Savory Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Sizzling Beef Lo Mein Recipe for Dinner Magic

Sizzling woks and aromatic spices dance together in this authentic beef lo mein delight that promises a culinary adventure straight from the heart of Chinese cuisine.

Tender strips of beef weave through silky noodles, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you to bustling street markets.

Each bite bursts with savory goodness and vibrant vegetables that add color and crunch to this classic dish.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ingredients that make this recipe sing with deliciousness.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this lo mein brings restaurant-quality taste right to your dinner table.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this mouthwatering meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Dive into this irresistible beef lo mein and let your taste buds celebrate a truly delectable dining experience.

Store & Reheat Noodles for a Quick Leftover Fix

  • Smart Storage Solutions
  • Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Seal leftover beef lo mein in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for 3-4 days. Moisture-tight sealing prevents flavor loss and maintains texture.
  • Quick Reheat Technique: Warm portions in a skillet with a splash of water or additional sauce, stirring gently to restore original moisture and prevent noodle dryness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Portion cooled lo mein into freezer-safe containers, storing up to 2 months. Separate sauce and noodles for best quality when thawing.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare sauce and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in refrigerated containers. Cook noodles and beef just before serving to maintain freshness and optimal taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

Beef Lo Mein Ingredient Guide

For Noodle Base:
  • Lo Mein Noodles: Slippery and perfect for soaking up delicious sauces, choose fresh or dried noodles with good wheat texture.
For Protein and Seasoning:
  • Beef Strips: Tender meat that adds rich protein and hearty flavor, select lean cuts like sirloin or flank steak for best results.
  • Beef Bouillon: Concentrated flavor booster that deepens savory umami profile of the entire dish.
  • Soy Sauce: Salty liquid that enhances overall taste and provides traditional Asian cooking depth.
For Sauce and Aromatics:
  • Sesame Oil: Nutty and fragrant oil that introduces authentic Asian cooking essence.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create glossy sauce coating.
  • Garlic: Powerful aromatic that builds foundational flavor profile.
  • Onion: Provides sweet undertone and texture contrast.
  • Cooking Oil: Neutral medium for sautéing ingredients smoothly.
For Vegetable Mix:
  • Carrots: Crunchy vegetable that introduces bright color and natural sweetness.
  • Broccoli: Nutritious green that adds texture and vibrant green hue.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish offering mild onion flavor and visual appeal.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds: Toasty topping that provides delightful crunch and nutty accent.

Wok or Pan? Tools for Quick Beef Lo Mein

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling noodles.
  • Skillet or wok: Crucial for stir-frying beef and vegetables.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps measure sauce components accurately.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Helps slice vegetables and beef precisely.
  • Colander: Used for draining cooked noodles quickly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients during cooking.

Quick Stir-Fry Instructions for Lo Mein Success

  • Noodle Preparation

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until it reaches the perfect texture. Drain and set aside, ready for the flavor adventure.

  • Sauce Magic

Create a tantalizing sauce by blending sesame oil, hot water, beef bouillon, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and set aside for later.

  • Beef Sizzle

Heat a skillet with a touch of oil over high heat. Toss in beef and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove and keep warm.

  • Vegetable Symphony

In the same skillet, add a splash more oil and toss in a colorful mix of carrots, broccoli, onions, and garlic. Sauté until they’re vibrant and slightly crisp.

  • Flavor Fusion

Reunite the beef with the sizzling vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour over the prepared sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

  • Final Flourish

Continue cooking for a few more minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and coat every ingredient. Serve piping hot, with a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of excitement.

Tips to Keep Noodles from Getting Mushy

  • Noodle Swap: Replace pasta with rice noodles, soba noodles, or whole wheat spaghetti for a unique twist on this classic dish.
  • Protein Power: Substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or plant-based meat alternatives to suit different dietary preferences.
  • Veggie Boost: Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra crunch.
  • Spice It Up: Drizzle some sriracha sauce, add red pepper flakes, or include a dash of chili oil for those who enjoy a spicy kick to their lo mein.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and chop vegetables in advance to cut down on cooking time during busy weeknights, making this recipe a convenient meal option.

Plate Up Beef Lo Mein with Green Onions

  • Flavor Party Platter: Create a vibrant spread with small side dishes like pickled cucumber salad, crispy spring rolls, or tangy Asian slaw to complement the rich beef lo mein.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add extra protein by topping with soft-boiled eggs, sliced grilled chicken, or crispy tofu for a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
  • Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds on top to add bright colors, subtle crunch, and an aromatic flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.
  • Spice Lover's Dream: Set out sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes on the side so guests can customize their heat level and enjoy a personalized dining experience.
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Savory Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Savory Beef Lo Mein Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Lo mein brings authentic Chinese noodle magic to home kitchens with minimal effort. Quick stir-frying creates delicious restaurant-quality results you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) beef, preferably flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz (226 g) pasta (lo mein noodles or spaghetti)
  • 1 tbsp beef bouillon powder
  • 3 tbsps soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly boiled water
  • Cooking oil, for stir-frying

Instructions

  1. Noodle Preparation: Immerse noodles in rapidly boiling water, cooking until they reach al dente perfection. Drain meticulously, spreading them out to prevent clumping and preserve their individual texture.
  2. Sauce Crafting: Blend sesame oil, hot water, beef bouillon, soy sauce, and brown sugar into a harmonious, silky emulsion by whisking vigorously until completely integrated.
  3. Beef Searing: Ignite a wok or skillet with high-intensity heat, introducing a gossamer layer of cooking oil. Propel beef chunks across the surface, executing a dynamic stir-fry to develop a robust, caramelized exterior. Extract meat and set aside momentarily.
  4. Vegetable Transformation: Within the same culinary vessel, replenish oil if necessary. Cascade chopped carrots, broccoli florets, diced onions, and minced garlic, swiftly sautéing to maintain their vibrant essence and crisp structural integrity.
  5. Flavor Fusion: Reunite seared beef with the vegetable medley, cascading the meticulously crafted sauce overtop. Gently incorporate noodles, ensuring a comprehensive and even distribution of flavors and textures.
  6. Final Culinary Choreography: Elevate heat, continuously agitating the mixture to allow sauce reduction and complete flavor penetration. Verify uniform heating and sauce absorption throughout the dish.
  7. Presentation Flourish: Cascade the aromatic lo mein onto serving plates, crowning with delicately sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to amplify both visual and gustatory dimensions.

Notes

  • Master Noodle Separation: Rinse cooked noodles with cold water immediately after draining to prevent clumping and maintain perfect texture.
  • Sauce Whisking Technique: Mix sauce ingredients thoroughly at room temperature to ensure complete sugar dissolution and flavor integration.
  • High-Heat Stir-Frying Secrets: Use a blazing hot wok or skillet to achieve authentic caramelization and seal in meaty flavors quickly.
  • Vegetable Crunch Preservation: Sauté vegetables briefly to retain vibrant colors, nutrients, and satisfying crisp texture without turning them mushy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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