Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish packed with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. This homemade version of a takeout favorite is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup beef broth or water
1 tsp cornstarch
2 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, beef broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the remaining oil to the pan and stir-fry the broccoli, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Add the cooked noodles and toss until well combined and heated through.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrients

Calories: 480 per serving
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 780mg

Why Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a Popular Dish

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, loved for its rich flavors and hearty texture. It combines a few essential elements that make it incredibly satisfying: noodles, protein, and vegetables, all tossed in a deeply flavorful sauce. The balance of sweet, salty, and savory elements in the sauce enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, creating a dish that is both comforting and delicious.

One of the reasons this dish remains a favorite is its versatility. It can be customized based on dietary preferences or available ingredients, making it an easy go-to meal. Unlike traditional lo mein dishes that may be high in sodium and oil, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier and more wholesome alternative.

The Key Ingredients that Make This Dish Stand Out

The success of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein lies in its key ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, complex flavors and textures that make this dish so satisfying.

Flank steak is a preferred choice for this recipe due to its tenderness and deep beefy flavor. When sliced thinly and cooked quickly, it absorbs the sauce beautifully while remaining juicy and tender. Broccoli adds a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the noodles, providing essential vitamins and minerals while enhancing the dish’s texture.

Lo mein noodles are traditionally used for their chewy texture and ability to hold onto sauce. However, if lo mein noodles are unavailable, spaghetti or other long pasta can be substituted. The sauce is a perfect blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, creating a savory-sweet balance with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, ensuring that it coats the noodles evenly.

The Secret to Tender Beef in Lo Mein

One of the most important aspects of making a great Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is ensuring the beef remains tender and flavorful. Thinly slicing the steak against the grain is the first step in achieving a tender bite. Cooking the beef over high heat for a short time prevents it from becoming tough and chewy.

For even more tenderness, marinating the beef for 15–30 minutes in a small amount of soy sauce and cornstarch helps break down the meat’s fibers while adding extra flavor. This quick marinade allows the beef to absorb the savory notes of the sauce while maintaining its juiciness during cooking.

The Best Way to Cook Broccoli for Lo Mein

Broccoli is a key ingredient in this dish, offering both nutritional benefits and a satisfying crunch. The key to perfectly cooked broccoli is stir-frying it just long enough to become tender but not overcooked. It should maintain a slight crispness to provide texture contrast against the soft noodles.

To achieve this, broccoli should be cut into small, bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking. A quick sauté in a hot pan with garlic and ginger enhances its natural flavors while allowing it to absorb the sauce more effectively. If you prefer softer broccoli, a splash of water or broth can be added while cooking to help steam the florets slightly.

Customizing Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

One of the best aspects of this dish is its adaptability. You can easily modify the ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

For a vegetarian version, the beef can be replaced with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based protein option. Shrimp or chicken can also be used as alternatives to beef for a different flavor profile. If you enjoy extra vegetables, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or bok choy make excellent additions to enhance the color and nutritional value of the dish.

For those who prefer a lower-carb option, the lo mein noodles can be swapped for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, making the dish keto-friendly while still maintaining the same delicious flavors.

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is best served fresh, straight from the pan, when the noodles are at their most tender and the flavors are perfectly blended. Garnishing the dish with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds adds a final layer of freshness and texture.

This dish pairs well with light appetizers such as spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad. A side of hot tea or a refreshing homemade lemonade complements the savory flavors of the lo mein, making for a complete and satisfying meal.

If you are serving a larger group, consider doubling the recipe and preparing it in a large wok to ensure all ingredients cook evenly. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in a pan over medium heat to preserve texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is best enjoyed fresh, it can also be stored for later consumption. When storing leftovers, it is best to keep the noodles separate from the sauce if possible to prevent them from becoming too soft.

To reheat, add a small amount of oil or broth to a pan and stir-fry the noodles over medium heat until warmed through. Microwaving is an option but may result in softer noodles. For best results, reheat in small batches to maintain the dish’s original texture and flavor.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with healthier, fresher ingredients. It is a budget-friendly alternative to takeout, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking while controlling the amount of sodium and oil used.

With its quick preparation time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week. The balance of protein, vegetables, and noodles ensures a filling and nourishing meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a classic dish that combines bold flavors, satisfying textures, and nutritious ingredients into one easy-to-make meal. By preparing it at home, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of takeout while maintaining control over the quality of ingredients and overall healthfulness of the dish.

This recipe is simple, versatile, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress guests, this homemade lo mein delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition. Give it a try today and enjoy the rich flavors of this takeout favorite in the comfort of your own home.

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