Beef Lo Mein Recipe 🍜
Take a moment to savor the comforting flavors of this Beef Lo Mein—a dish that effortlessly brings together the rich, umami taste of stir-fried beef with crisp, colorful vegetables and perfectly coated noodles. This is a perfect go-to recipe when you want something that feels indulgent yet balanced. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish brings restaurant-quality goodness to your home with ease.
Ingredients Overview
- Beef Sirloin (1 lb, thinly sliced): Tender and flavorful, beef sirloin is ideal for quick stir-frying. Thin slices ensure fast cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): This staple ingredient adds a salty, savory punch to both the marinade and the final sauce, enhancing the beef’s natural flavors.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon for beef, 1 tablespoon for slurry): Cornstarch helps tenderize the beef and also thickens the sauce at the end, making it luxuriously silky.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral in flavor, vegetable oil is perfect for stir-frying at high heat.
- Lo Mein Noodles (8 oz): Traditional lo mein noodles are soft yet chewy and are designed to soak up all the delicious sauce. Spaghetti can be used as a substitute if lo mein noodles are unavailable.
- Onion (1, thinly sliced): Sweet and aromatic, onions add depth to the dish, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must-have in Asian-inspired dishes, garlic infuses the oil with its robust flavor, creating a fragrant base for the stir-fry.
- Carrots (1 cup, sliced): Vibrant and slightly sweet, carrots add color and a crunchy texture.
- Bell Peppers (1 cup, sliced): You can use a mix of red, green, or yellow bell peppers to add a pop of color and fresh, crisp bite.
- Broccoli Florets (1 cup): Broccoli brings a mild sweetness and absorbs the flavors of the sauce, becoming beautifully tender.
- Snow Peas (1 cup): Crisp and fresh, snow peas add texture and a slight sweetness to the stir-fry.
- Oyster Sauce (2 tablespoons): Rich and slightly briny, oyster sauce adds depth and umami that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Just a little sesame oil gives the dish a nutty aroma, taking the flavor complexity to the next level.
- Beef Broth (ÂĽ cup): Adds a meaty richness that blends well with the soy and oyster sauces, giving the dish body and moisture.
- Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (optional for garnish): These finishing touches add a fresh, zesty kick and a little crunch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
Toss the Beef with Flavor: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir until the beef is evenly coated, then set aside for 10-15 minutes. This marinade will infuse the beef with flavor while the cornstarch helps tenderize it, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth bites.
2. Cook the Noodles
Boil the Lo Mein Noodles: While the beef is marinating, cook the 8 oz of lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) according to the package instructions. Once cooked to al dente, drain and set aside.
Helpful Tip: Toss the cooked noodles with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together and to enhance their flavor.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef
Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef slices and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas, and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant and colorful.
Helpful Tip: For evenly cooked vegetables, cut them into similar-sized pieces. Broccoli florets should be small enough to cook through but still retain some bite.
5. Combine the Beef and Vegetables
Bring Everything Together: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, mixing it with the stir-fried vegetables.
6. Create the Sauce
Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ÂĽ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ÂĽ cup beef broth. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
7. Thicken the Sauce
Add the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
8. Toss with Noodles
Toss the Noodles with Sauce: Finally, add the cooked noodles to the skillet, gently tossing everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the savory sauce.
Helpful Tip: Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss the noodles to avoid breaking them.
9. Garnish and Serve
Serve with Flair: Garnish your Beef Lo Mein with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Leftover Beef Lo Mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Helpful Tip: Store the noodles and stir-fry separately if you plan to reheat later. This will help prevent the noodles from becoming soggy. - Reheating: Reheat your Beef Lo Mein on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to revive the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Swap the beef with chicken breast or thighs for a delicious variation.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the beef and use tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
3. Can I use other noodles besides lo mein?
Yes, spaghetti or even ramen noodles can be a great substitute if you don’t have lo mein noodles.
4. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can use hoisin sauce or a bit of soy sauce mixed with a teaspoon of sugar for a similar taste.
5. How do I prevent my beef from getting tough?
Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain and don’t overcook it during the stir-fry process.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bok choy, baby corn, or mushrooms would make excellent additions.
7. Can I use frozen vegetables?
You can, but thaw them first and make sure to cook off any excess water to prevent soggy stir-fry.
8. How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or Sriracha for a kick.
9. What can I use instead of beef broth?
Chicken or vegetable broth works well, or even water if you’re in a pinch.
10. Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, it holds up well in the fridge and can be reheated throughout the week.
11. How do I thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or flour, but the texture might be slightly different.
12. Can I add more sauce if I want it extra saucy?
Absolutely! Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a saucier dish.
13. Can I freeze Beef Lo Mein?
It’s not recommended as the noodles can become mushy after thawing.
14. Is this dish gluten-free?
No, but you can make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
15. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
This recipe is best suited for stir-frying, but you could try slow cooking the beef with the sauce and adding stir-fried veggies and noodles later.
16. Can I substitute sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can leave it out or use olive oil, but the dish will lack that nutty flavor.
17. Why do I need to marinate the beef?
Marinating the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch helps tenderize it and adds flavor.
18. Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes, but ensure they’re not overcooked. Toss them in at the last minute to avoid mushiness.
19. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and marinate the beef ahead of time, but cook everything fresh for the best taste.
