Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

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Introduction

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish that brings the perfect harmony of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and chewy noodles to your dinner table. Tossed in a rich, savory sauce made with soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, this one-pan meal is both easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re craving takeout-style comfort food or looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this dish is sure to deliver.

The first time I made Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein, I was amazed at how simple it was to create such a balanced, delicious meal at home. Stir-frying the beef to tender perfection and combining it with vibrant broccoli and glossy noodles felt like an effortless way to recreate a takeout favorite. By the time it was ready to serve, the kitchen smelled incredible, and every bite was bursting with flavor.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can easily swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and mix in other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to suit your taste. It’s a great way to use up ingredients in your fridge while creating a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with loved ones, Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Meal prepping
  • Asian-inspired meals
  • Family gatherings
  • Noodle lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein will become a staple in your recipe collection:

  • Packed with Flavor: The savory, umami-packed sauce coats every bite, making this dish irresistible.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable: Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
  • Healthy Balance: A perfect combination of protein, vegetables, and noodles for a well-rounded meal.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients to create a dish that rivals takeout quality.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein:

  • 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 3 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

For the Sauce:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Ingredient Highlights

  • Flank Steak: Thinly sliced flank steak cooks quickly and stays tender, making it ideal for stir-fries.
  • Broccoli Florets: Add a fresh, crunchy texture and balance the richness of the dish.
  • Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These sauces provide a salty, savory base for the dish.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
  • Lo Mein Noodles: These soft, chewy noodles soak up the sauce perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
  2. Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain for tender bites.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and water until smooth.

Cook the Dish:

  1. Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Stir-Fry the Broccoli: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender.
  3. Cook the Aromatics: Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Combine Everything:

  1. Return the Beef: Add the cooked beef back to the skillet with the broccoli.
  2. Add the Noodles and Sauce: Toss in the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss the ingredients together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.

How to Serve

  • Classic Bowl: Serve in a large bowl with chopsticks for a traditional, restaurant-style presentation.
  • Family Platter: Arrange on a large serving platter with a garnish of sesame seeds and chopped scallions for family-style dining.
  • Meal Prep Boxes: Divide into individual portions in meal prep containers for quick, reheatable lunches.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the lo mein into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb serving option.
  • With a Fried Egg: Top with a sunny-side-up or fried egg for a rich, protein-packed twist.
  • In a Wok: Serve directly from the wok at the table to keep the dish hot and showcase its authenticity.
  • Over Rice: Serve the beef and broccoli lo mein on top of steamed jasmine or fried rice for a heartier meal.
  • On a Bed of Greens: Layer over fresh spinach or mixed greens for a lighter, salad-inspired presentation.
  • Pair with Spring Rolls: Serve alongside crispy spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired spread.
  • In Individual Chinese Takeout Boxes: Use mini takeout boxes for a fun and portable party presentation.

Additional Tips

  • Cut the Beef Thinly: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures it stays tender and cooks quickly.
  • Blanch the Broccoli: If you prefer softer broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying.
  • Use Fresh Noodles: If available, fresh lo mein noodles provide an even more authentic texture.
  • Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to get a good sear and prevent steaming.

Recipe Variations

  1. Chicken Lo Mein: Substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs.
  2. Shrimp Lo Mein: Use shrimp for a seafood twist; cook them quickly until pink and tender.
  3. Vegetarian Lo Mein: Omit the beef and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas.
  4. Spicy Lo Mein: Add chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
  5. Pork Lo Mein: Thinly sliced pork loin is another great protein option for this dish.
  6. Peanut Lo Mein: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
  7. Sesame Lo Mein: Add toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch.
  8. Gluten-Free Lo Mein: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
  9. Extra Veggie Lo Mein: Double the broccoli and add carrots, zucchini, or baby corn for a veggie-packed version.
  10. Teriyaki Lo Mein: Swap the sauce for a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze individual portions of the dish in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beef and broccoli.

Special Equipment

  • Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for stir-frying as it provides even heat distribution and ample space for tossing ingredients.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing beef thinly and cutting vegetables evenly.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy surface to prep your ingredients efficiently.
  • Tongs or Chopsticks: Useful for flipping beef slices and handling noodles without breaking them.
  • Fine-Mesh Strainer: Handy for rinsing broccoli and draining noodles thoroughly.
  • Vegetable Peeler: Useful for peeling carrots or creating thin vegetable strips for added texture.
  • Mandoline Slicer: Speeds up slicing vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
  • Pot with Strainer Insert: Simplifies boiling and draining noodles.
  • Microplane Grater: Perfect for grating fresh garlic or ginger for the sauce.
  • Meat Tenderizer: Helps tenderize tougher cuts of beef for better texture in the dish.

FAQ

  1. Can I use different noodles? Yes, spaghetti or rice noodles work well if you can’t find lo mein noodles.
  2. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving.
  3. What’s the best cut of beef? Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are great options for this recipe.
  4. Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.
  5. Is oyster sauce necessary? Oyster sauce adds depth, but you can substitute with soy sauce and a touch of sugar if needed.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and saucy, savory noodles come together in this quick and delicious recipe that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Bursting with flavor and ready in no time, it’s a go-to meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Customizable and versatile, you can easily add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Serve it as a complete meal or pair it with egg rolls and dumplings for a full feast that’s better than takeout.

I’d love to see how you make this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein your own! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram to show off your creation. Don’t forget to share your favorite twists in the comments. Happy cooking!

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