Beef Lo Mein Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Follow Guide
Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's quick to make? Look no further than this delicious Beef Lo Mein recipe! This classic Chinese-American dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. It's packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles all tossed in a savory sauce. Let's dive into the details and make this culinary masterpiece together!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
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For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (Tip: Using a thinly sliced cut ensures tender beef)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
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For the Vegetables:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
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For the Noodles:
- 1 (16 oz) package of lo mein noodles (Note: Egg noodles can be substituted)
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For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (Alternative: Use hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and ensures even cooking.
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Cook the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
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Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the wok and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the beef in batches.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (or hoisin), brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles to the wok and pour the sauce over the noodles, beef, and vegetables. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
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Serve: Serve immediately and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini.
- Protein: Chicken or shrimp can be substituted for the beef.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Make it Ahead: The sauce and beef can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Cook the noodles and vegetables just before serving.
This Beef Lo Mein recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and delicious flavor make it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!