Garlic Beef Lo Mein blends tender beef with noodles and veggies in a homemade lo mein sauce. This beef lo mein dish is prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a delightful weeknight dinner option that surpasses takeout.
This beef lo mein is a speedy weeknight dinner that will please the whole family, including the kids! Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with other dishes like Hunan chicken or bok choy.
The greatest advantage? Crafting restaurant-quality lo mein in the comfort of your home is a breeze, and you can utilize any proteins and vegetables you currently have in your fridge!
How to make beef lo mein
Lo mein hails from Hong Kong and describes a cooking technique where stir-fried components are mixed with noodles and lo mein sauce in the final stages of preparation.
Among the most beloved varieties are beef and broccoli lo mein, alongside chicken lo mein, shrimp lo mein, and vegetable lo mein. In the case of its similar relative, beef chow mein, identical noodles are fried to achieve a crunchier consistency.
Which Noodles Should I Use for Lo Mein?
Lo mein noodles are hearty, wheat-based noodles renowned for their chewy and mildly tender texture. They are usually available in Asian supermarkets as fresh or dried noodles and can be prepared by boiling for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
If you’re unable to locate lo mein noodles, you can experiment with substitutes such as spaghetti or linguine.
The best alternative to lo mein noodles
For those seeking a gluten-free or low-carb alternative to lo mein noodles, you have a few options to consider. Zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or spaghetti squash noodles can serve as substitutes. Keep in mind that these alternatives will alter the texture and flavor of the dish, but they can offer a unique and tasty twist on the classic.
Ingredients Required
The main ingredients for beef lo mein include beef, noodles, garlic, vegetables, and sauce. For the beef, you can use sirloin, flank steak, or any other lean cuts that can be sliced thinly. The vegetables can be anything you like, but common choices are bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The sauce usually consists of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar.
Some Advice on Cooking the Best Beef Ing Mein
- For the best beef lo mein, here are some essential tips and tricks:
- Beef Preparation: Slice the beef against the grain for tenderness and marinate it for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Noodle Cooking: Cook the noodles separately according to the package instructions. Rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking and ensure they stay firm and separate.
- Quick Veggie Stir-Fry: When stir-frying the vegetables, use high heat and cook them quickly to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Versatile Vegetables: While this recipe uses garlic, broccoli, and carrots, feel free to swap them out for your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, bok choy, snow peas, mushrooms, or cabbage.
- Quality Sauce Ingredients: Invest in high-quality soy sauce like Kikkoman, San-J, or Pearl River Bridge for the best flavor. You can mix light and dark soy sauces for a more complex taste. Hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce) is essential for creating a sweet and savory balance in the sauce.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your homemade beef lo mein is packed with flavor and has the perfect texture. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Beef Lo Mein
Ingredients
- Lo mein noodles (or substitute)
- Beef (sliced into strips)
- Vegetables (sliced into bite-size pieces)
- Sauce (soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, ginger, sesame oil)
Instructions
- Boil Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Marinate Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips and marinate them to tenderize and add flavor. Set aside while you prepare other ingredients.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil to make the sauce. Set it aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice your choice of vegetables into bite-size pieces. Common choices include bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
- Cook Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated beef for several minutes until it’s cooked to your desired level. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, stir-fry the prepared vegetables until they are tender and slightly crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the pan, then add the drained lo mein noodles.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, vegetables, and noodles. Toss everything together to ensure it’s well-coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish your beef lo mein with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
- Now, your homemade beef lo mein is ready to enjoy! Feel free to adjust the ingredients and customize it to your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious meal!