Beef Lo Mein

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Lo Mein is a quick, flavorful stir-fried noodle dish loaded with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. It’s a satisfying takeout favorite you can make at home in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious, fast, and customizable.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced)lo mein noodles or spaghettisoy saucesesame oilhoisin saucesugargarlic clovesgingerfresh vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)green onionsvegetable oilcornstarch (for marinating the beef)water (for sauce)

directions

Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

In a bowl, toss sliced beef with a bit of soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let marinate while prepping other ingredients.

In a small bowl, mix together the sauce: soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, water, and a touch of sesame oil.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.

Add beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

Add more oil if needed and stir-fry garlic, ginger, and vegetables for 3–5 minutes until just tender.

Return the beef to the pan, add the cooked noodles and sauce, and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.

Add mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy for more variety.

Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or Sriracha.

Swap hoisin for oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in intervals until warmed through.Add a splash of water or soy sauce if noodles seem dry.

FAQs

Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?

Yes, spaghetti or linguine are great substitutes if lo mein noodles aren’t available.

Do I have to marinate the beef?

Marinating with soy sauce and cornstarch helps tenderize and flavor the beef.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tamari and rice noodles instead of wheat-based lo mein.

What cut of beef is best?

Flank steak or sirloin work well for tenderness and quick cooking.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, slice beef and veggies and mix the sauce ahead of time for quick cooking.

Can I freeze Beef Lo Mein?

Not recommended, as the noodles can become mushy when thawed.

Do I need a wok?

A large nonstick skillet works fine if you don’t have a wok.

What oil is best for stir-frying?

High smoke point oils like vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil work well.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Toss with a little sesame oil after cooking and keep them separated until ready to stir-fry.

What sides go well with it?

Serve with egg rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Beef Lo Mein is a deliciously satisfying noodle stir-fry that’s fast, flexible, and full of bold flavor. With its tender beef, crisp veggies, and glossy sauce coating every strand of noodle, it’s the perfect homemade alternative to takeout—simple enough for weeknights, tasty enough for any occasion.

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