Beef and Broccoli Lomein

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Introduction

Let’s talk about comfort food that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. You know those nights when you crave takeout, but don’t feel like leaving the house (or spending the money)? That’s exactly when this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein comes to the rescue. It’s the perfect homemade version of the iconic Chinese-American dish, and it’s just as delicious as what you’d get at your favorite restaurant—if not better!

This recipe is one of those dishes I keep in my back pocket for busy weeknights when I’m looking to whip up something fast but still crave that hearty, savory goodness. The tender strips of beef and the crunchy broccoli are coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s so satisfying. And the noodles? They soak up all that deliciousness in the best way possible.

What makes this lo mein special is that it’s not just tasty—it’s so versatile. You can easily make it your own by adding more vegetables, swapping in a different protein, or adjusting the spice level. Plus, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, so no need to make a special trip to the store!

I first made this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein on a lazy Sunday when I was craving Chinese food but didn’t feel like ordering in. After just one bite, it became a family favorite. The combination of savory beef, crisp broccoli, and soft noodles, all tossed together in a flavorful sauce, quickly turned into our go-to dinner for busy days. You can’t beat that!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein will quickly become your new favorite stir-fry recipe:

• It’s quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Full of flavor: The sauce is a delicious blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness, bringing everything together in a perfect harmony of flavors. The beef is tender, the broccoli is crisp, and the noodles are coated in that glorious sauce.
• Healthy and balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and a good dose of veggies, this meal is both filling and nutritious. You can even sneak in more veggies if you want to boost the health factor.
• Customizable: This lo mein recipe is super adaptable. Swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. It’s all about making it work for your taste buds!
• One-pan wonder: The best part? You’ll only need one skillet or wok for cooking this entire dish. No fuss, no mess—just a tasty, satisfying meal.

Trust me, you’ll be craving this lo mein again and again. The combination of flavors, textures, and ease of preparation makes it a weeknight win every time.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: Serves 4 people
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  Calories: 450
  Protein: 30g
  Carbs: 50g
  Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin beef: Flank steak works best for its tenderness, but you can also use sirloin if it’s easier for you. Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure it stays tender.
• 3 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and a nutritious boost. You can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand.
• 8 oz lo mein noodles: These chewy, egg noodles are the star of the dish. You can find them at most grocery stores, but if you can’t, spaghetti or another Asian noodle like soba or rice noodles will work.
• 3 tbsp soy sauce: This salty, umami-packed ingredient is key to making the sauce rich and flavorful.
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds a little sweetness and depth to balance out the salty soy sauce.
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Another flavor booster that adds a savory, umami kick.
• 2 tbsp sesame oil: For a nutty, fragrant base to cook the beef and veggies.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for adding that aromatic kick.
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated: Fresh ginger gives the dish a slight zing that pairs perfectly with the soy sauce and sesame oil.
• 1 tsp cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a little tanginess to brighten the flavor.
• 1 tsp sugar: Balances out the salty and sour elements in the sauce.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients:
   Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips. This will ensure that the beef stays tender. If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch. This will form the base of your lo mein sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is fully mixed in. This will help thicken the sauce and give it that beautiful, glossy finish.
3. Cook the beef:
   Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced beef and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if necessary, cook the beef in batches. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cook the broccoli:
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp. If you like your broccoli a little softer, cook it for a minute or two longer. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine the noodles, beef, and sauce:
   Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet with the broccoli and garlic. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat. Add the beef back into the pan and toss once more to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
6. Serve:
   Once the beef and broccoli are well-coated with the sauce, it’s time to plate up! Serve your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein right away, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like. It’s a dish that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious!

How to Serve

• Serve over rice: While this recipe is already filling thanks to the noodles, you can serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for even more comfort.
• Top with sesame seeds: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top just before serving.
• Pair with a side salad: A simple side salad with a soy-based dressing or a cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil would complement the flavors of this dish perfectly.
• Garnish with green onions: Chopped green onions add a pop of color and a fresh, oniony bite that balances out the richness of the sauce.

Additional Tips

1. Slice the beef thinly: Cutting the beef thinly against the grain is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you have trouble slicing it thinly, freeze the beef for about 15 minutes before slicing—it’ll make it easier.
2. Cook the noodles separately: Cooking the noodles separately ensures they don’t get too mushy or soggy when you toss them in the sauce. Drain them well and set them aside until the beef and broccoli are cooked.
3. Customize the sauce: If you like things a little sweeter, add an extra teaspoon of sugar or hoisin sauce. For a little spice, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
4. Keep the broccoli crisp: Don’t overcook the broccoli! You want it tender-crisp so that it still has a bit of bite and texture. It will also stay bright green, making the dish visually appealing.
5. Prep in advance: You can slice the beef, chop the vegetables, and even make the sauce ahead of time. This will save you a lot of time on the night you plan to cook the dish.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken Lo Mein: Swap out the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs. Chicken will cook just as quickly and provide a lighter option if you prefer.
• Vegetarian Lo Mein: To make this dish vegetarian, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh. You can even add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for more flavor and texture.
• Spicy Lo Mein: Add a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving for extra heat.
• Add more veggies: Get creative with your vegetable mix! You could throw in some sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas. The more vegetables, the better!

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein with a light side dish like a cucumber salad with rice vinegar or a simple steamed vegetable medley. A bowl of miso soup would also complement this dish perfectly.
• Beverages: If you’re looking for a drink to pair with your lo mein, go for a crisp, refreshing iced tea or a cold beer like a light lager. If you’re feeling fancy, a cold glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir also works well with the flavors.
• For a Family Meal: Serve this dish alongside some egg rolls or dumplings to complete the meal. Everyone will be happy with this spread!

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles if needed.
• Freezing: You can freeze Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein, though the noodles might become slightly softer upon reheating. To freeze, place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Special Equipment

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok works best for stir-fries because of its high sides and ability to distribute heat evenly. If you don’t have one, any large skillet will do.
• Tongs: Tongs are helpful for tossing the noodles and beef together without breaking them.
• Sharp Knife: To slice the beef thinly and evenly, you’ll need a sharp chef’s knife. It’s worth the extra effort to get those perfect, tender slices.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes! Frozen broccoli works just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! You can use gluten-free noodles or substitute rice noodles, and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.
3. What can I use instead of hoisin sauce? If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a combination of soy sauce and a little sugar or maple syrup.
4. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prep everything (slice the beef, chop the veggies, and make the sauce) up to 2 days in advance. Then just cook everything when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein a try! It’s the ultimate combination of tender beef, crisp veggies, and savory noodles. Whether you’re craving a comforting takeout-style meal or looking for a quick dinner idea, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, with its easy-to-follow steps and customizable ingredients, it’s a recipe that anyone can master.

This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein isn’t just for special occasions it’s a dish that works for busy weeknights and family dinners alike. And the best part? It’s just as tasty (if not tastier) than what you’d get from your favorite Chinese restaurant. So next time you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying, skip the takeout and make this delicious lo mein at home. Trust me you won’t regret it!