Homemade Beef Lo Mein is a delicious, stir-fried noodle dish packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce. This recipe brings the flavors of takeout-style lo mein right into your kitchen, offering a healthier and more customizable version that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The key to perfect lo mein lies in the combination of well-seasoned beef, crisp-tender veggies, and flavorful noodles tossed in a rich, savory sauce.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Homemade Beef Lo Mein with step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and serving suggestions.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4 people
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Type of Meal: Dinner, Lunch
- Meal Classification: Main Dish, Hearty Meal
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients for Homemade Beef Lo Mein
For this flavorful stir-fry dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Beef and Noodles:
- Beef (Flank Steak or Sirloin): 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain
- Lo Mein Noodles: 12 oz (or substitute with spaghetti or egg noodles)
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
- Carrots: 2 medium, julienned
- Bell Pepper: 1, thinly sliced (any color)
- Broccoli: 2 cups, cut into small florets
- Green Onions: 2, sliced (for garnish)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
For the Lo Mein Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (low sodium)
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Hoisin Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional for sweetness)
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (to thicken the sauce)
- Beef Broth or Water: 1/4 cup
Ingredient Notes
- Beef: Flank steak is ideal for lo mein because it’s tender when cooked quickly. Make sure to slice it thinly and against the grain.
- Noodles: Traditional lo mein noodles work best, but you can use spaghetti or egg noodles if lo mein noodles aren’t available.
- Vegetables: Feel free to customize with your favorite stir-fry veggies like snow peas, bok choy, or mushrooms.
How to Make Homemade Beef Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss the noodles with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef into strips, ensuring you cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Season the Beef: In a small bowl, mix the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.
Step 3: Make the Lo Mein Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and beef broth or water. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef and Vegetables
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the minced garlic, ginger, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 5: Combine the Noodles, Beef, and Sauce
- Toss Everything Together: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and the prepared lo mein sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve
Once the Beef Lo Mein is fully combined and heated through, garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade takeout-style lo mein!
Tips for Perfect Beef Lo Mein
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during the stir-frying process.
- Stir-Fry Quickly: Stir-fry the ingredients over high heat to retain the texture and flavor of the vegetables and beef.
- Slice the Beef Thin: Thinly slicing the beef against the grain ensures tenderness. This is crucial for quick cooking.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what you have available or your personal preferences.
Variations of Homemade Beef Lo Mein
Spicy Beef Lo Mein
Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the lo mein sauce for extra heat. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes into the stir-fry for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Lo Mein
For a meat-free version, skip the beef and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and snap peas. You can also add tofu for extra protein.
Shrimp Lo Mein
Swap out the beef for shrimp, or use a combination of both for a surf-and-turf twist. Cook the shrimp in the same way as the beef, but reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink.
Nutritional Information for Homemade Beef Lo Mein
Here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
This dish is a great source of protein, thanks to the beef, and offers a balanced combination of carbs, fat, and vegetables. For a lighter option, you can use whole wheat noodles or reduce the amount of oil and sugar in the sauce.
What to Serve with Beef Lo Mein
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls make a great side dish for lo mein, adding crunch to your meal.
- Steamed Dumplings: Pair your lo mein with pork or vegetable dumplings for a more complete Chinese-style meal.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing cabbage slaw with a tangy sesame dressing complements the savory noodles well.
- Fried Rice: Serve lo mein with fried rice if you’re looking for a more indulgent, filling meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Beef Lo Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and chop the vegetables in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge and stir-fry everything when ready to eat. You can also make the sauce ahead of time.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen vegetables work well for lo mein, especially frozen broccoli and stir-fry vegetable blends. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before stir-frying.
What’s the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
The primary difference is in the noodles and cooking method. Lo mein uses soft noodles that are tossed with sauce, while chow mein noodles are typically fried to be crispy. Lo mein tends to have more sauce, while chow mein is drier.
Conclusion
Homemade Beef Lo Mein is a quick, delicious, and versatile meal that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout to your kitchen. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you prefer it spicy, vegetarian, or with a seafood twist, this lo mein recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your tips, variations, or any fun additions in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—it’s a restaurant-quality dish that everyone will enjoy!