Beef Lo Mein Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dinner that’s bursting with savory flavors, vibrant veggies, and tender beef wrapped in silky noodles, then this Beef Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This dish brings together perfectly marinated flank steak, fresh vegetables, and luscious noodles tossed in a sauce that balances salty, sweet, and umami. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends, this recipe is a delightful, crowd-pleasing journey straight to the heart of classic Chinese comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each contributing a unique texture or burst of flavor that makes this Beef Lo Mein Recipe sing. From the tender marinated beef to the crisp snow peas and savory sauces, every component plays a role in creating a harmonious and colorful plate.

• Flank steak (12 ounces): Thinly sliced for tenderness and quick cooking.
• Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Helps tenderize the beef and gives it a glossy finish.
• Soy sauce (light, 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon for marinade): Adds umami and saltiness to the beef and sauce.
• Vegetable oil (2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons): For cooking everything evenly without sticking.
• Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works wonders to make the beef extra tender.
• Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a deep, rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• Dark soy sauce (2 teaspoons): Enhances color and provides a richer soy flavor.
• Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a nutty aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon, or to taste): Balances the flavors perfectly.
• Sugar (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the sauce by cutting through the saltiness.
• White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle peppery kick without overpowering.
• Fresh lo mein noodles (1 pound): The silky base that soaks up all those amazing flavors.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the dish with an aromatic punch.
• Carrot (1 medium, julienned): Adds a crunchy sweetness and bright color.
• Red bell pepper (1/2, julienned): Provides a fresh, crisp texture and vibrant pop of red.
• Mushrooms (1/2 cup, sliced): Contributes earthiness and chewiness.
• Bamboo shoots (1/2 cup, strips or sliced): Offers a unique, tender crunch.
• Napa cabbage (2 cups, shredded): Softens when cooked, adding volume and mild flavor.
• Snow peas (2/3 cup): Keeps the dish light and adds a sweet snap.
• Mung bean sprouts (2 cups): Gives a fresh, crisp contrast to the cooked noodles.
• Shaoxing wine (1 tablespoon): Lends a subtle depth and fragrance typical of Chinese cooking.
• Scallions (2, julienned, white and green parts separated): White parts add sharpness during stir-fry, green parts brighten the finished dish.

How to Make Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by slicing the flank steak into thin strips against the grain—this ensures every bite is tender. Combine the beef with baking soda, cornstarch, soy sauce, and vegetable oil for a quick velveting marinade. This step is crucial to lock in flavor and achieve that glossy finish, making the beef irresistibly soft. Let it sit for 30 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Lo Mein Sauce

Mix light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl. This blend is the heart of the dish, combining salty, sweet, and umami notes that will coat the noodles and veggies perfectly.

Step 3: Get Your Noodles and Veggies Ready

If using pre-cooked lo mein noodles, rinse them under hot water to loosen their strands and drain well. Otherwise, cook fresh noodles until just al dente. Prepare and arrange the garlic, carrot, bell pepper, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, napa cabbage, snow peas, mung bean sprouts, and scallions so you can add them quickly during stir-frying without missing a beat.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat your wok over high heat until it’s almost smoking. Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and lay the beef strips in a single layer. Sear each side quickly for about 30 seconds, just enough to lock in the juices and develop a slight char. Then remove and set aside. This step adds a lovely texture and flavor to the beef.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Harder Vegetables

In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in the garlic, carrots, red bell peppers, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 30 seconds to soften them just a bit while still keeping their crispness and bright colors.

Step 6: Add Softer Vegetables

Add bamboo shoots and the white parts of the scallions, stir-frying for about 20 seconds more. Then incorporate the napa cabbage, raising the heat to its peak. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds so the cabbage wilts slightly but retains some crunch.

Step 7: Incorporate the Noodles

Add your noodles—warm or room temperature works best—and spread them out to prevent clumping. If they’re sticking together, a quick rinse under hot water can help before adding them in. This step ensures each strand will evenly soak up sauce without turning into a sticky mess.

Step 8: Pour in Shaoxing Wine and Toss

Drizzle the Shaoxing wine around the edges of the wok, then toss the noodles and vegetables using a scooping motion to evenly distribute flavors and lift everything off the wok’s surface. This technique mimics restaurant stir-fry and helps noodles absorb flavor without sticking.

Step 9: Add Sauce and Mix Thoroughly

Pour in the pre-mixed sauce and keep stir-frying with that scooping motion, scraping the wok’s bottom often. The sauce thickens slightly and coats every noodle and veggie strand, melding all those delicious flavors into one savory bite.

Step 10: Return Beef and Add Crunchy Veggies

Finally, stir in the snow peas, mung bean sprouts, and your seared beef along with any juices that have accumulated in the bowl. Continue stir-frying until everything is heated through and blended in harmony, creating a perfect mix of textures and tastes.

Step 11: Finish with Scallions and Adjust Seasoning

Toss in the green parts of the scallions and give your Beef Lo Mein Recipe a final taste test. Adjust with more salt, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, or white pepper if desired. Once it’s just right, plate it up and serve with your favorite chili oil or hot sauce to add a spicy kick, if you like.

How to Serve Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh scallion greens add a burst of color and light onion flavor that brightens the dish. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil can also add appealing texture and heat that takes this Beef Lo Mein Recipe to the next level.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple with steamed dumplings, hot and sour soup, or even crispy spring rolls. They complement the rich, satisfying main dish and create a well-rounded meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Beef Lo Mein in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to add freshness. Alternatively, plate it on a large serving platter, letting everyone scoop their own portions for a casual, family-style dinner that encourages sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles might absorb more sauce overnight, so adding a splash of water or soy sauce before reheating helps revive their texture.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum texture and flavor. If needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month, but expect the noodles and vegetables to soften upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Beef Lo Mein Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and to warm everything evenly without overcooking the beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Flank steak is perfect for quick stir-fry because of its tenderness, but sirloin or ribeye thinly sliced can also work well. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.

What if I can’t find fresh lo mein noodles?

Don’t worry if you can’t find fresh noodles—dry or frozen lo mein noodles work fine too. Just cook according to the package instructions and make sure they are separated before adding to the wok.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the beef and replace with firm tofu or more mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian twist. Use vegetable-based sauces or mushroom oyster sauce for an umami boost.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Beef Lo Mein Recipe is mild by default, but it’s a perfect canvas for chili oil or hot sauce on the side for those who love a little heat. You control how spicy you want it!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It reheats well and provides a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs. Just store components separately if possible to keep textures at their best for your weekday lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Lo Mein Recipe truly has it all—simple ingredients, quick prep, and amazing flavors that come together to create a satisfying meal everyone will love. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality stir-fry into your own kitchen. So grab your wok and get cooking; your new favorite weeknight meal awaits!

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