If you are craving a flavorful and comforting meal that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and perfectly sauced noodles, this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a quick, satisfying dish that balances savory, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy elements, coming together in one bowl of pure deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe offers a delightful fusion of textures and tastes you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish shine.
- Flank steak or sirloin, 1 lb: Thinly sliced against the grain for tender, flavorful beef that cooks quickly.
- Broccoli florets, 2 cups: Fresh or frozen, providing a vibrant pop of green and a satisfying crunch.
- Lo mein noodles, 8 oz: Serve as the hearty base with just the right chew; spaghetti works in a pinch.
- Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons: Ideal for stir-frying the beef and aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Adds an irresistible savory aroma and depth.
- Ginger, 1 tablespoon minced: Brings a fresh, zesty kick to brighten the dish.
- Soy sauce, 1/4 cup: The salty backbone that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons: Adds richness and a subtle hint of sweetness.
- Hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons: Offers a layered sweetness and complexity.
- Rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Provides acidity to balance the dish’s sweetness and saltiness.
- Sesame oil, 1 tablespoon: Imparts a nutty aroma for that classic Asian-inspired finish.
- Sugar, 1 teaspoon: Just enough to round out the savory elements.
- Red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (optional): For those who love a gentle touch of heat.
- Green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and color contrast.
- Sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon: A crunchy, toasty garnish to elevate the presentation.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Broccoli
First, cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender but still springy—this ensures they won’t turn mushy later. Drain and set them aside. Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and remain crisp-tender. This quick cooking helps keep their vibrant color and fresh bite that contrasts perfectly with the soft noodles.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and optional red pepper flakes. This sauce is the heart of the dish, blending savory, sweet, aromatic, and tangy notes into a harmonious mixture that will coat every strand of noodle and piece of beef beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Removing the beef at this stage prevents it from overcooking and allows you to develop great flavor in the next step without burning the meat.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until their intoxicating fragrance fills your kitchen. This brief cooking time releases their essential oils, adding depth and freshness that elevates the entire dish.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Add the cooked noodles and sauce mixture back into the skillet. Toss everything so the noodles get evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Then, stir in the cooked beef and broccoli florets. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and infuse every bite with rich flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and an added layer of texture. Serve it hot, and get ready to savor a dish that’s cozy, vibrant, and downright addicting.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh green onions or toasted sesame seeds add brightness and crunch, making your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe look as good as it tastes. For a bit of extra flair, a drizzle of chili oil or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro can also be wonderful additions.
Side Dishes
This lo mein pairs perfectly with light side dishes such as a crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a refreshing Asian slaw. Adding these will provide contrast in flavor and texture, keeping the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe in lettuce cups for a handheld delight, or pile it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Even garnishing with crushed peanuts or crispy fried shallots can add fantastic texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although it’s best to slightly undercook the noodles initially to avoid them becoming too soft after freezing and reheating. Pack the lo mein into freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
For reheating, the stovetop is your friend. Warm a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and toss the lo mein until heated through. This helps preserve the texture better than microwaving. If you go the microwave route, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between to avoid cold spots.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin is preferred for their tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
What can I substitute for lo mein noodles?
If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine noodles work well as substitutes. Rice noodles or even thin egg noodles can also be used, though cooking times may vary.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the beef and add tofu or extra vegetables such as snap peas, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative or extra soy sauce to maintain the rich umami flavor.
How spicy is this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, which add a gentle heat. Feel free to adjust or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish. You can always sprinkle chili oil on each plate for controlled spiciness.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice the beef, chop the garlic and ginger, and even pre-make the sauce in advance. This makes assembling and cooking the dish on a busy night super fast and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Quick, delicious, and packed with fresh flavors, it’s perfect for busy days or relaxed dinners at home. Once you make it, I have no doubt it’ll become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation. Happy cooking!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and chewy lo mein noodles tossed in a savory blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces. Perfectly balanced with hints of garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, this meal comes together in just 25 minutes and is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, if unavailable)
Sauces and Oils
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Seasonings and Garnish
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Broccoli: While the noodles cook, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender yet still crisp. Drain and set aside to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside.
- Cook Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet to avoid overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, which will infuse the dish with aroma and flavor.
- Toss Together: Add the cooked noodles and prepared sauce mixture to the skillet. Toss generously to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Then add the cooked beef and broccoli, stirring well to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Heat Through: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to warm through and the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired, adding aroma and a touch of crunch.
- Serve: Serve the Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein hot, and enjoy a deliciously balanced meal that’s ready in under half an hour.
Notes
- You can substitute lo mein noodles with spaghetti or any suitable Chinese egg noodles if unavailable.
- Use flank steak or sirloin for tender beef; slice thinly against the grain for best texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes or omit for milder flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrition.
