Beef Lo Mein is a classic Chinese takeout favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With tender beef, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed with crisp vegetables, it’s a meal that satisfies every time. If you’ve ever wondered how to make beef lo mein from scratch, this friendly guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality lo mein anytime.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients Overview
To make beef lo mein, here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:
– Beef: Flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor.
– Noodles: Lo mein noodles are traditional, but spaghetti or other long noodles work too.
– Vegetables: Common choices include carrots, cabbage, onions, and scallions.
– Aromatics: Garlic and ginger add great depth.
– Sauce ingredients: Soy sauce (light and dark), oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and sometimes Shaoxing wine or broth.
– Cornstarch: For marinating the beef and thickening the sauce.
– Oils: Neutral oil for stir-frying and a bit of sesame oil for flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain into about ¼-inch strips. This helps keep the beef tender. To make slicing easier, you can freeze the beef for 45-60 minutes beforehand. Then marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, a pinch of baking soda (to tenderize), cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and a little oil. Massage the marinade into the beef and let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook them. They should be just tender, still a bit firm to the bite. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside. If you don’t have lo mein noodles, spaghetti is a good substitute.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce
While the beef marinates and the noodles cook, chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Slice carrots into thin strips, chop cabbage, slice onions, and separate the white and green parts of scallions.
Mix the sauce in a bowl by combining light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, cornstarch, and a little water. This sauce will coat the noodles and bring all the flavors together.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef and Vegetables
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add neutral oil. Stir-fry the beef in batches until it’s browned and cooked through, then remove it from the pan.
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, frying briefly until fragrant. Toss in the onions, white parts of the scallions, carrots, and cabbage. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pan, then add the cooked noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss gently but thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly. Keep the heat on medium-low so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the noodles without drying them out.
Finish by stirring in the green parts of the scallions and drizzling a little sesame oil for a fragrant touch.
Tips for Perfect Beef Lo Mein
– Prep everything before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves fast, so have all ingredients ready.
– Use high heat to get that signature wok flavor called “wok hei.”
– Don’t overcook the noodles to avoid sogginess.
– Marinate the beef well for maximum tenderness and flavor.
– Add a splash of broth or water if the noodles start to dry out during cooking.
– Customize your veggies to your liking—snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions.
Quick Beef Lo Mein Recipe Summary
– Marinate thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, baking soda, cornstarch, and Shaoxing wine.
– Cook noodles until just tender, rinse, and set aside.
– Stir-fry beef until browned, remove.
– Stir-fry garlic, onions, carrots, cabbage until crisp-tender.
– Add beef, noodles, and sauce; toss to combine and heat through.
– Finish with scallions and sesame oil.
Making beef lo mein at home is easier than you think and lets you control the ingredients and flavors. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal that rivals your favorite takeout spot. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the tasty results!