Beef Lo Mein is a savory and satisfying noodle dish loaded with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. This Chinese takeout favorite is easy to make at home and comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight dinner.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced)lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, cooked and drained)soy sauce (low-sodium)hoisin saucesesame oiloyster saucesugarcornstarch (for coating the beef)garlic cloves (minced)ginger (fresh, grated)carrot (julienned)bell peppers (sliced)green onions (chopped)vegetable oil
directions
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Set aside.
Toss the thinly sliced beef in cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add the beef in batches and sear until browned and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the carrots and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
Return the cooked beef to the pan, along with the cooked noodles.
Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss well to combine.
Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until everything is hot and coated evenly in the sauce.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu in place of beef.
Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for more veggies.
Make it spicy by adding chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
Use rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a different texture.
Swap hoisin for teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
storage/reheating
Store Beef Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak work best due to their tenderness when sliced thin.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the components ahead and quickly stir-fry before serving for best texture.
Can I freeze Beef Lo Mein?
Freezing is not recommended as the noodles may become mushy when thawed.
Can I use dried noodles?
Yes, cook according to package instructions before adding to the stir-fry.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce, oyster sauce, and noodles.
Conclusion
Beef Lo Mein is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings your favorite takeout flavors straight to your kitchen. With tender beef, crisp veggies, and a delicious savory sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or weekend cravings!
Print
Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Beef Lo Mein is a classic Chinese takeout dish made with tender strips of beef, stir-fried vegetables, and savory noodles tossed in a flavorful soy-based sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1/2 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinating beef)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Add garlic, ginger, and green onions and stir-fry for another minute.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and beef broth.
- Return the cooked beef to the pan along with the drained noodles. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
- Use fresh lo mein noodles if available for the most authentic texture.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking, as stir-frying goes quickly.