Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

Introduction

If you love the savory goodness of stir-fried noodles combined with tender beef and crisp broccoli, then you’re going to adore this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein! This dish brings all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout, but with the bonus of being made right at home. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and packed with savory umami flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

The combination of thinly sliced beef, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and filling. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe will make you feel like a pro. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking by adjusting the sauce, adding your favorite veggies, or even switching up the protein. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein will become your new favorite dinner:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
• Flavor-Packed: The savory sauce, combined with tender beef, fresh broccoli, and chewy noodles, makes every bite a flavor explosion.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or add extra veggies to make the dish your own.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup means more time for you to relax after dinner.
• Healthy-ish: Packed with vegetables and lean beef, this dish is a great option for a balanced meal.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbohydrates: 55g, Fat: 12g, Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

For the Lo Mein:

• 1 lb (450g) beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
• 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 8 oz (225g) lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if unavailable)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 bell pepper (optional), thinly sliced

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein:

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Noodles: Begin by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prep the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness when cooking.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the broccoli into florets, thinly slice the onion, and if you’re using bell pepper, slice that too.

Make the Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch (if using), water, and black pepper. Set the sauce aside.

Cook the Beef and Vegetables

1. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
2. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the garlic and onion. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the broccoli and bell pepper (if using), and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.

Combine Everything

1. Add the Noodles and Beef: Add the cooked noodles and beef back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and toss everything together to combine, making sure the noodles and beef are evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Simmer: Let the dish simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve

1. Serve the Lo Mein: Plate the Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein and serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

How to Serve

• Garnish: Top with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a little extra flavor and color.
• With a Side: Serve this dish alongside a light cucumber salad or some steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
• For a Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein even better:

1. Thinly Slice the Beef: Cutting the beef against the grain into thin slices ensures it’s tender and easy to eat.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the beef and vegetables in batches.
3. Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
4. Noodle Substitutes: If lo mein noodles are hard to find, you can substitute with regular spaghetti or other types of Asian noodles like soba or udon.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few variations you can try to customize the dish:

• Chicken or Shrimp: Swap the beef for chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter version of this dish.
• Vegan Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of beef, and replace the oyster sauce with a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Lo Mein: Add some chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version.
• Saucy Version: Add a bit more water or broth to the sauce if you prefer a saucier dish.

Freezing and Storage

To store leftovers or prepare in advance:

• Storage: Store any leftover Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While stir-fry dishes don’t freeze perfectly, you can freeze the cooked beef, noodles, and vegetables for up to 1 month. When reheating, add a little extra sauce to keep it from drying out.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to keep it moist.

Special Equipment

You’ll need the following kitchen tools to make this recipe:

• Wok or Large Skillet: For stir-frying the beef and vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: To slice the beef and vegetables thinly.
• Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients.
• Pot for Noodles: To cook the lo mein noodles.

FAQ Section

If you have any questions about making Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein, you’re not alone! Here’s a quick FAQ to clear up any doubts and help you perfect this dish.

• Can I use a different type of noodle?
  • Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with udon noodles, soba noodles, or even regular spaghetti. Just make sure to cook the noodles according to the package directions before adding them to the stir-fry.
• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
  • While fresh broccoli gives the best texture and flavor, frozen broccoli can work too. If you’re using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the stir-fry. This will help avoid any sogginess in the dish.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  • Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free! Use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. You can also opt for gluten-free noodles, such as rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti, to keep the dish safe for those avoiding gluten.
• How can I make this dish spicier?
  • For a spicier kick, add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also stir in fresh chopped chili peppers when sautéing the vegetables for an added heat boost.
• Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
  • Yes, you can swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different flavor profile. For chicken, try using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced. For tofu, press and cube it before adding to the stir-fry.
• Can I prep the ingredients ahead of time?
  • Absolutely! You can slice the beef, chop the vegetables, and even make the sauce ahead of time. Just store the prepped ingredients separately in the fridge to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to cook, everything will be ready to go!

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Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is the kind of meal you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for those busy nights when you crave something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory sauce, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor. The best part? It comes together in just one pan, making clean-up a breeze!
This dish is easily customizable—add more veggies, swap in a different protein, or adjust the seasoning to your taste. The rich soy-based sauce, with a touch of garlic and ginger, is the perfect complement to the beef and veggies, and the lo mein noodles soak up all that flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein will quickly become a go-to recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like takeout, but it’s even better because you made it yourself.
So why not give it a try tonight? Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!