This Homemade Beef Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fry loaded with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s a healthier, fresher alternative to takeout that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Customize it with your favorite veggies and enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced (cut against the grain for tenderness)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (helps tenderize and thicken)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (adjust to taste if you prefer less salt)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (adds depth and umami flavor)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (for sweetness and a hint of spice)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (balances the salty flavors)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (adds a nutty aroma)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (a mild spice that enhances the overall flavor)
For the Lo Mein:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, cooked and drained; feel free to substitute with other egg noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil like canola or avocado oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh for the best flavor)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (use pre-shredded to save time)
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas (trimmed for easy cooking)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin (adds vibrant color and crunch)
- 3 green onions, sliced thin (use the green tops for garnish and white parts for cooking)
Directions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Toss to coat the beef evenly. The cornstarch helps create a velvety texture, and the soy sauce seasons the meat while tenderizing it.
- Let the beef marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper.
- Stir until the brown sugar dissolves completely. Set the sauce aside.
- This sauce is the key to the rich and savory flavor of your lo mein. Adjust sweetness or saltiness to your taste if needed.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss the noodles with a drizzle of sesame oil or vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the shredded carrots, snow peas, and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet.
- Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and maintain the vibrant colors of the veggies.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the top.
- Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together until the noodles, beef, and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top and toss lightly to incorporate them.
- For an optional finishing touch, garnish with sesame seeds for extra texture or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve immediately while hot, straight from the skillet or wok.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lo Mein:
- Meat Substitutes: Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, bok choy, or mushrooms work beautifully.
- Noodles: Authentic lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles are great alternatives.
- Wok Technique: If using a wok, ensure it’s well-heated before adding oil. A hot wok gives your dish that authentic smoky “wok hei” flavor.
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, so make extra and enjoy it for lunch the next day!
Nutritional Information:
- ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
- 🔥 Calories: 470 kcal per serving
- 🍽️ Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Homemade Beef Lo Mein is the ultimate combination of bold, savory flavors and fresh ingredients. The tender, marinated beef pairs perfectly with the crisp vegetables and chewy noodles, all coated in a rich and umami-packed sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, and the leftovers are just as delicious. Whether you’re a fan of takeout or just love a good stir-fry, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.