Beef Lo Mein Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that brings the flavors of a bustling Chinese restaurant straight to your kitchen, you’ve landed in the right place. This Beef Lo Mein Recipe is not only packed with delicious ingredients but is also incredibly satisfying to make. The tender beef, colorful veggies, and savory sauce come together beautifully, making it a favorite for family dinners or a cozy night in. Grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to delight your taste buds!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– A quick and easy one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
– Utilizes fresh vegetables for a healthy twist.
– Customizable with your choice of protein and noodles.
– Perfect for leftovers, making it great for meal prep.
– Full of rich flavors that can impress any guest.
What We’re Using
- 1 pound sirloin, top round steak, or flank steak: Choose your favorite cut for tender beef.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps tenderize the meat.
- 6 tablespoons water, divided: For marinade and cooking.
- 6 ounces long noodles: Options include whole grain spaghetti, fettuccine, soba noodles, or udon noodles.
- ¾ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: A staple for savory depth.
- ¾ cup hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and complexity.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced or grated for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger: Provides a lovely kick.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat.
- 1 tablespoon canola oil: Use peanut or grapeseed oil if preferred.
- 2 medium carrots: Peeled and sliced thin for crunch.
- 1 head broccoli: Cut into small florets (or use 3 cups thinly sliced cabbage).
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds color and sweetness.
- 1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts: For crunch.
- 4 green onions: Thinly sliced, divided for garnish.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Optional, but highly recommended for flavor.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Large skillet or wok: Essential for stir-frying.
- Cooking utensils: A spatula or tongs will help you toss the ingredients together.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping your vegetables and meat.
- Pot for boiling noodles: You’ll need this to prepare your noodles.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
Beef Lo Mein Recipe Made Stepwise
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with baking soda and 3 tablespoons of water. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients. This will ensure your beef is tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add your chosen noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing them with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 4: Sauté the Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the carrots, broccoli, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add the water chestnuts and half of the green onions, stirring to combine.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 7: Add Noodles
Finally, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and heated through. Drizzle with sesame oil if using.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Beef Lo Mein Recipe with your favorite sides or just on its own!
Fresh Takes Through the Year
- Swap out the beef for chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables like snap peas in the spring or butternut squash in the fall.
- Try adding some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a refreshing twist.
- Experiment with different noodle types for unique textures and flavors.
Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for this Beef Lo Mein Recipe comes from the classic flavors found in Chinese cuisine. Lo mein translates to “stirred noodles,” and this dish is all about the quick cooking method that keeps the ingredients fresh and vibrant. The use of hoisin sauce balances the saltiness of soy sauce, while the plethora of vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal. The best part? It’s easily adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through. This dish tastes just as good the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option!
Beef Lo Mein Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein uses egg noodles, you can substitute with whole grain spaghetti, fettuccine, soba noodles, or udon noodles based on your preference.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can mix equal parts soy sauce and peanut butter with a bit of honey or maple syrup as an alternative.
Is this dish spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. Omit them for a non-spicy version or add more for a kick!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based broths for flavor. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the dish.
That’s a Wrap
Get ready to indulge in this cozy, flavor-packed Beef Lo Mein Recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home. With its tender beef, fresh veggies, and savory sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a night in, this recipe is one you’ll want to return to time and time again. So gather your ingredients and let the cooking begin! Enjoy every bite!
Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with baking soda and 3 tablespoons of water. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add your chosen noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing them with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the carrots, broccoli, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add the water chestnuts and half of the green onions, stirring to combine.
- Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Finally, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and heated through. Drizzle with sesame oil if using.
- Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth.
- Feel free to swap beef for chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
- Try incorporating seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist.
- This dish is easily adaptable, so get creative!
