Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Beef Lo Mein delivers all the best takeout flavors right at home, with unbelievably tender steak, a touch of sweet and savory sauce, and plenty of crisp-tender veggies tossed amongst golden noodles. This classic Chinese-American dish is pure comfort food: a medley of beef, vegetables, and springy noodles ready in just 30 minutes—faster than grabbing your keys for delivery! If you love hearty stir fry noodles loaded with bright colors and bold flavors, Beef Lo Mein will easily become a go-to in your weeknight rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef Lo Mein shines because every ingredient is here for a reason—no fillers, just essential flavors and vibrant textures. From the silky noodles to the colorful veggies and the umami-packed sauce, each component lifts the dish and makes it restaurant-worthy (with way less effort!).

• Noodles: 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti; their chewy bite is the perfect canvas for rich sauce and plenty of toppings.
• Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon; adds nutty depth to the noodles and keeps them from sticking.
• Flank steak: 1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain; delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and soaks up flavor from quick marinating.
• Soy sauce (for beef): 2 tablespoons; infuses the steak with classic savory notes and a hint of caramel color.
• Cornstarch (for beef): 1 tablespoon; gives the beef a silky coating and helps lock in juiciness.
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons; high heat for searing beef and stir-frying vegetables without overpowering their flavors.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced; creates a fragrant base, waking up all the other ingredients.
• Carrots: 1 cup shredded; adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant orange color.
• Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced; its natural sweetness and color make each bite pop.
• Snow peas or broccoli florets: 1 cup; both bring bright green crunch—choose your favorite or mix both!
• Green onions: 4, sliced; sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color.
• Soy sauce (for sauce): 1/4 cup; the foundation of Lo Mein’s savory-sweet flavor.
• Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons; adds deep umami, richness, and body to the sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: 1 tablespoon; gives a subtle sweetness and extra complexity.
• Brown sugar: 1 teaspoon; balances the savory and brings out the flavors in the sauce.
• Sriracha (optional): 1 teaspoon; a little spice if you love heat—add more to turn things up!
• Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon; finishes the sauce with just enough warmth.
• Beef broth or water: 1/4 cup; loosens the sauce for a glossy finish that clings to every noodle.

How to Make Beef Lo Mein

Step 1: Prep the Noodles

Start by cooking your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) just according to package instructions—they should be tender but still genuinely springy. Once drained, toss them immediately with a drizzle of sesame oil. This simple step makes sure your noodles stay separate, glossy, and extra flavorful, never sticky or bland.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain for ultimate tenderness. Give it a quick toss in soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl; this magic marinade soaks in flavor while the cornstarch creates that signature velvety texture you crave in Beef Lo Mein. Let it marinate while you prep the veggies and sauce—ten minutes goes a long way.

Step 3: Mix Up the Sauce

While the beef marinates, whisk together your sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, sriracha (if using), black pepper, and a splash of beef broth or water. This deep, flavorful mixture is what brings everything together in true Lo Mein style—salty, sweet, a little spicy, and utterly delicious.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat half the vegetable oil in a sizzling-hot wok or skillet. Lay the beef in a single layer, letting it sear undisturbed for one to two minutes per side, just until barely cooked through. Quick, hot cooking keeps the slices juicy and deeply flavored. As soon as they’re done, remove the beef and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add the remaining oil right into the same pan. Start with the minced garlic, giving it just 30 seconds to release its perfume, then add carrots, bell pepper, and your chosen green veg. Stir-fry briskly for two to three minutes—just long enough to brighten their color and keep their crunch.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Time for the magic moment! Return the seared beef to the pan, add in your glossy noodles, and pour the sauce all over. Toss everything together with gusto, using tongs or two spatulas, so the sauce coats every noodle and morsel. Let it cook a couple minutes more until piping hot and perfectly combined.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Off the heat, sprinkle generous handfuls of sliced green onions across your Beef Lo Mein. Pile it high into bowls and serve right away—it practically begs to be eaten immediately!

How to Serve Beef Lo Mein

Garnishes

Top your Beef Lo Mein with freshly sliced green onions for brightness, a handful of toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch, or even a scatter of extra sriracha if you’re a heat lover. A drizzle of sesame oil just before serving can also add a lovely, aromatic finish that elevates the noodles even more.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun! This beefy noodle stir fry is sublime with simple steamed edamame, crisp Chinese cucumber salad, or a bowl of classic hot and sour soup. Even a plate of pan-fried dumplings adds a festive, restaurant-style touch to your meal at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun crowd-pleaser, try serving Beef Lo Mein in individual takeout-style boxes for cozy nights in or family movie nights. Turn it into a vibrant Lo Mein bar by setting out extra toppings—chopped peanuts, cilantro, chili crisp—so everyone can personalize their bowl. Or, serve atop a big communal platter at your next gathering for ultimate shareability.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Beef Lo Mein (lucky you!), let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to three days. The flavors mature and deepen overnight, making next-day lunches taste even better.

Freezing

Beef Lo Mein can be frozen in individual portions or a larger container for up to two months. For best results, let it cool completely before freezing, and be aware that the noodles might soften a bit upon reheating—but the sauce and beef retain their flavor beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a skillet or wok over medium heat with a splash of water or extra beef broth to revive the sauciness. Microwave reheating works in a pinch; just stir halfway through and sprinkle with a bit more green onion to freshen things up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Beef Lo Mein?

Absolutely! Flank steak is classic for its tenderness and ease of slicing, but you can swap in sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced brisket—just be sure to cut against the grain for the best texture.

Is it possible to make Beef Lo Mein gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and a gluten-free oyster and hoisin sauce, and substitute the noodles with your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles for a truly satisfying gluten-free meal.

What’s the difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?

The main difference is in the preparation: Lo Mein noodles are boiled and then tossed in sauce, keeping them soft and chewy, while Chow Mein noodles are often fried for a crispier texture. Beef Lo Mein is all about those glossy, slurpable noodles!

Can I add more vegetables to Beef Lo Mein?

Certainly! This dish is endlessly adaptable—try adding mushrooms, baby bok choy, napa cabbage, or snap peas for even more color and crunch. It’s a fantastic “clean out the fridge” meal.

How spicy is this Beef Lo Mein recipe?

Beef Lo Mein is generally mild with a hint of warmth from sriracha, but you’re in complete control. Add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or chili crisp for more kick, or leave the spice out altogether for a kid-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving cozy takeout vibes or looking to impress friends with a beautiful, homemade dinner, Beef Lo Mein is a delicious (and surprisingly simple) dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and let the irresistible flavors and textures win your family over—you might just retire your delivery app for good!

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