Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Sizzling Beef Lo Mein Recipe: A Scrumptious Noodle Delight

Culinary adventures often lead me to discover incredible beef lo mein that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Noodles dance with succulent strips of tender meat in this classic Asian-inspired creation.

Savory ingredients mingle beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors you’ll crave.

Simple techniques bring complex tastes right to your kitchen counter.

Budget-friendly and quick, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting with this mouthwatering recipe that promises to delight.

Prepare to experience a meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Beef Lo Mein That’s Better Than Takeout in Minutes

  • Quick Weeknight Meal Savior: Whip up this beef lo mein in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious, restaurant-style dinner without the takeout wait.
  • Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Loaded with colorful vegetables and protein-rich beef, this dish delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in every bite.
  • Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily swap proteins, adjust vegetable mix, or tweak sauce intensity to match your taste preferences, making this recipe a versatile kitchen staple for any home cook.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one skillet and a few simple ingredients, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess while maximizing flavor, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Stir-Fry Staples for a Great Beef Lo Mein

Main Protein:
  • Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish, sliced thinly for quick cooking.
Noodles:
  • Lo Mein Noodles: Soft wheat noodles that absorb sauce beautifully and provide the base for the stir-fry.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that create a complex, savory flavor profile.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and depth to the sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Onion: Provide a foundational flavor base with their pungent and sweet notes.
  • Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone to the dish.
  • Sugar: Balances the savory flavors and helps caramelize the sauce.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Snap Peas, Carrots: Colorful mix of vegetables that adds crunch, nutrition, and visual appeal.
Cooking Oils and Liquids:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat cooking and preventing sticking.
  • Water: Helps blend and dilute the sauce ingredients.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a bright finishing touch.

Beef Lo Mein Stir-Fry Method

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

Add lo mein noodles and cook until they reach a perfect al dente texture.

Carefully drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside, letting them rest while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and create a magical sauce blend.

Combine:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch
  • Ground ginger
  • Sugar
  • Water

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, glossy mixture that will elevate your lo mein.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Beef

Heat a large wok or skillet with vegetable oil over high heat.

Toss in sliced beef and quickly stir-fry, allowing the meat to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Once perfectly seared, transfer the beef to a separate plate.

Step 4: Dance of Vegetables

In the same sizzling pan, introduce minced garlic and diced onions.

Let them dance and release their aromatic flavors.

Add a colorful medley of:
  • Bell peppers
  • Snap peas
  • Carrots

Stir-fry these vegetables until they’re tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant colors and nutrients.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the seared beef to the pan.

Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, coating every morsel with rich, savory goodness.

Gently fold in the cooked noodles, ensuring each strand gets bathed in the delectable sauce.

Continue cooking for a few minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce reaches a perfect consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Plate your beef lo mein and sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top.

Serve immediately while steaming hot, ready to delight taste buds and satisfy hunger.

Stir-Fry Tips for Flavorful Beef Lo Mein

  • Rinse cooked noodles with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring perfect texture every time.
  • Cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, using a sharp knife for clean, thin slices.
  • Adjust sauce sweetness and saltiness by tasting and adding more soy sauce or sugar to match your preference.
  • Keep vegetables crisp by cooking them quickly over high heat, maintaining their vibrant color and nutritional value.
  • Replace regular lo mein noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free alternatives to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Beef Lo Mein Storage Help

  • Store leftover beef lo mein in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or water to revive moisture and prevent sticking. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly heated.
  • Reheat only the amount you plan to eat. Multiple reheating cycles can degrade food quality, texture, and increase risk of foodborne illness.

Side Picks for Beef Lo Mein

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Choose a slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the savory beef and complements the umami sauce, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
  • Enhance with Tsing Tao Beer: Select this classic Chinese lager to match the lo mein's bold flavors, its light and crisp profile providing a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty dish.
  • Boost with Jasmine Green Tea: Brew a delicate jasmine green tea to cleanse the palate between bites, its subtle floral notes harmonizing with the stir-fry's complex seasonings.
  • Complement with Cucumber Salad: Create a cool side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds to offer a fresh, light contrast to the warm, saucy lo mein.

Beef Lo Mein Stir-Fry Styles

  • Vegetarian Lo Mein: Replace beef with firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or use seitan for a protein-packed alternative that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional lo mein noodles with rice noodles or zucchini noodles, and use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Spicy Kick Lo Mein: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for those who enjoy a fiery flavor profile that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute noodles with spiralized vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the dish that still delivers robust flavor.

FAQs

  • What are lo mein noodles?

Lo mein noodles are Chinese egg noodles that are boiled and then tossed with sauce and other ingredients. They’re typically wheat-based, soft, and slightly chewy, different from crispy chow mein noodles.

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s cooked properly.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional lo mein isn’t gluten-free because it contains wheat noodles and soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and replace wheat noodles with rice noodles.

  • How spicy is this lo mein?

This basic recipe isn’t spicy. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or sliced fresh chili peppers during the stir-frying process to customize the spice level.

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Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Beef Lo Mein Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Discover mouthwatering beef lo mein, a classic Chinese noodle dish that blends savory flavors and tender beef with perfectly cooked vegetables. Slurp-worthy noodles and rich sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

Noodles and Carbohydrates:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, julienned
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup water

Cooking Oil:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Immerse lo mein noodles in boiling water, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Craft a harmonious sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, ground ginger, sugar, and water into a silky emulsion.
  3. Ignite a large skillet with vegetable oil over robust heat. Sear beef slices rapidly, achieving a caramelized exterior within 2-3 minutes. Transfer meat to a temporary holding plate.
  4. Utilize the same skillet’s residual flavors, introducing minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté briefly until fragrant and translucent.
  5. Integrate vibrant bell peppers, crisp snap peas, and julienned carrots. Maneuver ingredients swiftly, maintaining their textural integrity for approximately 3 minutes.
  6. Reintroduce seared beef into the vegetable medley, cascading the prepared sauce across the mixture. Ensure comprehensive coating through vigorous stirring.
  7. Gently fold cooked noodles into the aromatic ensemble, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken during a final 2-minute simmer.
  8. Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering freshly chopped green onions atop the steaming lo mein. Serve immediately for optimal gustatory experience.

Notes

  • Opt for fresh lo mein noodles from Asian grocery stores for authentic texture and flavor.
  • Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak to reduce fat while maintaining tenderness.
  • Control sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing added salt in the sauce.
  • Customize vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preferences for variety.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 69 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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