This lo mein has become one of my absolute favorite dishes to make! The combination of tender beef, slightly crisp broccoli, and chewy noodles with that incredible sauce is just insuperable!
Let’s go with this amazing recipe!
What is lo mein?
Lo mein means “stirred noodles” in Cantonese and has been delighting people for centuries. While this version might not be 100% traditional, it captures everything we love about this dish – those perfect chewy noodles, tender meat, and crisp vegetables all brought together with a marvelous sauce.
Ingredients (4 servings)
For the noodles and proteins:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or thick wheat noodles)
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- A large wok or deep skillet
- Sharp knife for the beef
- Cutting board
- Colander
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
First things first – and this is super important – slice your beef while it’s still a bit frozen. Trust me on this one! It makes getting those thin, even slices so much easier.
Note: If your beef is fully thawed, pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes. It’ll firm up just enough to make cutting a breeze!
2. Get Those Noodles Ready
Cook your lo mein noodles following the package instructions. Here’s a little trick though – cook them about 1 minute less than suggested. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce and won’t get mushy.
3. Create the Perfect Sear
Heat your wok until it’s super hot – when a water drop dances and vanishes instantly, you’re ready! Add a tablespoon of oil and sear the beef in batches. Don’t crowd the pan! Each piece needs that beautiful brown crust. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.
4. Build Those Amazing Flavors
Once the beef is done, use the same pan (don’t clean it – those brown bits are flavor gold!) and add your garlic and ginger. Let them sizzle just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add your broccoli. I love mine with a bit of bite, so 3-4 minutes is perfect.
5. Bring Everything Together
Now comes the magic! Return the beef to the pan, add your sauces, and give everything a good toss. Add the noodles and keep tossing until every strand is coated in that glossy sauce. If things look a bit dry, here’s a pro tip – add a splash of the noodle cooking water. It’s my secret weapon for creating a silky sauce!
Tips and Tricks
- Why slice the beef thin? It’s not just for looks! Thinner slices mean more surface area for the sauce to cling to, plus quicker cooking time.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli! You want it tender-crisp with that bright green color.
- Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer it saltier? A touch more soy sauce will do the trick.
Enjoy this incredible lo mein!