Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

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Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender beef, crisp broccoli, and perfectly sauced noodles. It’s a delightful blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors, all tied together with a rich, glossy sauce. Whether you’re craving a takeout classic or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy every time.

The first time I made Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein, I was amazed at how easily it came together. A quick stir-fry of thinly sliced beef and vibrant broccoli paired beautifully with the chewy noodles, soaking up every bit of that flavorful sauce. The balance of textures—the tender beef, the crunch of broccoli, and the slurp-worthy noodles—was absolutely irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility; you can easily swap in other vegetables or even adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Meal prepping
  • Family gatherings
  • Chinese food enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein will be your go-to dinner:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with just one skillet or wok.
  • Tender and Juicy Beef: Thinly sliced beef is marinated and cooked to perfection.
  • Crisp and Fresh Broccoli: Adds texture, color, and nutrition.
  • Savory Sauce: A blend of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil creates an irresistible flavor.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or swap beef for chicken or tofu.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that are easy on the wallet.
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Combines salty, savory, and slightly sweet notes.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for a make-ahead lunch or dinner.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:

  • 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

The Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons water

For the Lo Mein:

  • 8 oz lo mein noodles, cooked and drained
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sliced carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Optional garnish: sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

Ingredient Highlights

  • Beef Sirloin: Tender and flavorful, ideal for quick cooking.
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a distinct nutty aroma and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Beef:

  1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add sliced beef and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, sesame oil, and water. Set aside.

Cook the Broccoli:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Beef:

  1. In the same skillet, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Combine Everything:

  1. In the skillet, add minced garlic and sliced carrots. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Return the cooked beef and broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  3. Add the cooked lo mein noodles and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve:

  1. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein:

  • As a Standalone Dish: Perfect as a complete meal on its own.
  • With Steamed Dumplings: Pair with pork or veggie dumplings for a full Chinese-inspired dinner.
  • With Spring Rolls: Add crispy spring rolls on the side for extra crunch.
  • For Meal Prep: Pack into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
  • Family-Style Dinner: Serve in a large dish for everyone to help themselves.
  • With Fried Rice: Pair with egg or vegetable fried rice for a hearty feast.
  • As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats or stir-fried vegetables.
  • With Hot Soup: Complement with a bowl of hot and sour soup or wonton soup.
  • For a Potluck: Bring as a crowd-pleasing dish to share at gatherings.
  • With Chili Sauce: Serve with a side of chili garlic sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Additional Tips

  • Choose the Right Noodles: Opt for fresh lo mein noodles or egg noodles for the best texture. If using dry noodles, cook them slightly underdone to avoid overcooking when stir-fried.
  • Marinate the Beef: Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little sesame oil for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
  • Blanch the Broccoli: For vibrant green broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes before adding it to the wok. Drain and set aside.
  • Use High Heat: Stir-fry the beef and vegetables over high heat for a quick cook. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
  • Customize Your Sauce: Add a splash of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a dash of chili paste for extra depth and spice in your sauce.
  • Add Aromatics: Sauté minced garlic and ginger in sesame oil before adding the beef to infuse the oil with flavor and enhance the dish.
  • Use a Wok: A wok provides even heat distribution and allows the ingredients to stir-fry evenly, resulting in a better texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a nice sear and doesn’t steam in the pan.
  • Finish with Scallions: Garnish your dish with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
  • Add a Dash of Vinegar: A small amount of rice vinegar or black vinegar at the end of cooking can help balance the sweetness and saltiness of the dish.

Recipe Variations

  • Chicken Lo Mein: Swap beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs.
  • Vegetarian Lo Mein: Skip the meat and add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
  • Shrimp Lo Mein: Replace beef with shrimp for a seafood twist.
  • Spicy Lo Mein: Add sriracha or chili oil to the sauce for heat.
  • Peanut Sauce Lo Mein: Substitute the soy-based sauce with a creamy peanut sauce for a nutty flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Lo Mein: Use rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Extra Saucy: Double the sauce ingredients for a saucier dish.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of lo mein.

Special Equipment

  • Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for stir-frying.
  • Tongs or Chopsticks: For tossing noodles and ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: To thinly slice beef and vegetables.
  • Cutting Board: For easy prep work.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
    Yes, but blanch it first to remove excess moisture before stir-frying.
  2. What can I substitute for lo mein noodles?
    Use spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles as alternatives.
  3. How do I store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  4. Can I freeze this dish?
    It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet.
  5. What other vegetables can I add?
    Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms.
  6. How do I prevent noodles from sticking?
    Toss cooked noodles with a bit of sesame oil before adding to the skillet.
  7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, prepare all components separately and combine when ready to serve.
  8. Is this dish spicy?
    No, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
  9. Can I use a different protein?
    Absolutely! Try chicken, shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
  10. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
    Hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar can work as substitutes.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory sauce. This classic takeout favorite is full of bold flavors, with the umami-rich sauce tying everything together for a satisfying and comforting meal. Whether enjoyed as a quick dinner or as leftovers for lunch, it’s a dish that always hits the spot.

This recipe is simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the protein to suit your preferences. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite enjoyable, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

I’d love to see how your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein turns out! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you personalized this dish to make it your own!