Beef Lo Mein

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Lo Mein is a classic Chinese takeout favorite featuring tender strips of beef, chewy noodles, and crisp vegetables all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or satisfying a craving for Asian flavors right at home. It’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable with your favorite veggies.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lo mein noodles or spaghetti flank steaksoy saucesesame oilhoisin sauceshaoxing wine or dry sherrygarlicgingerbrown sugargreen onionscarrotsbell pepperssnow peasvegetable oilcornstarchblack pepper

directions

Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Toss with a little soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil, then quickly sear the beef until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic, ginger, and the vegetables until just tender-crisp.

Return the beef to the pan. Add cooked noodles.

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options.

Add mushrooms, bok choy, or broccoli for more variety in vegetables.

Use rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free or low-carb twist.

Adjust the sauce to taste—more soy for saltiness, more hoisin for sweetness.

storage/reheating

Store Beef Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Add a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to loosen the noodles.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Lo Mein?

Flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor when sliced thinly.

Can I use dried spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?

Yes, spaghetti is a great substitute and works well with the sauce.

Is Beef Lo Mein spicy?

Not typically, but you can add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.

How do I keep the beef tender?

Slice against the grain and use a quick marinade with cornstarch to keep it juicy.

Do I need a wok to make Lo Mein?

A large skillet or sauté pan works just as well if you don’t have a wok.

Can I freeze Beef Lo Mein?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Why are my noodles clumping?

Toss them with a bit of oil after cooking and stir well when adding the sauce.

Can I add eggs like in fried rice?

Yes, scramble eggs separately and stir them in at the end if you like.

What vegetables go best with Lo Mein?

Classic options include carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, broccoli, and snow peas.

Conclusion

Beef Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite takeout to your own kitchen. With tender beef, a rich sauce, and plenty of noodles, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and sure to please the whole family. Try it once, and it’ll likely become a go-to dinner in your rotation.

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