Beef Lo Mein is a savory and comforting dish that combines tender beef slices, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked noodles. This classic takeout favorite can easily be recreated at home with fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces. The result is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that satisfies those cravings for Chinese-style stir-fry. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps of preparing a flavorful beef lo mein packed with vegetables, rich sauces, and perfectly seared beef slices. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this dish will come together effortlessly and leave your family asking for seconds!
Ingredients :
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Preparation :
Step 1: Cook the Lo Mein Noodles
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in salted water for about 4-5 minutes until they are just tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside, keeping them slightly oiled with a small drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the beef by marinating it. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss the thinly sliced beef sirloin in the marinade, ensuring every slice is coated. Let the beef sit for at least 10 minutes, allowing the marinade to penetrate and infuse flavor into the meat.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated beef slices to the pan in a single layer. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp but still retain some bite.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Once the vegetables are cooked, return the cooked beef and drained lo mein noodles to the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats the noodles, beef, and vegetables evenly. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Notes :
- Customizing Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables to the stir-fry, such as mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy. These extra ingredients not only add more flavor but also increase the nutritional value of the dish.
- Beef Options: If you don’t have beef sirloin, you can substitute it with flank steak, ribeye, or even thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter alternative.
- Noodle Variations: While lo mein noodles are ideal for this recipe, you can also use spaghetti or egg noodles in a pinch. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles used.
Serving Suggestions :
- With Dumplings: Serve alongside some steamed or pan-fried dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
- Over Rice: For a fun twist, you can serve the lo mein stir-fry over steamed rice instead of mixing it with noodles.
- With Soup: Pair your beef lo mein with a simple broth-based soup such as miso soup or egg drop soup to create a well-rounded dining experience.
Tips :
- High Heat: When stir-frying, always cook over high heat to ensure the vegetables retain their crispness, and the beef sears properly. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Prep in Advance: To save time, you can marinate the beef and prep the vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: It’s important not to overcook the lo mein noodles. They should be just tender to maintain their texture after tossing in the sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information :
- Calories: ~450 per serving
- Protein: 25g per serving
- Sodium: 950mg per serving
FAQs :
Q1: Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, while lo mein noodles are recommended, you can substitute them with spaghetti, egg noodles, or even ramen noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions and avoid overcooking.
Q2: What is the best way to slice the beef for this recipe?
For tender beef in your lo mein, slice the beef against the grain in thin, even strips. This helps in creating soft, melt-in-your-mouth bites. Freezing the beef for about 20 minutes before slicing can make it easier to cut thin strips.
Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the beef and substitute with tofu or more vegetables such as mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini. You can also add more sauce to compensate for the lack of meat flavor.
Q4: Can I store leftovers?
Yes, beef lo mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry the leftovers in a hot pan with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
Q5: What makes lo mein different from chow mein?
Lo mein involves tossing cooked noodles into a stir-fry, whereas chow mein uses fried noodles. The key difference is in the cooking process of the noodles, with lo mein being softer and chow mein being more crispy.
Conclusion :
Homemade Beef Lo Mein is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The tender beef, combined with the crisp vegetables and perfectly coated noodles, brings a delightful harmony to the table. This recipe allows for flexibility, enabling you to tailor the dish to your preference with different proteins or vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this beef lo mein recipe will be a hit every time. Not only is it quicker than takeout, but it’s also healthier and can be customized to your liking. Enjoy your homemade creation, and happy cooking!
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Homemade Beef Lo Mein
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients :
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
Preparation :
Step 1: Cook the Lo Mein Noodles
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in salted water for about 4-5 minutes until they are just tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside, keeping them slightly oiled with a small drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the beef by marinating it. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss the thinly sliced beef sirloin in the marinade, ensuring every slice is coated. Let the beef sit for at least 10 minutes, allowing the marinade to penetrate and infuse flavor into the meat.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated beef slices to the pan in a single layer. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp but still retain some bite.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Once the vegetables are cooked, return the cooked beef and drained lo mein noodles to the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats the noodles, beef, and vegetables evenly. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Cooking Notes :
- Customizing Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables to the stir-fry, such as mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy. These extra ingredients not only add more flavor but also increase the nutritional value of the dish.
- Beef Options: If you don’t have beef sirloin, you can substitute it with flank steak, ribeye, or even thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter alternative.
- Noodle Variations: While lo mein noodles are ideal for this recipe, you can also use spaghetti or egg noodles in a pinch. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 per serving
- Sodium: 950mg per serving
- Protein: 25g per serving