Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor, this Beef Lo Mein recipe is just what you need. It’s a perfect combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles, all tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea or something special to impress your guests, this dish will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Introduction
Beef Lo Mein is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked noodles. Originating from Cantonese cuisine, Lo Mein literally means “stirred noodles,” and it has become a favorite in many households around the world. What makes this dish unique is the combination of textures and flavors, from the tender beef to the crunchy vegetables and soft noodles.
I first fell in love with Beef Lo Mein during a visit to a local Chinese restaurant. The rich flavors and the way the noodles absorbed the savory sauce was unforgettable. Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you can recreate that amazing experience at home.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Beef Lo Mein recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- For the Lo Mein:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Beef Lo Mein
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Beef Lo Mein:
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch until well coated. Set aside to marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the sliced onion, minced garlic, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and beef broth. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened. Add the cooked lo mein noodles or spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the Beef Lo Mein hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Slice the Beef Thinly: For the best texture, make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures that the meat remains tender and absorbs the marinade well.
- Prep the Ingredients Ahead of Time: Lo Mein comes together quickly, so it’s helpful to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a more saucy dish, feel free to double the sauce ingredients.
Cooking Tips
- Use High Heat: When stir-frying, high heat is essential to achieve that signature slightly charred flavor. Just be sure to keep stirring to prevent burning.
- Swap the Noodles: While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can easily substitute them with spaghetti or even rice noodles if you prefer a gluten-free option.
- Add Protein Variations: You can swap the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different take on the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Lo Mein pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Egg Rolls: Crisp and savory, egg rolls make a great appetizer or side dish.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A flavorful soup that balances the richness of the Lo Mein.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Enhance the meal with a simple side of stir-fried bok choy or snow peas.
- Jasmine Rice: For those who love their meals extra hearty, serve the Lo Mein over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of this Beef Lo Mein recipe is important for those mindful of their dietary intake. Here’s a brief overview:
This dish is rich in protein and fiber, thanks to the beef and vegetables, while the noodles provide a good source of carbohydrates for energy. The inclusion of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef broth adds depth of flavor without adding excessive calories.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 4500IU
- Vitamin C: 80mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 3mg
This meal is a good source of protein and vitamins A and C, which support immune function and overall health.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to the skillet and warm over medium heat to keep the dish from drying out.
Leftover Ideas: Transform leftovers into a new dish by adding scrambled eggs for a Lo Mein-inspired stir fry, or wrap the mixture in tortillas for a quick and delicious Asian-style wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or shrimp are excellent substitutes for beef in this Lo Mein recipe. Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
If you’re allergic to shellfish or simply don’t have oyster sauce on hand, hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of sugar can work as a substitute.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use rice noodles or another gluten-free noodle option. Ensure that the soy sauce and oyster sauce you use are labeled gluten-free as well.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Beef Lo Mein recipe, you might also like these delicious options:
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Beef Lo Mein recipe as much as I do! It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you or if you tried any fun variations.
PrintBeef Lo Mein Recipe – Easy Homemade Stir-Fry Noodles
Description
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor, this Beef Lo Mein recipe is just what you need. It’s a perfect combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles, all tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea or something special to impress your guests, this dish will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
- For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- For the Lo Mein:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch until well coated. Set aside to marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the sliced onion, minced garlic, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and beef broth. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened. Add the cooked lo mein noodles or spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the Beef Lo Mein hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Slice the Beef Thinly: For the best texture, make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures that the meat remains tender and absorbs the marinade well.
- Prep the Ingredients Ahead of Time: Lo Mein comes together quickly, so it’s helpful to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a more saucy dish, feel free to double the sauce ingredients.