If you’re craving a comforting, hearty, and flavor-packed dinner, then this Beef Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of tender flank steak, crisp vegetables, and silky noodles all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is not only quick to whip up in about 30 minutes but also brimming with vibrant colors and textures that make every bite completely satisfying. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior in the kitchen or entertaining friends, this Beef Lo Mein Recipe hits the mark every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Beef Lo Mein Recipe, you’ll gather simple yet essential ingredients that bring together the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays its part, from the tender steak to the bright, crunchy vegetables and the rich sauce that ties it all beautifully.
- Flank steak, 1 lb: Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons (for marinade) + 1/4 cup (for sauce): Adds umami richness and saltiness crucial to any Asian-inspired dish.
- Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon: Helps the marinade cling to the beef, creating a silky coating when cooked.
- Sesame oil, 1 teaspoon (for marinade) + 1 tablespoon (for sauce): Brings a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates every bite.
- Hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon: Lends a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Sugar, 1 teaspoon: Balances the savory and tangy flavors in the sauce perfectly.
- Rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- Oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons: Deepens the savory profile with a touch of luxurious umami.
- Garlic, 1 teaspoon minced: Provides that sharp, fragrant punch essential in stir-fry dishes.
- Ginger, 1 teaspoon minced: Adds warmth and a subtle zing to complement the garlic.
- Lo mein noodles, 8 oz (or spaghetti): The tender yet chewy noodles serve as the hearty base of the dish.
- Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons: Perfect for stir-frying at high heat without overpowering flavors.
- Shredded carrots, 1 cup: Adds a sweet crunch and bright orange color.
- Broccoli florets, 1 cup: Brings a satisfying bite and vibrant green freshness.
- Sliced bell peppers, 1/2 cup (any color): Offers crispness and a splash of sweetness.
- Snow peas, 1/2 cup (optional): Adds delicate crunch and a fresh snap if you like a little extra veggie variety.
- Green onions, 3 sliced: Fresh garnishes that add a mild onion flavor and pop of color.
How to Make Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak in a simple marinade made from soy sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of sesame oil. This step is key to infusing the beef with flavor and making it wonderfully tender when cooked. Letting it sit for 15 minutes gives the flavors time to soak in and the cornstarch to create a velvety coating on the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While the beef marinates, boil your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if you don’t have lo mein on hand) according to the package directions. Once tender, drain and set them aside. Having noodles ready to go makes the cooking flow much faster when it’s time to combine everything.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Next, whisk together a savory, slightly sweet sauce using soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger. This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing all the elements together with that irresistible balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Quickly stir-fry the marinated beef for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s nicely browned but still juicy. Then remove it from the pan so you can cook the veggies without overcooking the meat.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil and toss in the shredded carrots, broccoli florets, bell peppers, and optional snow peas. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp — this keeps them vibrant and full of fresh flavor.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Now for the magic! Add your cooked noodles and the beef back into the skillet with the veggies. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat, ensuring every noodle and piece of beef is coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Beef Lo Mein Recipe by sprinkling sliced green onions on top for a fresh, bright bite. Serve it piping hot and get ready to enjoy the comforting and vibrant flavors you’ve whipped up from scratch.
How to Serve Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of sliced green onions adds a burst of freshness and a mild, peppery crunch that complements the chewy noodles and tender beef perfectly. You might also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty finish that is oh-so-addictive.
Side Dishes
While this Beef Lo Mein Recipe is a complete meal on its own, serving it alongside steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a light Asian cucumber salad can create an exciting feast full of varied textures and flavors. A bowl of hot miso soup or simple steamed white rice also pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and elegant presentation, serve your lo mein in individual bowls garnished with fresh herb sprigs like cilantro or Thai basil. You could also plate it on a large platter with extra green onions and sesame seeds scattered on top, perfect for sharing at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Beef Lo Mein Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for 2 to 3 days, which makes this dish great for enjoying the next day as a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for lo mein noodles as they can become mushy, but you can freeze the cooked beef and vegetables separately in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Beef Lo Mein Recipe in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, tossing gently so the noodles and beef warm evenly without drying out. A quick splash of water or soy sauce during reheating can help revive the saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye sliced thinly. Just be sure to cut against the grain to keep the beef tender and easy to chew.
What can I substitute for lo mein noodles?
If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine work perfectly as substitutes. Just cook them until al dente and toss with the sauce and veggies as usual.
Is this Beef Lo Mein Recipe gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so to make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, double-check oyster and hoisin sauces for gluten content or look for gluten-free versions.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the beef for firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms like shiitake and cremini. Adjust the cooking times accordingly and use vegetarian oyster sauce or a mushroom sauce alternative to keep that umami flavor.
How do I get the noodles not to stick together?
After cooking the noodles, drain and rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then toss them lightly with a small amount of oil to keep them separated before adding to the stir-fry.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Lo Mein Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels both special and everyday at the same time. It’s packed with flavor, loaded with fresh veggies, and comes together in under 30 minutes — a real winner for busy nights or casual get-togethers. I hope you give it a go and fall in love with this delicious, comforting bowl of goodness just like I did.
Print
Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Beef Lo Mein recipe featuring tender marinated flank steak, vibrant stir-fried vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all tossed in a savory homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Other Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup snow peas (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside to be added later.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined. This sauce will bring all the flavors together.
- 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 for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add shredded carrots, broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and snow peas if using. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining a nice crunch.
- Combine Everything: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Toss everything together and stir-fry over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure the noodles are well coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve the Beef Lo Mein hot for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute lo mein noodles with spaghetti or egg noodles if needed.
- Marinating the beef is essential for tenderness and flavor, so don’t skip or shorten that step.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
- Snow peas are optional but add a nice crunch and color contrast.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish if preferred.
