Beef Lo Mein

Beef Lo Mein is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory, umami-packed sauce. This takeout favorite delivers bold flavors with the perfect balance of chewy noodles, succulent meat, and crunchy stir-fried vegetables. What makes this dish truly special is its versatility—customize it with your choice of protein or veggies to suit your taste preferences.

This homemade version of Beef Lo Mein is faster, fresher, and healthier than ordering takeout, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil gives the dish its signature flavor, while the tender beef and vibrant vegetables provide the perfect texture and color contrast. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or planning to impress guests at a dinner party, Beef Lo Mein is guaranteed to satisfy. Serve it hot from the skillet or pack it for meal prep—it’s equally delicious and convenient.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in no time.

Customizable: You can swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and use any vegetables you have on hand for a personalized dish.

Takeout Favorite at Home: Skip the takeout menus! This version is fresh, flavorful, and free of the added sodium and preservatives you might find in restaurant options.

Family-Friendly: The combination of noodles, tender beef, and a savory sauce makes this dish a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Meal Prep Friendly: Beef Lo Mein reheats beautifully, making it perfect for prepping ahead for lunches throughout the week.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g

Ingredients

For the Lo Mein:

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti/egg noodles as a substitute)
• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas or green beans
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for adjusting sauce consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, and toss with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly. This helps tenderize the meat and creates a nice crust when cooked.
2. Let the beef sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef in a single layer and let it sear for 1–2 minutes without stirring to develop a nice crust. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until browned.
3. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables.
2. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and heated through.
3. Adjust the sauce consistency with water if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the Beef Lo Mein to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

Lo Mein Noodles: These wheat-based noodles are soft, chewy, and perfect for soaking up the sauce. If unavailable, spaghetti or egg noodles work as great substitutes.

Flank Steak: Thinly slicing the steak against the grain ensures it stays tender and juicy. Sirloin or ribeye can also be used for this dish.

Soy Sauce: Adds salty, umami-rich depth to the dish. Low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness.

Oyster Sauce: A staple in Chinese cooking, oyster sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that complements the beef.

Sesame Oil: This aromatic oil enhances the overall flavor of the dish with its toasty, nutty essence.

Technique Tips

Slice the Beef Thinly: Cutting the beef against the grain into thin strips helps it cook quickly and remain tender.

Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Stir-fry the vegetables just until they’re crisp-tender to maintain their texture and bright color.

Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to achieve the desired consistency.

Work Quickly: Stir-frying is a fast process, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Beef Lo Mein: Add 1–2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Chicken Lo Mein: Replace the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter option.

Shrimp Lo Mein: Use shrimp instead of beef and stir-fry until pink and opaque.

Vegetarian Lo Mein: Skip the beef and add tofu or more vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or snow peas.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Freezing: Freeze the cooked Beef Lo Mein in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating to keep the noodles moist.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Family Dinner: Make Beef Lo Mein the star of your family dinner by pairing it with homemade egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or wonton soup for a full takeout-style experience. Serve everything on a large platter for a cozy, shareable meal that’s perfect for family-style dining.

Dinner Party: Impress your guests by serving the Beef Lo Mein on an elegant platter garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a wedge of lime. Use stylish chopsticks and decorative bowls to elevate the presentation, and pair it with appetizers like shrimp spring rolls or chicken satay skewers for a complete Asian-inspired menu.

Potluck Favorite: Beef Lo Mein is always a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for potlucks or group gatherings. Transfer the noodles to a covered casserole dish or aluminum tray to keep them warm, and bring serving tongs for easy portioning. Label the dish and include a small container of extra sauce for anyone who loves a bolder flavor.

Meal Prep: For those with busy schedules, divide the Beef Lo Mein into individual meal prep containers with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried bok choy for added veggies. Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for easy grab-and-go lunches or weeknight dinners. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick, satisfying meal that tastes just as good as freshly cooked.

Special Equipment

Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is the preferred choice for cooking Beef Lo Mein because its high, sloping sides allow for even heating and quick tossing of the ingredients. A large, nonstick skillet works just as well if you don’t have a wok.

Sharp Knife: A sharp chef’s knife ensures you can slice the beef thinly and precisely, which is key to quick cooking and tender results. It’s also perfect for chopping the vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Tongs: Essential for tossing the noodles, beef, and vegetables together evenly without crushing the noodles. Tongs make serving easier as well, ensuring each portion has a perfect mix of beef, vegetables, and noodles.

Mixing Bowls: Useful for marinating the beef and preparing the sauce ahead of time, helping streamline the cooking process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or even skirt steak work well as long as they’re thinly sliced against the grain.

2. What noodles can I substitute for lo mein noodles?
Spaghetti, egg noodles, or even ramen noodles are great alternatives.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.

4. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. What other vegetables can I add?
Bok choy, spinach, cabbage, or mushrooms are great additions to customize the dish.

6. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Toss the noodles with a little sesame oil after cooking to keep them from sticking together.

7. Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes, pre-cooked noodles can save time—just ensure they’re not overcooked during reheating.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Use a larger skillet or wok and cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Beef Lo Mein is the perfect combination of savory, satisfying flavors and quick preparation, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This dish proves that you don’t need to rely on takeout to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. With its tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and chewy noodles, every bite delivers an irresistible balance of textures and tastes.

Whether you’re serving it for your family, guests, or meal prepping for the week ahead, Beef Lo Mein offers endless versatility and deliciousness. By using simple ingredients and following a few key techniques, you’ll have a flavorful and hearty dish ready to impress.

Bring the flavors of your favorite takeout to your table with this easy, customizable recipe—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how much everyone enjoys it!

Print