I can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: I can swap out vegetables or protein to suit my preferences or use what I have on hand.

Better Than Takeout: I control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dish that’s free from excessive oil or sodium.

Versatile: Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is satisfying and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef Marinade:

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For the Lo Mein:

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

Directions

Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, I mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. I add the sliced beef, toss to coat, and let it marinate for 15 minutes.

Cook the Noodles:
I cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside.

Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, I whisk together all the sauce ingredients and keep it ready.

Stir-Fry the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, I heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. I stir-fry the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through, then remove it from the skillet.

Cook the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, I add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and stir-fry the carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Combine Everything:
I return the cooked noodles and beef to the skillet. I pour the sauce over everything, tossing for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until well coated and heated through.

Garnish and Serve:
Finally, I garnish the dish with sliced green onions and serve it hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein Options: I sometimes substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.

Vegetables: This recipe works wonderfully with mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bok choy.

Noodles: If I can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti, linguine, or udon noodles are great alternatives.

Spice: For a spicy kick, I add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I add the noodles to a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce over medium heat until warmed through.

Related Recipes:

• Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
• Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
• Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, I can use frozen vegetables to save time. I just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before stir-frying to prevent excess moisture.

What’s the best beef cut for this recipe?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s tender and cooks quickly, but I also use sirloin or skirt steak when needed.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

After cooking the noodles, I toss them in a little sesame oil or soy sauce to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! I use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make the dish gluten-free.

What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce?

If I don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar works as a substitute.

Conclusion

Beef Lo Mein is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. I love how easy it is to customize with different proteins or vegetables, and it’s always a hit at the table. The best part? It’s as delicious as takeout but made fresh in my own kitchen.

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