Homemade Beef Lo Mein
A traditional Chinese takeaway meal called beef lo mein combines soft meat, veggies, and noodles with a flavorful sauce. This homemade version is quite tasty, fast, and simple. Now let’s get into the specifics of making this delicious meal!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- Beef flank steak or sirloin: 1 pound (450g), thinly sliced against the grain
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml)
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Hoisin sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon
- Water or beef broth: 1/4 cup (60ml)
For the Lo Mein:
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti: 8 ounces (225g)
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced
- Carrots: 2, julienned
- Snow peas: 1 cup, trimmed
- Green onions: 3, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Bean sprouts: 1 cup (optional)
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted (optional, for garnish)
Method:
Step 1: Let the beef marinate
Get the marinade ready: Mix the cornstarch, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), and soy sauce in a mixing dish.
Let the meat marinate: Make sure the steak is well covered by adding the thinly sliced beef to the marinade. Give it a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes to marinate.
Step 2: Get the Sauce Ready
To make the sauce, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and water or beef broth in a small bowl and whisk until well combined. Put aside.
Cook the noodles in Step 3
Boil the noodles: Follow the directions on the box to prepare the spaghetti or lo mein noodles. After draining, put away.
Step Four: Mix Sauté the veggies and the beef.
Heat the pan: Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a big skillet or wok over high heat until it is hot.
Cook the meat: Place the marinated beef in a single layer on the pan. Cook the meat for two to three minutes, stirring now and again, or until it is well cooked and browned. After taking the steak out of the griddle, put it aside.
To cook the veggies, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Stir-fry the grated ginger and minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the green onions, snow peas, julienned carrots, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry the veggies for 3–4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
Step 5: Mix and Present
Include the noodles and beef: Add the cooked meat and veggies back to the skillet. Stir in the prepared sauce and the cooked noodles.
Toss and heat through: Toss everything together for two to three minutes, or until the noodles, meat, and veggies are well cooked and covered in sauce.
Add bean sprouts, if using, and scatter toasted sesame seeds over top as a garnish.
Step Six: Present
Serve hot: If preferred, top the homemade beef lo mein with more sesame seeds or green onions.
Advice for the Ideal Beef Lo Mein
Thinly slice the beef: The meat will cook more quickly and stay tender if it is thinly sliced against the grain.
High heat: To create a good sear on the steak and maintain the crispness of the veggies, use high heat while stir-frying.
Prepare the ingredients ahead of time: Stir-frying cooks rapidly, so have all your ingredients prepared and ready to go before you begin.
Tailor the vegetables: You are welcome to add more veggies to the stir-fry, such as mushrooms, bok choy, or broccoli.
In summary
A tasty and simple recipe that works well for every dinner is homemade beef lo mein. This dish guarantees delicious veggies, tender steak, and mouthwatering noodles that will please everyone. Enjoy preparing and eating this traditional Chinese meal with your loved ones!