Beef Lo Mein Recipe is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and flavorful lo mein noodles in a savory-sweet sauce. Quick to prepare in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. This dish brings the best of Chinese-American takeout into your kitchen with fresh ingredients and simple steps, all while delivering rich, satisfying flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Lo Mein
- Packed with hearty beef, vibrant vegetables, and chewy noodles.
- Deeply flavorful sauce—salty, sweet, and umami-rich.
- Versatile ingredients—customize with what you have on hand.
- Quick to cook yet feels like a special meal.
- Great for meal prep; flavors deepen over time.
Ingredients
(rewritten for clarity)
- 8 oz lo mein noodles, cooked per package instructions
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup boiling water
- 1 Tbsp Beef‑flavored Better Than Bouillon
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- Neutral oil (olive or sesame) for frying
- 1 lb beef, thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots, diced or sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Beef Lo Mein
(rewritten with clear flow)
- Cook lo mein noodles and set aside.
- In a bowl, dissolve bouillon and brown sugar in boiling water. Stir in soy sauce and set aside as the sauce.
- Preheat a skillet or wok with sesame oil. Add sliced beef and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion until golden, then remove. Add carrots; cook until slightly softened. Add broccoli and cook for about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
- Return beef and onions to the pan. Add the sauce to the skillet and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stir in the noodles and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and warmed through.
- Serve immediately, while hot.
Helpful Tips
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and slice beef in advance—stir-fries cook fast!
- Noodle texture: Avoid overcooking noodles; stop when just al dente. Boil the noodles to al dente texture and lightly coat with sesame oil to avoid clumping.
- Even cuts: Slice ingredients uniformly for even cooking.
- High heat: Use high heat and work quickly to keep vegetables crisp-tender.
- Moisture boost: If the noodles seem dry after storing, moisten them with a splash of soy sauce or water during reheating.
Substitutions And Variations
- Noodles: Use spaghetti, linguine, or fresh egg noodles if lo mein isn’t available.
- Beef: Flank, sirloin, or ribeye are great; slice against the grain for tenderness. To make the beef more tender, try marinating or velveting it using cornstarch or a pinch of baking soda.
- Vegetables: Swap or add bell peppers, napa cabbage, snow peas, mushrooms, bean sprouts, or scallions.
- Sauce: Enhance with oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, or white pepper for richer flavor.
- Gluten-free: Absolutely—opt for gluten-free noodles and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Be sure to use a gluten-free version of oyster sauce as well.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–5 days.
Warm gently in a microwave or skillet, adding a bit of water or soy sauce to bring back moisture.
Nutritional Information
According to the original recipe, per serving:
- Calories: 381 (from fat: 153)
- Fat: 17 g (Saturated Fat: 6 g)
- Cholesterol: 54 mg
- Sodium: 586 mg
- Carbs: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Protein: 20 g
Other estimates:
- Nutritionix: one cup (209 g) contains approximately 223 calories, 14 g of fat, 16 g of carbs, and 9.6 g of protein.
- EatThisMuch: around 678 calories per serving, with macronutrient breakdowns of 33% carbs, 27% fat, and 40% protein.
Serving Suggestions
- Complement your meal with egg rolls, hot and sour soup, or crispy crab rangoons for a traditional takeout-style spread.
- Enjoy it with a side of stir-fried bok choy or garlicky green beans for added freshness.
- Round out your dinner with a serving of chicken or shrimp fried rice for a hearty feast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Lo Mein
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—prepare ingredients and sauce beforehand. Stir-fry just before serving for maximum freshness. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–5 days. Gently reheat and refresh with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the dish moist.
Q: Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, linguine, ramen, or any egg noodles can substitute lo mein. Just cook until al dente and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Q: What cut of beef works best?
Tender cuts like flank, sirloin, or ribeye sliced thinly against the grain cook quickly and stay juicy. To make the beef more tender, try marinating or velveting it using cornstarch or a pinch of baking soda.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free noodles and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Be sure to use a gluten-free version of oyster sauce as well.
Q: How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Cook over high heat, stir-fry in batches, and add vegetables in order of cook time—harder veggies like carrots first, softer ones like garlic last.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for exploring this Beef Lo Mein recipe! I truly love how easy it is to whip up in under 30 minutes and yet, it tastes like something from your favorite Chinese takeout spot. The mix of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful sauce hit all the right notes every time. I hope this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and a bit of joy to your table. Happy cooking—and may every bite remind you how great it is to share home-cooked meals. Warmest wishes and thanks for being part of our food-loving community!
Print
Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick, easy, and loaded with flavor, this Beef Lo Mein Recipe combines tender beef, stir-fried vegetables, and saucy noodles for a homemade takeout experience in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
8 oz lo mein noodles, cooked
1 tsp sesame oil
¼ cup boiling water
1 tbsp Beef Better Than Bouillon
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
Oil (olive or sesame) for frying
1 lb beef, thinly sliced
2 large carrots, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Cook lo mein noodles and set aside.
- In a bowl, dissolve bouillon and brown sugar in boiling water. Stir in soy sauce and set aside as the sauce.
- Preheat a skillet or wok with sesame oil. Add sliced beef and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion until golden, then remove. Add carrots; cook until slightly softened. Add broccoli and cook for about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
- Return beef and onions to the pan. Add the sauce to the skillet and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stir in the noodles and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and warmed through.
- Serve immediately, while hot.
Notes
Prep all ingredients first—this dish cooks fast!
For extra tender beef, marinate with cornstarch or baking soda.
Add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 381
- Sugar: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 20g