There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty, flavorful noodle dish that brings the best of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and that glossy, savory sauce all in one bowl. This Beef Lo Mein Recipe captures that magic perfectly, offering a quick yet impressive homemade meal that feels straight from your favorite takeout spot. With its balanced blend of textures and vibrant flavors, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients form the backbone of an authentic and delicious Beef Lo Mein Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tender flank steak that provides rich flavor and texture to the fresh veggies that add crunch and color.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain so it stays tender and juicy when cooked.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and umami to both the marinade and the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the beef and create a silky texture in the sauce coating.
- Sesame oil: Offers a fragrant, nutty aroma that lifts the entire dish.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce mix.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- Oyster sauce: Gives a deep, savory flavor that is essential to authentic Chinese cooking.
- Garlic and ginger: These aromatics provide a fresh, zesty kick that wakes up every bite.
- Lo mein noodles (or spaghetti): The perfect vehicle for soaking up that delicious sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying and imparting a light crispness.
- Carrots, broccoli florets, bell peppers, snow peas: Fresh vegetables that add vibrant colors, crunch, and nutrients.
- Green onions: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of brightness and subtle sharpness when served.
How to Make Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by mixing soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of sesame oil in a bowl. Toss the thinly sliced flank steak into this mixture, ensuring every piece gets a nice coating. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes—this tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor, setting the stage for a juicy and flavorful bite.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While your beef marinates, boil the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain them well and set aside. Cooking the noodles properly means they’ll hold their texture and soak up just the right amount of sauce in the final stir-fry.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the Beef Lo Mein Recipe, delivering that irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors with a hint of warmth from the garlic and ginger.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Quickly stir-fry the marinated beef for two to three minutes until it sears and browns beautifully. Be careful not to overcook—the goal is a tender, slightly caramelized crust. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the shredded carrots, broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and snow peas if you’re using them. Stir-fry for about three to four minutes to get tender-crisp veggies that still have a bit of snap—this contrast in texture is what makes the dish exciting to eat.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then add the drained noodles. Pour over the prepared sauce and toss everything together for two to three minutes over medium heat. This step ensures the noodles soak in the delicious sauce and all ingredients meld into a harmonious, mouthwatering dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Beef Lo Mein Recipe by sprinkling sliced green onions on top. These fresh notes add an inviting color contrast and a flavorful bite, turning your dish into an impressive, restaurant-quality meal served right from your own kitchen.
How to Serve Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are classic for a reason—they add a pop of color and fresh bite that brightens each mouthful. You can also try toasted sesame seeds or even a few thin slices of fresh red chili if you crave a little heat.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve your Beef Lo Mein Recipe alongside simple sides like steamed dumplings, crisp spring rolls, or a refreshing cucumber salad. These pairings complement the savory noodles without overpowering their flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your lo mein in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or fresh herbs like cilantro to impress guests visually. Wrapping portions in crisp lettuce leaves can create handheld bites, adding a fresh crunch that’s unexpected and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Beef Lo Mein Recipe has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a convenient and tasty option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the dish longer, freezing is possible but not ideal due to the texture of noodles and vegetables. Should you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Beef Lo Mein gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the noodles and prevent drying out. This method maintains the dish’s texture better than microwaving, keeping the beef tender and veggies crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak thinly sliced against the grain. Avoid tougher cuts unless you plan on marinating longer or slow cooking.
What if I can’t find lo mein noodles?
No worries at all. You can substitute with spaghetti or fettuccine noodles, which will still absorb the sauce nicely and provide a similar mouthfeel.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap out the beef for firm tofu or a mix of mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce substitutes. Load up on the veggies to keep it hearty and flavorful.
How spicy is this Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
It’s not spicy by default, making it perfect for all palates. However, feel free to add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh sliced chili if you want to turn up the heat.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Beef Lo Mein holds up well for next-day meals and can be packed in containers for easy reheating. Just store sauce separately if you want to keep noodles from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Lo Mein Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in your mouth—comforting, satisfying, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for sharing with friends and family. Once you master this recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite, a go-to that never gets old. So, grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating something truly delicious and comforting tonight!
Print
Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This flavorful Beef Lo Mein recipe combines tender flank steak, fresh vegetables, and chewy noodles all tossed in a savory homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect stir-fry dinner that’s both quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup snow peas (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Add thinly sliced flank steak and toss well to coat. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, usually boiling for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger until smooth and well combined.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add shredded carrots, broccoli florets, bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained noodles, then pour the prepared sauce over all. Toss everything together over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until noodles are well coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use flank steak or sirloin for best tenderness and flavor.
- If lo mein noodles are unavailable, spaghetti or linguine are good substitutes.
- Adjust vegetables based on preference or seasonal availability.
- For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil during stir-fry.
- Ensure noodles are drained well to avoid sogginess in the final dish.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet.
