Make this delicious Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining tender beef, fresh broccoli, and savory noodles in a mouth-watering sauce. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to please. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey creates a rich and savory coating for your ingredients.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to substitute vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day!
- Comfort Food Appeal: The combination of beef, broccoli, and noodles satisfies cravings while providing balanced nutrition.
Tools and Preparation
To create this savory Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok: Ideal for stir-frying at high heat, ensuring even cooking while retaining the crispness of your veggies.
- Mixing bowls: Great for preparing sauces and marinating ingredients without creating a mess.
- Whisk: Essential for blending sauces smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
Make this delicious beef and broccoli stir fry with lo mein noodles! It comes together quickly and easily for an easy weeknight dinner.
For the Sauce
- 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup oyster sauce
- ½ cup honey (you can also use brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon browning (optional – I like to use this because it adds color)
For the Beef
- 1 pound steak, sliced (I love using flank steak or sirloin for this recipe)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
For Stir-Frying
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup onions (diced)
- 1/8 cup garlic (diced)
- 1/8 cup ginger (diced)
- 16 ounces broccoli
For the Noodles
- 16 ounces noodles (I used spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook your noodles according to package instructions, then drain them well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, and browning (if using).
2. In another bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch to make a slurry.
3. Gradually add the slurry into the soy sauce mixture and set aside.
Step 3: Marinate the Beef
In a large bowl:
1. Add the sliced beef along with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, and ground ginger.
2. Stir until the beef is fully coated.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add sesame oil to a hot wok:
1. Sear the marinated beef until cooked to your liking.
2. Transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables
In the same wok:
1. Add diced onions, garlic, and ginger.
2. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli florets along with cooked noodles; stir-fry on high heat until broccoli is tender.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Gradually pour the prepared sauce into the wok while continuously mixing to ensure even distribution.
Step 7: Final Cook
Add the seared beef back into the wok:
1. Cook all ingredients together until heated through.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Serve your delicious Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles hot! Enjoy this satisfying meal with family or friends.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate this delicious dish.
Family Style
- Serve the Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles in a large bowl for a communal dining experience. This encourages sharing and allows everyone to enjoy seconds!
Individual Bowls
- Present each serving in individual bowls, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. This adds a personal touch and makes for an appealing presentation.
With Extra Sauce
- Offer extra sauce on the side for those who love a richer flavor. A small bowl of soy sauce or oyster sauce can complement the noodles perfectly.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top the dish with fresh cilantro or basil leaves for an aromatic finish. This brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Pair with Chopsticks
- Encourage diners to use chopsticks instead of forks. This not only enhances the authenticity of the meal but also makes it more fun!
How to Perfect Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles
Creating perfect Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips for a flawless dish every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh broccoli and quality beef for the best taste and texture.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying on high heat helps maintain the crispness of vegetables while cooking the beef quickly.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook noodles until just al dente since they will continue cooking when added to the stir-fry.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences; adding chili paste can give it a nice kick!
- Let Beef Rest: After cooking, let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it tender and juicy.
- Garnish Wisely: Finish your dish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles
Pairing side dishes with Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls provide a crunchy contrast that complements the soft noodles.
- Egg Fried Rice: Fluffy fried rice with eggs adds another layer of flavor while keeping things simple.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing offers a crunchy texture that balances the dish.
- Dumplings: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables or meat make a delightful addition that everyone loves.
- Hot & Sour Soup: This tangy soup warms you up and nicely complements the flavors of lo mein noodles.
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame beans provide a protein-packed snack that’s easy to prepare and fun to eat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles, small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the beef enhances flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step; let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Overcooking the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli loses its vibrant color and crunch. Stir-fry it just until tender for the best texture.
- Not using enough sauce: A dry dish can ruin the experience. Ensure you have enough sauce to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Using high-sodium soy sauce: High sodium can overpower flavors and make your dish too salty. Opt for low sodium soy sauce for better balance.
- Not heating the wok properly: A hot wok is crucial for a good stir-fry. Make sure it’s preheated before adding any ingredients to achieve that perfect sear.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a lid or wrap, then heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken works well as a substitute! Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian option for Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles?
Absolutely! Replace beef with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of sauces containing meat products.
How can I customize my Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition!
What type of noodles are best for Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles?
While lo mein noodles are traditional, spaghetti or egg noodles can also be delicious alternatives!
Final Thoughts
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles are not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the sauce ingredients. Give it a try, and enjoy a flavorful dinner that everyone will love!
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles
Indulge in the flavors of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles, a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner. This recipe features tender slices of beef, vibrant broccoli, and chewy lo mein noodles, all coated in a savory sauce that’s both rich and delightful. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this comforting dish that appeals to the whole family or impresses your guests. Customize it with your favorite vegetables for a personal touch!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, sliced
- 16 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 16 ounces broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup oyster sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry in a bowl.
- Marinate beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, and ground ginger for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok; sear beef until cooked to preference. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry onions, garlic, ginger, and broccoli until fragrant; add cooked noodles.
- Pour in the sauce and mix well; add beef back into the wok and heat through.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
