If you’re craving a meal that perfectly balances tender, savory beef with crisp, vibrant broccoli all tossed together with silky noodles and a mouthwatering sauce, you’re going to love this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, packed with bold flavors and textures that make every bite a joyous experience. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your stir-fry skills, this dish brings warmth, richness, and that amazing Asian-inspired flair right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient shines in harmony, creating a dish that’s flavorful, colorful, and satisfying. These essential components work together to bring the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes, with fresh veggies adding a pop of color and texture.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti: The soft, chewy noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, serving as the heart of this dish.
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: This cut cooks quickly and stays tender, giving you perfectly juicy beef every time.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds fresh crunch and vibrant green color, boosting both nutrition and texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for stir-frying that helps achieve that lovely sear and caramelization.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a wonderful aromatic punch that brightens and deepens the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds subtle heat and a zing that pairs perfectly with garlic.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty, savory backbone of the sauce, balancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet umami boost that makes the dish irresistibly tasty.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a mild sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish and rounds out the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: A hint of sweetness that balances the salty and savory elements perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Just a touch of heat to awaken your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Adds fresh crunch and a mild onion flavor as a lovely final touch.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your lo mein noodles or spaghetti following the package directions. Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them well and set them aside. Cooking the noodles just right is key since they’ll soak up the glorious sauce later, delivering comfort in every slurp.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. This sauce is the heart of your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe, marrying savory, sweet, and spicy notes into a luscious coating for your ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s nicely browned and just cooked through. You want juicy, tender beef that still has that slightly caramelized crust. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside to keep those flavors intact.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli and Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for just 30 seconds until they emit that incredible fragrant aroma. Then promptly add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still have a little crunch—this keeps the texture fresh and vibrant.
Step 5: Combine and Toss Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and add your drained noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over all the ingredients and give everything a thorough toss to coat evenly. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just a bit, ensuring every bite is dripping with deliciousness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top to add a burst of freshness and an inviting crunch. Now your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe is ready to be served hot and enjoyed!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions is the classic finish, but feel free to add toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for enhanced aroma. Fresh cilantro or even a squeeze of lime can bring a nice unexpected brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider light sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or simple vegetable spring rolls. These sides complement the savory richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe in individual bowls for a cozy, casual feel, or plate it elegantly on a large platter for family-style dining. Adding a small bowl of chili oil on the side invites guests to spice things up to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This lo mein freezes well if you want to save portions for busy days. Use a freezer-safe container, and keep it for up to 1 month. When freezing, opt to slightly undercook the broccoli for better texture after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the lo mein gently on the stove in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly, and enjoy the comforting warmth as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef besides flank steak?
Absolutely! Sirloin or skirt steak are wonderful alternatives because they also cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap out the lo mein noodles for gluten-free noodles and replace soy sauce with tamari. This change keeps all the flavor without the gluten.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein instead of beef, and make sure to use vegetarian or mushroom-based oyster sauce for that signature umami flavor.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Red bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or shredded carrots add wonderful colors and textures to your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe.
What’s the best way to slice the beef for this recipe?
Slicing against the grain into thin strips is key to ensure the beef is tender and easy to chew. Partially freezing the meat beforehand makes it much easier to slice thinly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and vibrant about the Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite. It’s easy to prepare, packed with balanced flavors, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. I encourage you to dive in, experiment with your favorite veggies or proteins, and savor every delicious bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to weeknight dinner or impressive dish for company.
Print
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry dish combining tender slices of flank steak, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory homemade sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that brings a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs in an easy one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Noodles and Meat
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauce and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes until fully combined. Set this sauce mixture aside for adding later.
- Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics and broccoli: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine all components: Return the cooked beef to the pan along with the drained noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over all the ingredients. Toss everything together to coat evenly and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish and serve the beef and broccoli lo mein hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin, chicken, or tofu depending on preference or dietary needs.
- For added vegetables, consider tossing in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles such as rice noodles and replace soy sauce with tamari.
