This beef lo mein is stir fried steak and vegetables tossed with egg noodles in a savory sauce. A remake of the take out favorite that tastes even better than what you would get at a restaurant!
I love to recreate some of my family’s favorite Chinese dishes at home including General Tso’s chicken, fried wontons and this easy and totally delicious lo mein.
Whenever we order from our local Chinese restaurant, my family requests beef lo mein. I decided it was time to learn to make this classic recipe at home, and it’s actually quite easy to prepare! This lo mein works great as a main course, or can be served alongside other Chinese dishes for a complete meal.
How do you make beef lo mein?
The first step is to make a simple marinade for thinly sliced flank steak. Let the meat sit in the marinade for at least 10 minutes, then transfer the steak to a hot pan. Cook the meat until browned, then remove the steak and place onions, carrots, celery and cabbage in the pan. Cook the veggies until they’re just softened. Add the noodles and steak to the pan and toss everything together.
While the steak and veggies are cooking, in a separate bowl make the sauce by whisking together beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil and cornstarch. Pour the sauce in the pan with the beef, noodles and veggies and bring the sauce to a simmer until thickened. Once the sauce is thickened, add a sprinkling of green onions and enjoy!
Tips for the perfect dish
- If you have an Asian supermarket nearby, you can find a wide selection of refrigerated noodles that are suitable for lo mein. Most grocery stores also carry a selection of fresh Asian noodles in the refrigerated produce area. If you can’t find the egg noodles shown here, you can also use fresh yaki soba noodles, or a dried lo mein noodle.
- Place your steak in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm it up, it makes it much easier to cut thin slices this way.
- I typically use flank steak because it’s relative inexpensive and stays tender when cooked. Other good choices include sirloin or New York strip steak.
- You can use a variety of vegetables in your lo mein including bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, bok choy and bean sprouts. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
What kind of noodles are used in beef lo mein?
I use an egg noodle here which is labeled as Shanghai noodles, and it came from the refrigerated section of my local Asian market. You want to look for noodles that are relatively thick and long. If you can find noodles that are labeled “lo mein” noodles, those will also work. In a pinch, you can also use spaghetti or Japanese udon noodles.
What is lo mein sauce made of?
The sauce for beef lo mein is a mixture of beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil and cornstarch. If you prefer a spicy lo mein, you can add sriracha to the sauce. Looking for more of a sweet and savory combination? Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of honey to the mix. Hoisin sauce can be found in the ethnic foods aisle of most grocery stores.
What’s the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
Lo mein and chow mein are very similar dishes. Chow mein noodles may be thinner than lo mein noodles which accounts for one of the main difference. Also, lo mein noodles are boiled, while chow mein noodles are boiled and then stir fried. Due to the stir fry process, chow mein noodles tend to be crispier in texture than lo mein noodles. This lo mein recipe uses pre-cooked noodles that are heated and simmered in the lo mein sauce, which results in perfectly tender noodles.
This lo mein recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish in the comfort of your own home!
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Beef Lo Mein Video
Beef Lo Mein
Ingredients
For the beef
- 3/4 pound flank steak thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the lo mein
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 10 ounces fresh egg noodles pre-cooked
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup shredded or julienned carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion tops (only the dark green part)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the beef
- Place the flank steak, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
For the lo mein
- Preheat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Add the beef in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Remove the beef from the pan. Add the onions, carrots, celery and cabbage to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes or until just softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the noodles to the pan, along with the beef. Toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute or until sauce is thickened. Sprinkle with green onions, then serve.
Susan says
What exact noodles did you use? This looks delicious! I love all your recipes!!!
Sara says
I got them from 99 ranch, they’re called Shanghai noodles made by Fung’s Village, in a clear bag in the refrigerated section.
Stephanie says
Really, really good! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica Burgess says
This is my husband’s favorite to order when we go out so now I can make this over and over again at home because he loves this recipe. Thank you!
Natalie says
I will be making this often!! So much flavor & easy to make!
Michelle says
I always wondered what kind of noodles those were! This is really good and I love all the veggies in it!
Catherine says
Lo mein is my daughter’s favorite so I know she would absolutely love this. Takeout made at home is the best and always a fun dinner for the family. This looks delicious!
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
Yum! This is so delicious, and right up my family’s alley. I’ll be making this again!
Emily Liao says
This was a dinner hit! So easy to make and flavorful.
Cathleen says
Why have I never thought of making this myself?? You make it look so doable, I am definitely going to give this a go this weekend 🙂
Shalini says
I love a good lo mein any day! Thanks for this variation with beef. Never tried that before.