Introduction
Beef lo mein is a delightful and savory dish that brings together the best flavors of Asian cuisine. This meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner yet special enough for weekend gatherings. With tender flank steak, colorful vegetables, and vibrant lo mein noodles, this dish is both satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to create this scrumptious meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
8 ounces lo mein noodles
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Salt and pepper
1 beef bouillon cube
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
8 ounces sliced water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
1 carrot, shredded
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha (or buffalo sauce)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
For Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Sliced green onion
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a bowl. Toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
2. Refill the pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Boil the broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until cooked but still firm. Drain and set aside.
3. While the broccoli is cooking, season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the beef bouillon cube and stir to dissolve. Add the steak and cook until no longer pink. Remove from the skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the sliced red bell pepper, water chestnuts, and shredded carrot to the skillet. Toss while cooking, adding a bit more olive oil if necessary. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a small bowl.
7. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked noodles, broccoli, and beef back into the skillet. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.
Enjoy your homemade beef lo mein!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside in a bowl. Toss the noodles with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Refill the pot with salted water and bring it back to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and boil for 4-5 minutes, until they are cooked but still firm. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Flank Steak
While the broccoli is cooking, season the thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to shimmer. Add the beef bouillon cube and stir it into the oil to dissolve. Add the steak to the skillet and cook until no longer pink. Remove the steak from the skillet and cover it with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
To the skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, drained water chestnuts, and shredded carrot. Toss the vegetables while cooking, adding more olive oil as necessary. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil until fully combined.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked lo mein noodles, broccoli, and flank steak back into the skillet. Pour the sauce over all the ingredients and toss to combine, ensuring everything is well-coated with the sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the beef lo mein immediately, garnished with sliced green onion and sesame seeds on top.
Notes
Note 1: Beef Selection
Choosing flank steak ensures tender cuts; however, you can substitute with other beef cuts like sirloin or ribeye.
Note 2: Vegetable Variations
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on preference or seasonal availability, including bell peppers or snap peas.
Note 3: Spice Level
Adjust the amount of sriracha or buffalo sauce to cater to your preferred spice level; you can also omit it entirely for a milder dish.
Note 4: Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best consumed within two days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Boiling Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions to achieve the desired texture.
Blanching Vegetables
Boil the broccoli florets in salted water for 4-5 minutes to keep them firm and vibrant in color while cooking.
Seasoning and Searing
Season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper before searing in a hot skillet with olive oil. This ensures a flavorful crust and retains moisture within the meat.
Sautéing Aromatics
Cook minced garlic and ginger in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Stir-Frying Vegetables
After adding the sliced bell pepper, water chestnuts, and shredded carrot, stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Mixing Sauce
Whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil to create a balanced sauce that will coat the ingredients effectively.
Combining Ingredients
Add the cooked noodles, broccoli, and beef back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and sauce, tossing everything to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
FAQ
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute lo mein noodles with other types such as chow mein or even a gluten-free option depending on your dietary needs.
What can I substitute for flank steak?
If flank steak is not available, you can use other cuts of beef such as sirloin or ribeye, or even chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
How can I make it spicier?
You can increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to enhance the dish’s texture and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this beef lo mein recipe is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of flank steak, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces. The combination of tender noodles and colorful veggies ensures a balanced and enjoyable meal, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Vegetable Lo Mein
Swap the flank steak for tofu and add a variety of vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, and baby corn for a delicious vegetarian version.
Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein
Replace the beef with shrimp for a quick seafood option. Toss in some chili flakes or extra sriracha for a spicier kick.
Chicken and Broccoli Lo Mein
Use chicken breast instead of flank steak, keeping the broccoli florets to retain the hearty texture while infusing the dish with a savory chicken flavor.
Pork Lo Mein
Substitute flank steak with thinly sliced pork tenderloin. Thread in sliced zucchini and bell peppers for an added twist.
Beef and Mushroom Lo Mein
Incorporate shiitake mushrooms for a depth of umami flavor. Pair with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for crunch.
Asian-Inspired Noodle Salad
Transform this dish into a cold noodle salad by incorporating a tangy vinaigrette and serving it chilled, ideal for hot days.
