Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a delightful fusion of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory noodles, all tossed in a flavorful sauce. This homemade version offers a healthier and more economical alternative to takeout, bringing a classic Chinese-American dish to your table with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it ideal for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: Its familiar flavors and satisfying textures make it a hit among both adults and children.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing simple, readily available ingredients, this recipe provides a cost-effective solution to your takeout cravings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef: Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain.
Noodles: Lo mein noodles or spaghetti.
Vegetables: Fresh broccoli florets, red bell pepper, carrots.
Aromatics: Garlic, ginger.
Sauce Components: Low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar.
Others: Cornstarch, cooking oil.

Directions

Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a dash of sesame oil. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.
Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and julienned carrots until tender-crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Toss everything together over medium heat until well combined and heated through.
Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Protein Alternatives: Substitute beef with chicken, pork, or shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy for a hearty vegetarian version.
Spice Level: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha into the sauce for added heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, traditional lo mein noodles or even egg noodles work well. Spaghetti can also be used as a convenient substitute.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the finished dish to increase the heat.

Is it necessary to marinate the beef?

Marinating the beef enhances its flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still achieve a delicious result.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Feel free to include vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to customize the dish to your preference.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

Hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can serve as substitutes, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

After cooking, toss the noodles with a small amount of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is excellent for meal prep. Store it in individual portions for easy reheating throughout the week.

What cut of beef is best for lo mein?

Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are ideal due to their tenderness and flavor.

How can I ensure the beef is tender?

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. Marinating also helps in tenderizing the meat.