If you’ve been craving a comforting, quick, and absolutely flavorful stir-fry, this Beef Lo Mein Recipe is about to become your new weeknight champion. Packed with tender strips of beef, vibrant vegetables, and silky noodles all wrapped in a luscious sauce, this dish is a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and umami notes. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and irresistibly satisfying with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Beef Lo Mein Recipe brings the tastes of a takeout favorite right into your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with simple but crucial ingredients, and this Beef Lo Mein Recipe is no exception. Each item plays an important role—from the silky noodles that soak up flavor to the fresh veggies adding crunch and color, and of course, that tender beef bringing rich protein to the party.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles: Cooked according to instructions to ensure the perfect chewy texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth that defines this classic Asian-inspired dish.
- 1/4 cup hot boiled water: Used to dissolve the Better Than Bouillon, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Beef Better Than Bouillon: Concentrated beef broth powder that gives the sauce an intense, savory backbone.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami to balance the sweetness and deepen the overall flavor.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the beef and vegetables.
- Oil (olive or sesame) for frying: Essential for cooking the beef and vegetables to golden perfection.
- 1 lb beef: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 2 large carrots: Cut into two-inch pieces for a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness.
- 2 cups broccoli: Adds vibrant green color and hearty texture.
- 1 large onion: Pre-sliced, it caramelizes beautifully to enrich the overall dish.
- 4 garlic cloves: Pressed into the sautéed vegetables to impart that irresistible aromatic punch.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by dissolving the Beef Better Than Bouillon and brown sugar in the hot boiled water while stirring until you get a smooth mixture. Then, add the soy sauce and set this flavorful sauce aside. This step ensures that every strand of noodle and piece of beef is coated in a rich, savory glaze.
Step 2: Chop and Slice Your Ingredients
Dice the carrots, broccoli, and onion into two-inch pieces to maintain a nice bite and texture. Slice your beef into very thin strips to allow quick cooking and ensure it stays tender and juicy throughout the stir-fry process.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet with sesame oil until hot, then cook the beef strips until they’re golden brown. This caramelization locks in flavor and adds a subtle crunch. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside—your skillet will be the base for the veggies next.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté the onions with a little more sesame oil until they turn golden and sweet. Remove and set aside, then cook the carrots until they soften slightly. Add the broccoli and let it cook for about three minutes before returning the onions to the pan. Press the garlic cloves into this vibrant vegetable mix, releasing their beautiful aroma.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked beef back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything, letting it simmer for around two minutes. This allows the flavors to marry perfectly, coating each element with a glossy finish.
Step 6: Add Noodles and Toss
Finally, toss in the cooked lo mein noodles and mix thoroughly until every bit is dressed in that luscious sauce. Transfer to a large serving dish, toss once more to combine everything evenly, and serve hot for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate your Beef Lo Mein Recipe immensely. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and a boost of nuttiness. Freshly sliced green onions bring a pop of brightness and color, while a few sprigs of cilantro can add an herbal freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with lighter side dishes balances the meal. A crisp cucumber salad or an Asian-inspired slaw with a tangy dressing adds brightness and texture contrast. If you want something warm, a bowl of clear miso soup complements the hearty noodles perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Beef Lo Mein Recipe in individual bowls layered with fresh herbs and a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy edge. You could also turn it into a noodle bowl by adding avocado slices and a fried egg on top, creating a deliciously rich and wholesome meal that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Beef Lo Mein Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain most of the original flavors and textures.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but noodles tend to become a bit soft after thawing. If freezing, separate the noodles from the beef and vegetables when possible, freeze the beef and veggies in a sealed container, and reheat with freshly cooked noodles for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the sauce and prevent dryness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the beef tender and the vegetables crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, udon, or even rice noodles depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the beef for tofu or tempeh and replace beef bouillon with vegetarian or mushroom-based broth to keep all the delicious flavors intact.
How can I make the sauce less salty?
To reduce saltiness, cut back on the soy sauce or use a low-sodium variety. You can also add a splash of water or a bit more brown sugar to balance the flavors.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can slice the vegetables and beef in advance, and even cook the noodles early. Store them separately and assemble everything just before cooking for the freshest result.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Look for tender cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye. They slice thinly and cook quickly, making them perfect for Beef Lo Mein Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Lo Mein Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly yet tastes like you’ve spent hours creating it. Its rich, layered flavors and satisfying textures make it a versatile favorite for busy nights or anytime you crave a homemade touch of Asian-inspired goodness. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to recipe for weeks to come!
PrintBeef Lo Mein Recipe
A flavorful and easy Beef Lo Mein recipe featuring tender beef strips stir-fried with fresh vegetables and tossed with savory soy-based sauce and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish brings restaurant-quality Chinese comfort food to your home kitchen with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Noodles and Sauce
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup hot boiled water
- 1 tbsp Beef Better Than Bouillon
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb beef, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 large carrots, diced into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets, diced into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, diced into 2-inch pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- Oil (olive or sesame) for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine hot boiled water with Beef Better Than Bouillon and brown sugar, stirring until both are completely dissolved. Add soy sauce to the mixture and set this savory sauce aside.
- Cook the beef: Dice the carrots, broccoli, and onion into two-inch pieces. Pre-slice the beef into thin strips. Heat a skillet with sesame oil over high heat and cook the beef until it turns golden brown. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onions with a little more sesame oil until they reach a golden brown color, then remove and set aside. Next, sauté the carrots until they begin to soften, then add the broccoli and cook for about three minutes. Return the onions to the pan and press the garlic cloves into the mixture to infuse flavor.
- Combine beef and sauce: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss with noodles: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss all the ingredients thoroughly to combine the beef, vegetables, noodles, and sauce evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the beef lo mein to a large serving dish, toss again to mix well, and serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced beef for the best texture and quick cooking time.
- Make sure to cook the noodles just until tender; overcooked noodles can become mushy when stir-frying.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity according to your desired saltiness.
- You can substitute broccoli and carrots with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
- Sesame oil adds great flavor but use it in moderation as it can be strong.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.