Beef Lo Mein

Beef Lo Mein is a classic Asian-inspired dish filled with tender strips of beef, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all tossed together in a savory sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite takeout meal into your kitchen in just under 30 minutes. It’s an ideal dish for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Lo Mein is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The beef is marinated and stir-fried to perfection, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and color to every bite. The sauce is rich, savory, and slightly sweet, complementing the noodles perfectly. The quick cooking time and the use of simple ingredients make it an easy recipe to prepare and customize based on your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Lo Mein:

• 400g (14 oz) fresh Lo Mein noodles (or cooked egg noodles)

• 250g (9 oz) beef sirloin, tenderloin, rump, or any tender cut of beef

• 3-4 mushrooms (sliced)

• 2-3 spring onions (cut into 2″ pieces)

• 1 bell pepper (julienned)

• 2-3 cabbage leaves (thinly sliced)

• 5-6 snow peas

• 1 small carrot (julienned)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 tsp dark soy sauce

• 4 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• ¼ tsp white pepper

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 tbsp sauce mix (from the sauce ingredients)

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• ¼ tsp baking soda

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Blanch the noodles: Blanch the fresh Lo Mein noodles with hot water for 1-2 minutes, drizzle with sesame oil, and mix well. Set aside.

2. Make the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside.

3. Prepare the vegetables and beef: Wash and cut all vegetables into slices. Slice the beef thinly against the grain.

4. Marinate the beef: Marinate the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of the sauce mixture for 10-15 minutes.

5. Stir-fry the beef: Heat a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef slices. Flatten the beef in the pan and sear for 1-2 minutes, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.

6. Add vegetables: Add the vegetables, starting with the harder ones (carrot, bell pepper), and cook for 1-2 minutes.

7. Combine noodles and sauce: Create space in the middle of the wok, add the noodles, and pour the sauce mixture over the noodles. Toss all ingredients together for 2-3 minutes until everything is well-coated and cooked through.

8. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Optionally, top with extra chopped spring onions and chili oil for extra flavor and heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable options: Add or swap in other vegetables like bok choy, baby corn, broccoli, or mushrooms for a more customized dish.

• Protein substitutions: You can replace beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options.

• Sauce customization: Adjust the sauce by adding more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tang. You can also use hoisin sauce for a slightly different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Beef Lo Mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the dish on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked noodles?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked egg noodles instead of fresh Lo Mein noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes, other tender cuts like flank steak or ribeye can work as alternatives to sirloin or tenderloin. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for optimal texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the beef and use tofu or just add more vegetables for a vegetarian version of this dish.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Beef Lo Mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a little bit of water to restore the sauce.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy spice, add some chili oil or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce. You can also increase the amount of white pepper or add chili flakes during the stir-frying step.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can substitute low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option, but it may affect the overall flavor balance, so adjust the seasoning to taste.

Can I prepare the noodles in advance?

Yes, you can blanch the noodles ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just drizzle them with a bit of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.

What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn for additional texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the beef from being tough?

Marinating the beef with cornstarch and baking soda helps tenderize the meat. Also, make sure to stir-fry the beef quickly on high heat to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles.

Conclusion

Beef Lo Mein is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavors of a Chinese takeout meal right into your home kitchen. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles tossed in a rich sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite veggies and protein, this Beef Lo Mein will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy every bite of this savory, flavorful dish!

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