Beef Lo Mein

Beef Lo Mein: A Delicious and Quick Chinese Stir-Fry Recipe

Beef Lo Mein is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish that combines tender beef, colorful vegetables, and chewy noodles, all tossed in a savory sauce. It’s a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to prepare a quick and delicious Beef Lo Mein from scratch using simple ingredients, making it an easy and cost-effective alternative to takeout.

Ingredients for Beef Lo Mein

To create the perfect Beef Lo Mein, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Stir-Fry:
  • 8 oz (225g) beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
  • 8 oz (225g) Lo Mein noodles (or substitute with spaghetti)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• For the Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles:

Begin by cooking the Lo Mein noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling the noodles for 3-4 minutes until tender. Once cooked, drain and set aside, tossing them with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.

2. Prepare the Beef:

Slice your beef thinly against the grain. For a tender texture, use flank steak or sirloin. If you want extra flavor, marinate the beef in a little soy sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of rice vinegar for 15-20 minutes before stir-frying.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

4. Cook the Beef:

Add the sliced beef to the skillet with the vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through. The beef should be brown and slightly caramelized.

5. Add the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if using). Pour this sauce over the beef and vegetables in the skillet, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

6. Combine Noodles and Toss:

Add the cooked Lo Mein noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles are well coated in the sauce and mixed with the veggies and beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top of your Beef Lo Mein for a fresh crunch and added flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Why You’ll Love Beef Lo Mein

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can add or substitute your favorite vegetables, like snow peas, baby corn, or bok choy. You can also switch the beef for chicken, pork, or tofu to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Meal: With minimal cleanup required, this recipe is not only delicious but also convenient and hassle-free.
• Authentic Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil brings a rich, authentic flavor that rivals any takeout dish.

Tips for the Best Beef Lo Mein

• Tender Beef: For the most tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain. Marinating the beef before cooking can also help achieve a more tender texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure everything cooks evenly, stir-fry the beef and vegetables in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than stir-frying.
• Use Fresh Noodles: If possible, opt for fresh Lo Mein noodles from an Asian market, as they have a better texture compared to dried noodles.

Conclusion

Beef Lo Mein is the perfect recipe for anyone craving a flavorful, savory stir-fry. It’s versatile, quick, and easy to make, offering all the satisfaction of Chinese takeout without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family dinner, this dish will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Serving and Storage Tips for Beef Lo Mein

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish: Enhance the presentation and flavor by garnishing your Beef Lo Mein with freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a dash of chili flakes for a little heat.
2. Pair with Sides: Serve your Beef Lo Mein with complementary sides like steamed dumplings, vegetable spring rolls, or a fresh Asian cucumber salad to create a complete meal.
3. Family-Style: For a more communal dining experience, serve Beef Lo Mein in a large bowl or platter for everyone to dig in together. It’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
4. Add Protein Variations: While this recipe uses beef, you can serve it with a variety of proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a customizable dish depending on your preferences.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Allow any leftover Beef Lo Mein to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: You can freeze Beef Lo Mein for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 1-2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture of the noodles may change slightly after freezing.
3. Reheating: When reheating, warm Beef Lo Mein on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring to ensure even heating.
4. Prevent Soggy Noodles: To prevent the noodles from becoming too soft, it’s best to store the noodles and sauce separately if you know you’ll have leftovers. Combine them when reheating for the best texture.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Beef Lo Mein both fresh and as leftovers, keeping the flavors vibrant and the noodles perfectly cooked!

1. Can I use a different type of noodle for Beef Lo Mein?

Yes, you can substitute Lo Mein noodles with other types of noodles such as spaghetti, egg noodles, or even rice noodles. However, Lo Mein noodles are ideal because of their chewy texture and ability to absorb the sauce well. Just be sure to cook the noodles according to their package instructions.

2. Can I make Beef Lo Mein without beef?

Absolutely! Beef Lo Mein can easily be made with other proteins like chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu. You can also make a vegetarian version by increasing the amount of vegetables or adding plant-based protein like tempeh.

3. How can I make Beef Lo Mein spicier?

If you like a little heat, add some sriracha sauce, chili paste, or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or directly to the dish while stir-frying. Adjust the spice level to your taste for a customized kick.

4. Can I make Beef Lo Mein ahead of time?

Yes, Beef Lo Mein can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep the noodles from becoming too soft, store the noodles and sauce separately. Simply reheat the dish in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to serve.

Print