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beef lo mein

Beef Lo Mein (Better Than Takeout)

by Sylvia Hofer
Make this better than takeout lo mein at home in under 30 minutes! Tender beef, crisp veggies, and bold flavor make it a family favorite noodle dish.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 82 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Small bowl
  • 1 large pan

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup regular or light soy sauce
  • ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon black or white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Lo Mein:

  • 8 to 10 ounces uncooked lo mein noodles egg noodles, or long pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • ¾ to 1 pound flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced across the grain
  • 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
  • 1 cup small broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 to 3 green onions sliced, plus extra for garnish
  • Optional: snap peas snow peas, bok choy, baby corn, or napa cabbage

Instructions
 

  • Cook the noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and give them a quick rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add a tiny bit more oil if needed, then stir-fry the vegetables over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until just tender but still crisp. Start with carrots and broccoli, then add bell peppers and green onions.
  • Add the cooked noodles and beef back into the pan. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated. Stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce slightly thickens.
  • Garnish with extra green onions and serve hot. For the best part, enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Notes

Variations:

This delicious recipe is endlessly adaptable. 
  • Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or try making a vegetable lo mein by skipping the meat and loading up on your favorite vegetables.
  • Try using ramen noodles, chow mein noodles, or even spaghetti if you don’t have lo mein noodles on hand. You can also make it spicy by adding a dash of white pepper, chili paste, or additional soy sauce.
  • Looking for a different flavor profile next time? Stir in a spoonful of hoisin sauce, a drizzle of peanut sauce, or a splash of dark soy sauce for extra depth. Some home cooks also enjoy mixing in bean sprouts or thinly sliced bok choy just before serving for added crunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 1gSodium: 4mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19g
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