If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating classic takeout at home, Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is your ticket to a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that rivals your favorite restaurant dish. Tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly chewy noodles get tossed in a glossy, savory sauce with just the right hint of sweetness and heat. This dish is not only quick enough for a weeknight, but also totally satisfying—which means you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein lies in its simple yet deeply flavorful ingredients. Each item in this recipe brings something unique, whether it’s umami, crunch, color, or a hit of zing. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus a little tip for every component.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): Use classic lo mein for extra springy texture, or swap in spaghetti noodles if that’s what you have on hand—they both soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): Slicing against the grain ensures your beef stays tender and never chewy.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Broccoli brings crunch, color, and helps balance out the richness of the beef and sauce.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for high-heat stir-frying and keeping everything from sticking to your pan.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with a punchy, aromatic base.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Don’t skip the ginger—it adds warmth and a little bite that wakes up every bite of lo mein.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): The backbone of the lo mein sauce, it brings salty, umami goodness.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): This ingredient is key for that classic stir-fry depth, so try not to leave it out.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Just a spoonful introduces savory-sweet, tangy notes you’ll love.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness balances out the salty and savory flavors.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a nutty aroma at the finish, amplifying the overall experience.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Toss some in if you like a little heat in your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein.
- Green onions, sliced (2): Fresh and slightly pungent, they make the perfect finish and pack a color pop.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions. Once they’re perfectly al dente, drain them and set aside. If you give the noodles a quick rinse with cool water, they won’t stick together—a handy tip if you’re prepping ahead or multitasking.
Step 2: Make the Flavor-Packed Sauce
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you want a bit of spice). This savory-sticky sauce is what makes Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein truly irresistible—don’t be afraid to taste and tweak if you want more sweetness or saltiness!
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add your thinly sliced beef, and give it a quick stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes. You want the beef to get some nice color on the outside but not cook all the way through just yet. Remove it from the pan and set it aside—trust me, this step keeps things juicy and tender.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Broccoli
Add your remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. The fragrance will hit you in seconds! After about 30 seconds, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry until they’re bright green and crisp-tender, another 2–3 minutes. This ensures the broccoli is cooked but still snappy—not sad and soggy.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Now, return the partially cooked beef to your skillet. Add in the drained noodles. Pour your prepared sauce over everything, and use tongs or two forks to toss and coat everything completely. Let it all stir-fry together for another 2–3 minutes, just until the beef finishes cooking and the noodles soak up the amazing sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Slide the whole glorious skillet of noodles onto a serving dish, and sprinkle with sliced green onions just before serving. You’ve just made homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein—how good does that look?
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Garnishes
Once you’ve plated your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein, don’t skip the finishing touches—a scattering of fresh sliced green onions adds a sharp zing and a burst of color. For extra flavor, you might also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or even a light drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick. These little details take your home-cooked lo mein from good to restaurant-level great!
Side Dishes
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, think simple sides. Steamed dumplings, a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber salad, or even a bowl of egg drop soup are perfect partners. If you’re entertaining, a few spring rolls alongside your lo mein will make the meal feel like an elevated takeout feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein in takeout-style boxes for a fun, casual vibe—kids and adults love this touch. For a fancier dinner, twirl the noodles onto plates with a carving fork and top them with a neat pile of beef and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. However you serve it, those vibrant green broccoli florets make for a beautiful, inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein, transfer it to an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making it a top contender for next-day lunch or snack attacks!
Freezing
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein freezes much better than you might expect. Let the noodles and beef cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to two months—just keep in mind that the texture of the noodles and broccoli may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor will still be on point.
Reheating
To revive your noodles, pop them in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them moist, or toss them in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth. A quick stir-fry will perk everything up and even add a bit of crispy caramelization to the beef and noodles.
FAQs
Can I substitute another protein for beef?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thigh, shrimp, or even tofu work really well as alternatives. Just adjust your stir-fry time based on the protein you pick, and you’ll have a fantastic twist on Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein every time.
How do I get the beef to be tender?
Slicing the beef thinly against the grain makes a world of difference. For extra-tender bites, you can also toss the slices with a teaspoon of cornstarch and a splash of soy sauce for 10–15 minutes before cooking—this is a classic restaurant trick!
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
You sure can! Just thaw and pat it dry first to avoid extra moisture in the pan. The broccoli might not be as crisp, but it still works great for a speedy Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein dinner.
What if I don’t have oyster or hoisin sauce?
If you’re missing oyster or hoisin sauce, you can still make a tasty dish using extra soy sauce plus a touch of brown sugar and a splash of Worcestershire or barbecue sauce to mimic some of those savory-sweet flavors.
Is this recipe spicy?
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is only spicy if you add the red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild flavors, simply leave them out or let each person add their own heat at the table with sriracha or chili oil.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like whipping up Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein in your own kitchen—the aroma, the vibrant colors, and the pure comfort in every forkful. If you’ve been searching for a delicious, homemade alternative to takeout, give this recipe a whirl and watch it become an instant favorite at your table!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender beef slices, crisp broccoli florets, and chewy lo mein noodles in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Lo Mein:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Cook the Lo Mein Noodles: Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir-Fry the Beef and Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced beef and stir-fry until browned but not fully cooked; remove and set aside. Sauté garlic and ginger, then add broccoli and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Return beef to the skillet along with cooked noodles. Pour sauce over everything and cook until beef is fully cooked and noodles are heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a more authentic flavor, use fresh lo mein noodles and blanch broccoli before stir-frying.
- This dish can be made with chicken or tofu as well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1040 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
