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Beef Lo Mein

Restaurant-quality beef lo mein made at home in under 30 minutes with tender flank steak, chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and a glossy savory sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Noodles and Beef
  • 1 lb lo mein noodles or egg noodles
  • 1 lb beef flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
Vegetables
  • 2 medium bell peppers sliced into strips
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup carrots cut into thin matchsticks
  • 4 green onions cut into 2-inch pieces
Sauce
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Equipment

  • Large wok or wide skillet
  • Wooden spoon or wok spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Small bowl
  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Slice flank steak thinly against the grain, mince garlic and ginger, and prepare all vegetables. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook lo mein noodles 4–5 minutes until tender-chewy, drain in a colander, and toss with a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Keep the sauce near the stove.
  4. Heat a wok over high heat for about 2 minutes until smoking hot. Add 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
  5. Add half the beef in a single layer; sear 60–90 seconds per side until browned. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining beef.
  6. Add remaining 1½ tablespoons oil to the wok. Stir-fry broccoli florets and carrot matchsticks for 3–4 minutes until beginning to soften.
  7. Push vegetables to the side, add garlic and ginger to the center, and toast 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell pepper strips and green onions; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  8. Return cooked noodles and seared beef to the wok. Pour sauce over everything and toss continuously for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
  9. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For easier slicing, place the flank steak in the freezer for 20 minutes before cutting. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the wok and to keep the searing temperature high.