Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
A flavorful, takeout-style noodle dish featuring tender slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and chewy lo mein noodles tossed in a savory garlic-soy sauce. This easy one-pan meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home and is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.
Description
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein combines two beloved Asian-inspired favorites—beef and broccoli stir-fry and lo mein noodles—into one satisfying dish. Thinly sliced beef is marinated for tenderness, then stir-fried with fresh broccoli and tossed with noodles in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. The result is a delicious balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors with plenty of texture and color.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Lo Mein
- 12 oz (340 g) lo mein noodles
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Mix well.
- Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse lightly with warm water.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
- Beef broth
- Cornstarch
- Set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ½ tablespoon oil.
- Stir-fry broccoli for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
- Add remaining oil to the wok.
- Stir-fry beef for 2–3 minutes until browned.
- Remove and set aside.
Step 6: Stir-Fry Aromatics
- Add onion and bell pepper.
- Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger.
- Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 7: Combine Everything
- Return beef and broccoli to the wok.
- Add cooked noodles.
- Pour sauce over everything.
- Toss continuously for 2–3 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.
Step 8: Serve
- Transfer to serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot.
Chef’s Notes
- Flank steak is ideal because it remains tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
- Fresh broccoli provides the best texture and color.
- Lo mein noodles can be substituted with spaghetti, yakisoba noodles, or ramen noodles if needed.
- A hot wok helps achieve authentic stir-fry flavor.
Tips for Success
Slice Beef Properly
Freeze beef for 20 minutes before slicing for thinner, more even cuts.
Avoid Overcooking
Cook beef quickly over high heat to maintain tenderness.
Prep Ahead
Have all ingredients ready before cooking since stir-frying moves quickly.
Keep Noodles Separate
Toss noodles with a small amount of oil after cooking to prevent sticking.
Add More Vegetables
Try:
- Carrots
- Snow peas
- Mushrooms
- Bok choy
- Cabbage
Servings
Serves: 4–6
Yield
Approximately 6 generous cups of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per serving, based on 5 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Health Benefits
Beef Benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein.
- Rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
- Supports muscle maintenance and energy production.
Broccoli Benefits
- High in fiber and vitamin C.
- Contains beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants.
- Supports overall immune health.
Garlic and Ginger Benefits
- Add flavor naturally.
- Contain antioxidant compounds.
- Commonly used in traditional cooking for their aromatic qualities.
Noodles
- Provide carbohydrates for energy.
- Create a filling and satisfying meal.
Flavor Profile
- Savory: Soy sauce and oyster sauce
- Umami: Beef and hoisin sauce
- Garlicky: Fresh garlic
- Aromatic: Ginger and sesame oil
- Slightly Sweet: Brown sugar and hoisin
- Fresh: Crisp broccoli
Variations
Spicy Version
Add:
- Sriracha
- Chili garlic sauce
- Red pepper flakes
Low-Carb Version
Replace noodles with:
- Zucchini noodles
- Shirataki noodles
- Cabbage noodles
Extra-Vegetable Version
Add:
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Snap peas
- Bell peppers
Chicken Lo Mein
Replace beef with sliced chicken breast or thighs.
Vegetarian Version
Replace beef with:
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Mushrooms
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Stovetop
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Microwave
Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: What are lo mein noodles?
Lo mein noodles are soft wheat noodles commonly used in Chinese-inspired stir-fry dishes.
Q2: Can I use spaghetti instead?
Yes. Spaghetti is a convenient substitute when lo mein noodles are unavailable.
Q3: How do I keep beef tender?
Marinate it briefly and slice it thinly against the grain.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well and is excellent for meal prep.
Q5: What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
Lo mein noodles are tossed with sauce, while chow mein noodles are often stir-fried longer and may become crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein fresh from the wok with extra green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor. Pair it with spring rolls, dumplings, or a light cucumber salad for a complete takeout-inspired meal. The combination of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, savory sauce, and chewy noodles makes this dish a comforting and satisfying favorite for any occasion. 🥩🥦🍜✨