Easy Beef Lo Mein Ready in 20 Minutes

Weeknight dinners do not have to be complicated. This Easy Beef Lo Mein is flavorful, satisfying, and comes together in just twenty minutes. Tender beef, crisp vegetables, and soft noodles combine with a savory sauce for a restaurant style meal at home. You do not need fancy ingredients or long cooking times. Even if you are new to cooking, this recipe is simple, quick, and delicious.

Ingredients Needed

• 8 ounces lo mein or spaghetti noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Step by Step Instructions for Easy Beef Lo Mein

Cook the noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Drizzle a little oil on top so they do not stick.

Prepare the beef

While the noodles cook, slice the beef into thin strips. Pat lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the beef brown better.

Cook the beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the beef and stir fry for three to four minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the vegetables

In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Cook for thirty seconds until fragrant. Add onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir fry for three to four minutes until crisp tender.

Combine noodles, beef, and sauce

Return the beef to the skillet. Add cooked noodles. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together for two to three minutes until well coated and heated through.

Garnish and serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Customizing

This beef lo mein is easy to adapt to your taste. Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein. Use any vegetables you like such as snow peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Adjust the sauce by adding more soy sauce for saltiness or a little honey for sweetness. For extra heat, stir in chili flakes or sriracha. You can also make it gluten free by using gluten free noodles and soy sauce. If you like a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil at the end before serving.

Nutritional Information

One serving of beef lo mein contains approximately 450 calories. It provides about 28 grams of protein and a balanced amount of carbohydrates and fat. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this a complete meal. Using lean beef keeps the fat moderate, and adjusting the sauce can control sodium and sweetness. This recipe is filling, nutritious, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this easy beef lo mein on its own for a quick meal. You can pair it with simple sides such as steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a light cucumber salad. Adding a bowl of miso soup or hot and sour soup makes a more complete dinner. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave and drizzle a little extra soy sauce to refresh the flavor. This dish is perfect for meal prep because it reheats nicely while keeping the noodles and vegetables tender.

Frequently Asked Questions