Beef Broccoli Lo Mein: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Beef Broccoli Lo Mein: Craving a takeout favorite but want to skip the sodium and mystery ingredients? I’ve got you covered! Imagine tender strips of marinated beef, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles, all tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen.

Lo mein, meaning “tossed noodles,” has a fascinating history rooted in Chinese culinary tradition. While its exact origins are debated, noodle dishes have been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. Over time, lo mein evolved, incorporating regional variations and adapting to local tastes around the world. This Beef Broccoli Lo Mein recipe is my take on a classic, streamlined for ease and packed with flavor.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender beef, the slightly crunchy broccoli, and the chewy noodles create a symphony in your mouth. The sauce, a harmonious blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, adds depth and complexity. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This Beef Broccoli Lo Mein comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to ditch the takeout menus and embrace the deliciousness of homemade!

Ingredients:

• For the Lo Mein Noodles:
• 1 pound fresh lo mein noodles (or dried egg noodles)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Beef Marinade:
• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• For the Lo Mein Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For Garnish (optional):
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Preparing the Beef

Okay, let’s start with the beef. This is a crucial step because marinating the beef makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. Trust me, don’t skip this!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper.
2. Mix everything really well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer it marinates, the better! I usually aim for an hour, but even 30 minutes will make a difference. You can even marinate it overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Broccoli

While the beef is marinating, let’s get the broccoli ready. We want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy, so we’ll quickly stir-fry it.

1. Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be nice and hot before adding the broccoli.
3. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the broccoli florets to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to turn bright green.
5. Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), cover the wok or skillet, and steam the broccoli for another 2-3 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp. You want it to still have a little bite to it.
6. Remove the broccoli from the wok or skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Lo Mein Noodles

Now for the noodles! Fresh lo mein noodles are the best, but dried egg noodles work just fine too. Just make sure to cook them according to the package directions.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the lo mein noodles (or egg noodles) to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes. You want them to be cooked through but still slightly firm.
3. Drain the noodles well and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent them from sticking together.
4. Toss the drained noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.

Making the Lo Mein Sauce

The sauce is what brings everything together, so let’s make sure it’s packed with flavor!

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Make sure everything is well combined and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will prevent the sauce from being lumpy.

Stir-Frying the Beef and Assembling the Lo Mein

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! This is where all the individual components come together to create our delicious Beef Broccoli Lo Mein.

1. Heat another 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef to the hot wok or skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the wok, or the beef will steam instead of stir-fry. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
3. Once the beef is cooked, add the cooked broccoli back to the wok or skillet.
4. Pour the lo mein sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is evenly coated.
5. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok or skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through.

Serving and Garnishing

Time to eat! Serve your Beef Broccoli Lo Mein immediately while it’s hot and delicious.

1. Divide the lo mein among serving bowls.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These add a nice visual appeal and a little extra flavor.
3. Enjoy your homemade Beef Broccoli Lo Mein! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

This Beef Broccoli Lo Mein recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the tender, marinated beef to the perfectly crisp-tender broccoli and the satisfying slurp of those delicious noodles, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen, and in less time than it would take to order takeout. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Think of this recipe as a fantastic base for your culinary creativity. Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of chili garlic sauce for an extra kick of heat. Not a fan of broccoli? Substitute it with snow peas, bell peppers, or even bok choy. The possibilities are endless! For a vegetarian twist, swap the beef for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You could even add some shiitake mushrooms for an earthy umami flavor.

Serving suggestions are just as diverse. I love to serve this Beef Broccoli Lo Mein as a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of crispy spring rolls or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions. If you’re planning a potluck or gathering, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser and travels well. Just keep the noodles separate from the sauce until you’re ready to serve to prevent them from becoming soggy.

But the real magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s designed to be approachable and easy to follow, even for novice cooks. I’ve included detailed instructions and helpful tips to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome every time. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I’m always amazed at how quickly it comes together. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying and flavorful but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Ready to embark on your own Beef Broccoli Lo Mein adventure?

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any substitutions or variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments in the section below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love.

Don’t be shy – get cooking and let me know what you think!

I’m excited to see your culinary creations and hear your stories. Happy cooking! I hope this Beef Broccoli Lo Mein becomes a staple in your recipe repertoire, a go-to dish that you can always rely on for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. The most important ingredient is always love, so pour your heart into it and enjoy the process!

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