A quick and savory takeout-inspired meal, Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and silky noodles coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or swap the protein for endless variations.
Better Than Takeout: Homemade means fresher ingredients and better control over flavors and nutrition.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that satisfies kids and adults alike.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples come together for a meal that’s easy on the wallet.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
For the Lo Mein:
8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or neutral oil like canola)
1/2 pound beef (flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak), thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 cup sliced onion or green onions
Optional Garnishes:
Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Directions
Cook the Noodles:
I boil the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. I set them aside while preparing the rest.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sugar or honey, ensuring the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
Cook the Beef:
Using a large skillet or wok heated with vegetable oil over high heat, I stir-fry the beef slices for 2-3 minutes until browned. I then remove the beef and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, I add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the broccoli, garlic, and ginger. I stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is vibrant green and slightly tender.
Combine Everything:
I return the cooked beef to the skillet, add the prepared noodles, and pour in the sauce. I toss everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Garnish and Serve:
I serve the lo mein hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for added color and crunch.
Protein Options: Substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
Low-Carb Version: Swap noodles for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil to the sauce for heat.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is also an option, though I find reheating on the stove retains the best texture.
Related Recipes:
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Haystacks
FAQs
How can I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Rinsing the cooked noodles with cold water and tossing them in a bit of oil helps prevent sticking.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. I recommend steaming or microwaving it first to remove excess moisture.
What type of beef works best for this recipe?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are great options because they’re tender and cook quickly.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar can work as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for tofu or extra vegetables, and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
Conclusion
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a satisfying and versatile dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout spot into your kitchen. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory sauce, it’s a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a keeper. Enjoy.
📖 Recipe:
PrintBeef and Broccoli Lo Mein
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a quick and savory takeout-inspired dish featuring tender beef, crisp broccoli, and silky noodles in a rich, flavorful sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal for anyone craving restaurant-quality food at home.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)
For the Lo Mein:
8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti substitute)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or neutral oil like canola)
1/2 pound beef (flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak), thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 cup sliced onion or green onions
Optional Garnishes:
Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
Boil lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sugar or honey. Ensure smooth consistency. - Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet or wok with vegetable oil over high heat. Stir-fry beef slices for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. - Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary. Toss in broccoli, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until broccoli is vibrant and slightly tender. - Combine Everything:
Return cooked beef to the skillet. Add noodles and pour in the sauce. Toss to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything. - Garnish and Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor.
Notes
Use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available; steam or microwave first to reduce moisture.
For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with tofu or extra veggies, and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings