Name: Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 oz lo mein noodles; 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce); 1/4 cup water; 1 tbsp sesame oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is one of those dishes that blends simplicity and flavor perfectly. With tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and soft noodles all wrapped in a savory sauce, it’s no wonder this dish has become a staple at Chinese restaurants and in home kitchens alike. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

To make Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein, you’ll need a few key ingredients that will bring the dish together in perfect harmony.

Beef: Choosing the Right Cut

The type of beef you use plays a huge role in the texture of the dish. Flank steak or sirloin steak are ideal choices. These cuts are tender yet firm, allowing them to hold up well when stir-fried. Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure it remains tender during cooking.

Vegetables: Fresh Broccoli and Other Key Vegetables

Broccoli is the star vegetable in this dish, offering a delightful crunch and vibrant color. Choose fresh broccoli florets that are bright green and firm. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or onions, to enhance the flavor profile.

Noodles: How to Choose Lo Mein Noodles

Lo mein noodles are typically made from wheat flour, giving them a slightly chewy texture that pairs perfectly with stir-fried ingredients. You can find fresh or dried lo mein noodles in most grocery stores or Asian markets. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can substitute them with other types of noodles like egg noodles.

Sauces and Seasonings: Key Ingredients for Flavor

The sauce is what makes Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein so delicious. A mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar creates a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that coats the noodles and vegetables. Garlic and ginger add depth and complexity to the sauce, while a splash of rice vinegar can help balance the richness.

Directions for Making Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this flavorful dish at home.

Preparing the Beef

First, slice your beef thinly against the grain. This will ensure that it stays tender when cooked. If you have time, marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch for about 10-15 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.

Cooking the Noodles

Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using fresh noodles, they may only need to be boiled for a few minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.

Preparing the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar. Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more soy sauce if you prefer a saltier flavor or more sugar for sweetness. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

Stir-Frying the Ingredients Together

Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Start by stir-frying the beef for about 2-3 minutes until it is just cooked through and begins to brown. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Next, stir-fry the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, just until it’s tender-crisp. You want the broccoli to maintain its vibrant green color and crunchy texture, so avoid overcooking it.

Bringing It All Together

Add the cooked noodles and beef back into the pan with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over the ingredients and toss everything together until well coated. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for the Perfect Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

Achieving the perfect Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is all about getting the right balance of flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you perfect your dish:

How to Achieve the Right Texture for the Noodles

The key to great lo mein noodles is to not overcook them. Cook them just until they’re tender but still have a slight bite to them. If they sit in the hot pan for too long, they can become mushy. Toss them with a bit of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.

Avoiding Overcooked Broccoli

Broccoli should remain firm and bright green. If you overcook it, it will lose its texture and flavor. Stir-fry the broccoli just until it’s tender but still crisp, about 2-3 minutes.

How to Balance the Sauce

The sauce should be a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory. Taste it before adding it to the noodles and adjust as needed. If it’s too salty, add a little sugar. If it’s too sweet, add more soy sauce or a touch of vinegar.

Adjusting the Spice Level

If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your sauce mixture. This will give the dish an extra kick and make it even more delicious.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and flavorful noodles coated in a savory sauce, it’s a dish that combines all the best flavors of Chinese cuisine in one bite.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, add more vegetables, or spice it up to make it your own. So the next time you’re craving a hearty meal with big flavor, give Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein a try you won’t be disappointed!

FAQs

What can I substitute for lo mein noodles?

If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can use other types of noodles like egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti as a substitute.

Can I use other types of beef?

Yes! While flank steak or sirloin steak is ideal, you can also use rib-eye or skirt steak. Just ensure that the beef is sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.

How do I store leftovers of beef and broccoli lo mein?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles if needed.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the beef and substituting tofu or tempeh for protein. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas.

How can I make the sauce less salty?

To make the sauce less salty, you can use low-sodium soy sauce, or reduce the amount of soy sauce in the recipe and add more of the other ingredients, like sugar or vinegar, to balance the flavor.

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein