If you have ever wanted to impress with a flavorful, comforting noodle dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Beef Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender slices of beef with vibrant vegetables and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles tossed in a savory-sweet sauce, this dish brings the best of home-style Chinese cooking right to your kitchen countertop. Every bite offers an irresistible mix of textures and layers of flavors that will make this recipe a fast favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a vibrant, balanced Beef Lo Mein Recipe that bursts with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible character, from the crisp veggies to the tender beef and the rich, umami sauce.
- 8 oz. lo mein noodles: The foundation of the dish, these noodles soak up the sauce beautifully while staying delightfully chewy.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Adds a subtle toasty aroma and richness to the noodles when tossed in early.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Provides crisp texture and vibrant green color, plus a nutritious crunch.
- 1 tsp olive oil: Perfect for cooking the beef and vegetables without overpowering their flavors.
- 8 oz. flank steak (thinly sliced): Tender, thin slices cook quickly and soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
- 1 beef bouillon cube: Adds a burst of beefy umami flavor, deepening the taste complexity.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant and mouthwatering aroma.
- 1 tsp ginger (minced): Gives a warm, slightly spicy note that brightens the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and vibrant color, balancing savory elements perfectly.
- 8 oz. sliced water chestnuts (drained and rinsed): Brings a crisp, juicy crunch for extra texture contrast.
- 1 carrot (shredded): Sweetness and color that lighten the dish and add visual appeal.
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar: Gives the sauce its subtle sweetness to balance saltiness and spice.
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone with umami power, keeping the flavor balanced and rich.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tsp sriracha: For a gentle kick of heat that warms the palate without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil: Boosts the nutty finish of the sauce, elevating the dish’s aroma and flavor.
- Sesame seeds, sliced green onions: Perfect garnishes that add finishing textures and a fresh bite.
How to Make Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Broccoli
Start off by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the lo mein noodles according to package instructions ensures they come out perfectly tender but chewy. After draining, toss them with a teaspoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking and impart that signature nuttiness right away. Next, reuse the pot to blanch the broccoli florets; boiling them for 4 to 5 minutes lets them soften slightly while retaining a lovely crunch and bright color.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
While your broccoli cooks, season the thinly sliced flank steak generously with salt and pepper. Heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil until it shimmers and toss in the beef bouillon cube for a flavor boost. Add the steak and sear it until it’s browned and no longer pink inside. The bouillon melts into the pan juices, enriching the beef with savory goodness. Remove the steak and cover it to keep warm as you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Return the skillet juices to medium-high heat and add minced garlic and ginger. Cooking these gently for 1 to 2 minutes releases intoxicating aromas and builds a delicious flavor base that defines this Beef Lo Mein Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In go the red bell pepper slices, water chestnuts, and shredded carrot. Tossing these vegetables as they cook for 3 to 5 minutes softens them just the right amount, keeping a pleasant bite and an inviting medley of textures. Don’t hesitate to drizzle in a splash more olive oil if the skillet feels dry to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This glossy sauce marries sweet, salty, spicy, and nutty notes, melding together all the elements of the recipe into a harmonious whole.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Bring it all home by returning the noodles, broccoli, and cooked beef to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the sauce over the entire mixture and toss vigorously to ensure every bite is coated in that luscious sauce. This step is where the dish truly comes alive — vibrant, savory, and coated with the perfect glaze.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Dish it out immediately while warm and sprinkle the top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These final touches add a fresh crunch and a burst of color, making every bite as delightful to the eye as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds add fresh bursts of flavor and an extra layer of texture that elevate your Beef Lo Mein Recipe from everyday to memorable. A little sprinkle of these “finishing touches” adds so much personality to the dish.
Side Dishes
Serve your Beef Lo Mein alongside light sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp Asian cucumber salad, or even simple miso soup to round out the meal. These pairings provide contrast and complement the rich, saucy noodles perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Beef Lo Mein Recipe in individual bowl servings topped with a fried egg for extra indulgence or tuck it into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist. You can also add crunchy roasted peanuts or a drizzle of chili oil for more layers of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Beef Lo Mein tastes fantastic as leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Beef Lo Mein, separate it into freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that noodles sometimes soften slightly after freezing, so it’s best to reheat gently to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Beef Lo Mein in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This method helps revive the noodles’ texture and keeps the beef tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is fantastic for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?
This Beef Lo Mein Recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to swap broccoli and bell peppers for snap peas, mushrooms, bok choy, or bean sprouts depending on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and swap the beef bouillon cube for a vegetable-based alternative. Just ensure your sauces are vegetarian friendly and you’re all set.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep the vegetables and slice the beef ahead to save time on cooking day. Even pre-cooking the noodles and storing them tossed in sesame oil helps streamline the process without sacrificing freshness.
How spicy is the dish and can I adjust it?
The sriracha adds a mild heat that you can easily adjust. Use less or skip entirely for a milder flavor, or add more for a spicy kick. You can also swap sriracha with buffalo sauce for a unique twist!
Final Thoughts
This Beef Lo Mein Recipe is one of those perfect dishes that feels both comforting and exciting with every bite. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve to guests. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and experience the perfect combination of tender beef, crisp veggies, and savory noodles that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious mouthful!
Print
Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This flavorful Beef Lo Mein recipe combines tender flank steak, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles tossed in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. A quick and satisfying stir-fry dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, packed with vibrant colors and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 oz. lo mein noodles
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for noodles)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp olive oil (for cooking steak and veggies)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 8 oz. sliced water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
- 1 carrot, shredded
Beef and Seasoning
- 8 oz. flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain (skirt or sirloin also work)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
Sauce
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (or Buffalo sauce)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook Noodles and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a bowl, tossing with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking. Refill the pot with salted water, bring to a boil again, and blanch the broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until cooked but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: While the broccoli cooks, season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon olive oil, heating until shimmering. Add the beef bouillon cube to the skillet to dissolve. Add the steak slices and cook until no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes depending on thickness. Remove steak from skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Keep the skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining juices. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, water chestnuts, and shredded carrot to the skillet. Toss to combine and cook for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Add a bit more olive oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil until smooth and combined.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef, noodles, and blanched broccoli to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over everything and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the sauce and heat through.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the beef lo mein to serving plates. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and comforting dish.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the beef against the grain ensures tenderness.
- Feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you like, such as snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
- To keep noodles from sticking, toss immediately with sesame oil after draining.
