Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein is that weeknight meal that feels like takeout but cooks up quicker than delivery. Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and noodles coated in a rich, garlicky sauce it’s comfort in a skillet. Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe saves time without skimping on flavor. The best part? It’s a one-pan dinner that the whole family will actually look forward to eating.
Why This Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast Prep: You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes.
- Easy Cleanup: One skillet means less mess after cooking.
- Big Flavor: A mix of sauces gives every bite a savory punch.
How to Make Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein (3 Steps & Timing)
Cook the Noodles (10 minutes):
Boil water and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Once done, drain and toss with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.
Stir-Fry the Beef (10 minutes):
In a bowl, mix sliced beef with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine. Let it marinate for 15 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Combine and Serve (10 minutes):
In the same wok, add sliced onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft. Then add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds. Toss in broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the beef to the pan. Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles and gently toss everything together. Serve immediately.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Steamed rice
- Simple cucumber salad
- Egg rolls
- Dumplings
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat and keep your meal crispy, try the air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped broccoli to save time.
- Grab rotisserie beef or leftovers for instant protein.
- Buy bagged lo mein noodles or frozen stir-fry veggies for easier meal prep.
Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein
Ingredients
Noodles and Sauce
- 8 oz lo mein noodles Cook according to package directions
- 1 tbsp sesame oil To prevent sticking
- 1/4 cup soy sauce For flavor
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce Adds umami flavor
- 1 tbsp brown sugar To balance flavors
- 1 tsp ground ginger For spice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb sliced beef Flank steak or other cuts can be used
- 1 tblsp cornstarch For marinating the beef
- 1 tbsp soy sauce For marinating the beef
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine Enhances flavor during marination
- 1 medium onion Sliced
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets Can be substituted with other vegetables
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
- Boil water and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Once done, drain and toss with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.
Stir-Fry the Beef
- In a bowl, mix sliced beef with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Combine and Serve
- In the same wok, add sliced onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft.
- Then add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
- Toss in broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the beef to the pan.
- Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl, then pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli.
- Stir until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles and gently toss everything together.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Substitute flank steak or chicken for the beef.
- Use quinoa or rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
- Swap broccoli for snap peas or bell peppers to change it up.
- Replace oyster sauce with soy sauce if you want a vegetarian option.
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs about Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein
Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yep, spaghetti works just fine if you can’t find lo mein noodles. Just cook it al dente so it doesn’t go mushy in the stir-fry. The sauce will cling just as well, and no one at the table will complain.
What’s the best cut of beef for lo mein?
Flank steak or sirloin are my go-to choices because they stay tender with quick cooking. Slice it thin against the grain, and you’ll get that perfect, tender bite every time.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Easy fix swap the beef for tofu or even mushrooms. Use soy sauce instead of oyster sauce, and you’ve got a meatless version that’s still loaded with flavor.
Can I make it less salty?
Sure. Go with low-sodium soy sauce and cut back a touch on the oyster sauce. The honey and ginger in the sauce will keep the flavor balanced.
How do I stop my noodles from clumping?
After boiling, toss them with a little sesame oil. That quick trick keeps them silky and ready to stir-fry without turning into a sticky mess.
Wrapping It Up
This Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein proves you don’t need takeout for a fast, satisfying dinner. With juicy beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and noodles all tossed in one skillet, it’s a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. Pair it with egg rolls or dumplings if you want a full spread, or just serve it straight from the wok. Either way, this dish will be a keeper in your weeknight lineup.
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