Easy Beef Lo Mein: Quick Weeknight Noodles!

Easy Beef Lo Mein is one of our favorite weeknight dinners! It’s quick, satisfying, and reminds us of those cozy takeout evenings from back in Queens. But let me tell you, this homemade version? It’s even better than any Chinese takeout we remember. With simple ingredients and a few Nonna shortcuts, you can have a restaurant quality meal on the table faster than you could order delivery.

We always loved making noodles from scratch as kids. It was our favorite thing to do on a snowy winter day with Nonna and the whole family. When we learned how versatile noodles could be, we fell in love! Now, we’re bringing those same comforting bowls of noodles straight to your kitchen. That is why we know you will enjoy this Easy Beef Lo Mein recipe as much as we do.

Why You Will Love This Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

This Easy Beef Lo Mein recipe is pure comfort food, plain and simple. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite. The tender beef, the perfectly cooked noodles, the savory sauce – it all comes together so beautifully. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your house. Just like our Easy Chicken Parmesan, it’s a dish we make again and again.

But beyond the taste, this Easy Beef Lo Mein recipe is a reminder of family and tradition. It’s like a warm hug from Nonna in a bowl. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table. We make this Easy Beef Lo Mein when we are in the mood for a comforting meal. Its versatility makes it great every time! Each simple ingredient makes it taste homemade.

Ingredients Needed for This Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Lo Mein Noodles:

• 1 pound dried lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if you can’t find lo mein)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 green onions, chopped

How to Make This Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

1. 1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour in the refrigerator).

1. 2. Cook the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. If using spaghetti, cook until al dente.

1. 3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.

1. 4. Stir Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir fry until browned and cooked through, about 34 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

1. 5. Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers, julienned carrot, and sliced mushrooms. Stir fry until the vegetables are tender crisp, about 57 minutes.

1. 6. Combine Everything: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and then add the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 12 minutes.

1. 7. Add Noodles and Beef: Add the cooked lo mein noodles and cooked beef to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

1. 8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy this homemade alternative to your favorite easy chinese takeout.

How to Serve This Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Serve your Easy Beef Lo Mein hot and fresh right from the wok! We like to offer a side of extra soy sauce or a drizzle of chili oil for those who like a little kick. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture. If you’re looking for something sweet to follow, our Easy Baked Raspberry Cheesecake is the perfect treat!

For a more complete meal, you can serve your Easy Beef Lo Mein with a simple side salad or some steamed broccoli. This dish pairs well with just about anything, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

How to Store This Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

If you have any leftover Easy Beef Lo Mein, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 34 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water when you reheat it.

We don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the noodles can become mushy when thawed. If you want to meal prep, you can prepare the beef, sauce, and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to assemble the dish.

Tips to Make This Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

• Use the right noodles: Lo mein noodles are the best choice for this recipe, but if you can’t find them, spaghetti or other long noodles will work in a pinch.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy and unappetizing. Be sure to cook them al dente.
• Slice the beef thinly: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain will ensure that it is tender and cooks quickly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir fry the beef and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the ingredients from browning properly..

Helpful Notes for This Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

For the best flavor, we recommend using high quality soy sauce and oyster sauce. These ingredients are the foundation of the sauce, so it’s important to use the best you can find. Also, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more.

We also love to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit this. The oyster sauce adds a unique flavor to the sauce as well. Don’t fret if you don’t have it because you can easily substitute it with hoisin sauce or even a little extra soy sauce.

Variation of This Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

One of the best things about this Easy Beef Lo Mein recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the beef and add some tofu or extra vegetables. You can also use different types of noodles, such as rice noodles or udon noodles.

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with some chili oil. And, for a heartier meal, you can add some protein, such as shrimp, chicken, or pork. If you’re making this dish during the cooler weather, our Crockpot Corned Beef And Cabbage is another hearty meal that we love!

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Conclusion

Easy Beef Lo Mein is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! It is quick, easy, and delicious, and we know you are going to savor every morsel. We hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to ours. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Buon appetito!

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