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You won’t believe how good this beef lo mein turns out with just a few basic things. Juicy beef, crisp veggies, and savory noodles come together for a dish that’s way faster than getting takeout at home.
I came up with this when I was stuck inside on a soggy day craving Chinese flavors. My crew was so into it that we had it twice more that week. Now it’s always in our dinner lineup.
Tasty Ingredients
- Green onions are the best way to finish off with a little onion kick
- Garlic turns the whole kitchen into a flavor bomb when you cook it
- Carrots throw in a bit of sweetness and a nice crunch
- Beef sirloin gives you that juicy bite and cooks crazy fast if you slice it thin
- Red bell pepper adds a pop of color and a sweet crispness
- Broccoli florets soak up all that good sauce and are packed with good stuff
- Sesame oil puts that classic toasted finish on every bite
- Hoisin sauce brings out the sweet notes and rich flavors that taste fancy
- Oyster sauce gives you that punchy, restaurant-style umami taste
- Soy sauce is the salty base for the sauce—grab low sodium if you want less salt
- Lo mein noodles are classic but spaghetti totally works if you’re out
Simple Step Guide
- Add Everything Together
- Pour in the mixed-up sauce, drop in those noodles, and bring back the beef while the pan’s still piping hot. Use tongs and toss everything around so the noodles soak up all that great flavor.
- Fry Veggies
- Pour in some more oil and toss your veggies into the hot wok. Broccoli and carrots go in first, stir for a few, then add garlic and red pepper towards the end. You want your veggies to keep their bright color and a little bite.
- Sear the Beef
- Crank your skillet or wok up high and then add oil. Spread your beef in a single layer—don’t crowd it! Let one side turn golden for about 30 seconds, then move it around. It’ll be done in just 2 or 3 minutes since thin strips cook lightning fast.
- Get the Noodles Ready
- Boil the noodles until they’re almost done, usually 5 or 7 minutes. Don’t let them go too soft, since they’ll keep cooking later. Rinse them under cold water so they don’t clump up.
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Whenever I sneak in extra hoisin, my family loves it even more. That hint of sweetness feels just like our usual takeout. My daughter once swore this was better than delivery, which is still my favorite compliment.
Storing Lo Mein Leftovers
Pop extra lo mein into a container, seal it up, and it’ll keep for about four days in the fridge. The flavor amps up after a night! When warming up, splash in a little water—just a bit—before a quick zap in the microwave so the noodles don’t dry out. Got a skillet? Add a tablespoon of water, cover, and heat for a few minutes for the best texture.
Swap Your Ingredients
Use what’s on hand! Try mushrooms, bok choy, or snow peas instead of or with your favorite veggies. No beef? Chicken thighs sliced thin totally work, and you don’t even need to tweak anything else. Want to ditch meat? Use pressed, cubed tofu and look for mushroom or vegetarian oyster sauce to keep it tasty.
Keep It True to the Original
If you want that spot-on restaurant taste, chill the noodles in ice water before finishing the stir fry. This keeps that signature chew and stops them from overcooking. Also, cooking on high heat gives you that awesome smoky flavor, or wok hei, that chefs talk about. And make sure to only add sesame oil right at the end so its flavor really pops.
Common Queries
- → What’s the best cut of beef for this dish?
Thinly sliced sirloin is ideal. It's quick to cook and stays juicy and tender after stir-frying.
- → What can I use instead of lo mein noodles?
No lo mein? No problem! Spaghetti works just as well in this dish as a replacement.
- → How do I thicken the sauce quickly?
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the pan and let it bubble for a minute or two.
- → Can I swap out any of the veggies?
Sure! Feel free to mix it up with things like snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy for more variety.
- → Is sesame oil essential here?
It adds richness and a nutty aroma, but you can leave it out or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds instead.