The craving for flavorful, satisfying meals often leads us to beloved dishes like Beef Lo Mein. This iconic noodle dish from Chinese-American cuisine combines tender beef, savory sauces, and hearty noodles into a meal that's both comforting and quick to prepare. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, these five Beasy Beef Lo Mein Recipes will help you create restaurant-quality meals right at home.
1. Classic Beef Lo Mein
This is the go-to recipe for beginners, offering a straightforward approach to replicating the classic flavors of this popular dish.
- 1 pound of flank steak, thinly sliced
- 8 oz dried lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch of ginger, grated
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 large carrot, sliced into thin strips
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the noodles according to package instructions. In a wok or large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned. Remove beef, then cook garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add vegetables and stir-fry until they start to soften. Mix in the cooked beef, noodles, and sauces. Cook for a couple more minutes until everything is heated through. Serve hot.
🌟 Note: Adjust the saltiness by starting with less soy sauce and adding more to taste. The dish can quickly become too salty.
2. Spicy Szechuan Beef Lo Mein
If you enjoy heat, this recipe brings the flavors of Szechuan with fiery chilies.
- 1 pound of flank steak, thinly sliced
- 8 oz dried lo mein noodles
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 dried red chilies, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup sliced snow peas
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns, crushed
Follow similar steps as the classic recipe, but add chilies when cooking the garlic and ginger. After combining everything, sprinkle the crushed Szechuan peppercorns for an authentic Szechuan zing.
🌶️ Note: Szechuan peppercorns provide a unique tingling sensation. Start with a smaller amount if you're new to this flavor.
3. Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
A wholesome choice for those looking to incorporate more greens into their diet, this version emphasizes the delightful combo of beef and broccoli.
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 8 oz dried lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1⁄2 cup beef broth
After cooking the noodles, stir-fry the beef with garlic, then set aside. Add broccoli and carrots to the pan, stir-fry until tender. Mix cornstarch with broth, add back beef, noodles, and sauces, and cook until the sauce thickens.
4. One-Pot Beef Lo Mein
Perfect for those who want minimal cleanup, this one-pot dish simplifies the cooking process while retaining all the beloved flavors.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 12 oz dried lo mein noodles
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
In a large pot, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add garlic, vegetables, and cook until softened. Pour in broth, then add the noodles. Cover and cook until noodles are tender. Stir in sauces and cook until well combined. Serve immediately.
📝 Note: Keep an eye on the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. Adjust the broth amount if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Vegetable Beef Lo Mein Fusion
This recipe incorporates a mix of East and West, adding an array of colorful vegetables for a healthy twist.
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 12 oz dried lo mein noodles
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup sliced zucchini
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1⁄2 cup sliced baby corn
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Cook noodles as instructed. In a pan, stir-fry beef until browned, remove. Add garlic, then vegetables, and stir-fry until crisp-tender. Add beef back, noodles, and sauces, mix well, and serve hot.
Wrapping Up
These five beef lo mein recipes cater to a variety of tastes and cooking skills, from the simple to the exotic. Each recipe can be adapted to suit dietary needs or ingredient availability. The versatility of this dish lies in its ability to incorporate any number of ingredients, making it a go-to for quick, delicious meals that don’t compromise on flavor. With these recipes in your cooking repertoire, you’re ready to bring the flavors of a Chinese restaurant to your home kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome of cooking these delightful noodle dishes!
Can I use other types of noodles for these recipes?
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Yes, you can use other types of noodles like udon, soba, or even spaghetti as substitutes for lo mein noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How can I make these recipes vegetarian?
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Substitute the beef with tofu, tempeh, or seitan. You can also increase the amount of vegetables or add vegetarian protein options like edamame or chickpeas.
What can I do if I don’t like spicy food?
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If you prefer milder flavors, simply omit the chili-related ingredients in the Spicy Szechuan Beef Lo Mein recipe. Adjust other recipes by reducing or skipping hot sauces or peppers.
Related Terms:
- recipe beef lo mein
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Lo mein
- Chow Mein
- Mi Cina
- Chop suey
