Beef Lo Mein Recipe

The Sizzling Beef Lo Mein Recipe Everyone Will Love Tonight

Hungry souls often find comfort in a steaming plate of beef lo mein that combines tender meat and vibrant vegetables.

Noodles dance with savory flavors in this classic Chinese-inspired dish.

Countless home cooks seek a simple yet delectable meal that satisfies deeply.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly to create a culinary experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Fragrant garlic and soy sauce weave magic through each delightful bite.

Crisp vegetables and succulent beef promise a quick dinner solution that impresses everyone around the table.

You can master this recipe in less than thirty minutes and become the kitchen hero of your household.

Why Beef Lo Mein Is a Classic Favorite

  • Blast Speed Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal in just a few quick steps with minimal kitchen time and maximum flavor impact.
  • Veggie-Packed Nutrition Boost: Loaded with colorful vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas, this dish delivers essential nutrients and vibrant textures in every bite.
  • Versatile Protein Powerhouse: Tender beef slices make this recipe adaptable for meat lovers while offering a satisfying protein-rich meal that can easily be customized with chicken or tofu.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using a single pan or wok, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want minimal kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Beef Lo Mein

Main Ingredients:
  • Beef: A protein-rich meat that adds hearty flavor and texture to the lo mein.
  • Lo Mein Noodles: Soft wheat noodles that serve as the base of this classic Chinese-inspired dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sesame Oil: A combination of sauces that creates a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile for the dish.
Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Mushrooms, Carrots, Bell Pepper, Snow Peas, Green Onions: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch, color, and nutritional balance to the lo mein.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for stir-frying and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

How to Prepare Beef Lo Mein

Step 1: Prepare Noodle Base

Boil the lo mein noodles following package directions. Drain completely and set them aside, ready for their flavor adventure.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sesame oil

Mix well and set aside to let the flavors mingle.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Drop in beef slices and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, roughly 3-4 minutes. Remove beef and keep warm.

Step 4: Awaken Vegetable Medley

In the same pan, add another splash of vegetable oil. Toss in garlic and let it dance until fragrant. Add colorful vegetables:
  • Mushrooms
  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Snow peas

Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp and vibrant.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return beef to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce. Add cooked noodles and toss everything until well combined and steaming hot.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Serve immediately while piping hot and bursting with flavor.

Tips for Making Beef Lo Mein

  • Select lo mein noodles that are fresh or par-boiled for the best texture and authentic flavor.
  • Slice beef against the grain to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces that cook quickly and evenly.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking to maintain high heat and prevent overcooking vegetables, keeping them crisp and vibrant.
  • For a lighter version, swap beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp, adjusting cooking times accordingly to match protein type.
  • Control sauce consistency by adding a little water or cornstarch slurry if the mixture becomes too thick during final tossing.

Variations on Beef Lo Mein to Try

  • Chicken Lo Mein: Replace beef with tender, sliced chicken breast, marinated in soy sauce for extra flavor. Follow the same cooking method for a lighter protein option.
  • Vegetarian Lo Mein: Swap meat with tofu or tempeh, adding extra vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of oyster sauce for a plant-based version.
  • Shrimp Lo Mein: Substitute beef with succulent shrimp, cooking them quickly until pink and slightly curled. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Pork Lo Mein: Use thinly sliced pork tenderloin instead of beef, marinating it in a mixture of ginger and garlic for enhanced taste. Stir-fry until golden brown and caramelized.

Pairing Recommendations for Beef Lo Mein

  • Savor Chinese Rice Wine Pairing: A crisp Shaoxing wine complements the savory beef lo mein, enhancing the umami flavors and cutting through the richness of the dish.
  • Create Refreshing Beverage Match: A cold Asian-style lager like Tsingtao beer provides a light, crisp contrast to the bold, saucy noodles, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Elevate Side Dish Complement: Serve a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing to add a fresh, tangy element that balances the hearty beef and noodle combination.
  • Balance Flavor Profile: Add pickled vegetables on the side to introduce a zesty, acidic note that brightens the overall meal and provides textural contrast to the soft noodles.

Proper Storage for Beef Lo Mein

  • Transfer cooled lo mein to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Place lo mein in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir midway to ensure even warming.
  • Warm a pan with a small amount of oil, add lo mein, and gently stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. This method helps restore the original texture and prevents noodles from becoming soggy.
  • Seal lo mein in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag, removing as much air as possible.

FAQs About Beef Lo Mein

  • What type of beef works best for this lo mein recipe?

Flank steak, sirloin, or beef tenderloin are ideal because they’re tender and cook quickly. Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips for the most tender texture.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and replace regular noodles with gluten-free lo mein or rice noodles. Check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are also gluten-free.

  • How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Cook the beef on high heat for a short time, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and remove the beef immediately after it browns to keep it tender and juicy.

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Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Beef Lo Mein Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

Savor the authentic flavors of Chinese-inspired beef lo mein, a delightful noodle dish packed with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. Perfectly balanced and quick to prepare, you’ll enjoy this restaurant-quality meal that brings delicious Asian cuisine right to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) beef sirloin, thinly sliced

Noodles and Main Components:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) lo mein noodles
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup snow peas
  • 3 green onions, chopped

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare lo mein noodles according to package directions, then drain and reserve, ensuring noodles remain loose and not sticky.
  2. Create a flavor-packed sauce by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in a separate mixing bowl.
  3. Sear beef slices in a large wok or skillet over high heat with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, cooking until edges caramelize and meat browns, approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer cooked beef to a clean plate.
  4. In the same cooking vessel, add remaining oil and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Immediately introduce mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas, stir-frying at high temperature for 4-5 minutes until vegetables maintain a crisp texture.
  5. Reintroduce browned beef into the vegetable mixture, then pour prepared sauce over ingredients, ensuring even distribution. Gently fold in cooked noodles, tossing continuously to coat thoroughly and heat all components.
  6. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions across the top, serving immediately while piping hot to preserve optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Choose lo mein noodles with a firm texture to prevent turning mushy during stir-frying.
  • Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking to ensure quick and smooth stir-frying process.
  • Swap beef with tofu or chicken for dietary variety and personal preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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