Beef lo mein is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and noodles in a savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please the whole family. Let’s dive into the details!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables and proteins.
- Deliciously Savory: Packed with flavor from the sauce and fresh ingredients.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet or wok.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: Or any Asian egg noodles
- 1 pound beef: Thinly sliced (flank steak or sirloin)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For cooking
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced
- 1-inch piece ginger: Grated or minced
- 1 bell pepper: Sliced (any color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot: Julienne or sliced
- 1 cup snap peas: Or snow peas
- 3 green onions: Chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Low-sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Optional, for extra flavor
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: For sweetness
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a sprinkle of cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixture. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
- Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Add the Vegetables Back: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
Step 7: Add the Noodles
- Toss in the Noodles: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and gently toss everything together until well combined. Cook for another minute to heat through.
Step 8: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy your homemade beef lo mein!
Tips for Success
- Thinly Slice the Beef: Cutting against the grain helps keep the beef tender.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Fresh, crisp vegetables make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or hoisin for sweetness.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Beef lo mein is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and colorful vegetables, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy cooking and savoring every bite!