Beef Lo Mein: A Flavorful Stir-Fry Classic
**Beef Lo Mein** is a beloved Chinese dish, featuring tender slices of beef, crisp vegetables, and savory lo mein noodles all tossed together in a delicious sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal that can be whipped up quickly, making it perfect for weeknights or when you want a homemade takeout experience.
Yield: 4
Materials
- - **1 pound beef flank steak thinly sliced**: Flank steak is ideal for stir-fries, as it cooks quickly and remains tender when sliced thin.
- - **1 tablespoon soy sauce**: For marinating the beef and adding umami flavor.
- - **1 tablespoon cornstarch**: Helps tenderize the beef and gives it a silky texture.
- - **1 tablespoon brown sugar**: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
- - **1 tablespoon vegetable oil**: For stir-frying the beef and vegetables.
- - **8 ounces lo mein noodles**: These egg noodles are key to the dish. If you can’t find lo mein noodles you can substitute with spaghetti or another thin noodle.
- - **1 cup chopped onion**: Adds flavor and a bit of crunch.
- - **1 cup chopped green bell pepper**: Provides a fresh sweet note.
- - **1 cup chopped carrots**: Adds color and natural sweetness to the dish.
- - **1/2 cup chopped celery**: For additional crunch and flavor.
- - **1/4 cup soy sauce**: Used in the sauce for a deep savory flavor.
- - **1/4 cup beef broth**: Enhances the beefy flavor and helps form the sauce.
- - **1 teaspoon sesame oil**: Adds a fragrant nutty aroma and finishes the dish beautifully.
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with **1 tablespoon soy sauce**, **1 tablespoon cornstarch**, and **1 tablespoon brown sugar**. Toss everything together, ensuring the beef is well coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This will tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.
2. Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat **1 tablespoon of vegetable oil** in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef slices. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned on all sides but still tender. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Noodles
- Prepare the **8 ounces of lo mein noodles** according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set the noodles aside. You can lightly toss them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking while you finish the rest of the dish.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet or wok, add a bit more oil if necessary, and stir in the **chopped onion**, **green bell pepper**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Cook the vegetables for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften but still retain some crispness.
5. Prepare the Sauce
- Stir in the remaining **1/4 cup soy sauce**, **1/4 cup beef broth**, and **1 teaspoon sesame oil**. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken and the flavors to blend.
6. Combine Everything
- Return the browned beef and cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the beef, noodles, and vegetables in the flavorful sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
7. Serve
- Transfer the **Beef Lo Mein** to plates or a large serving bowl, and serve hot. Optionally, you can garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.