Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

If you love quick, satisfying meals that pack a punch of flavor, then this Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. I seriously can’t get enough of how tender the marinated beef gets, paired with perfectly chewy noodles and crisp veggies—all slicked in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’ll keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find staples create a familiar but authentic flavor.
  • Quick Prep & Cook: Prepping everything ahead means dinner comes together in a snap.
  • Balanced Flavors: A harmony of salty, sweet, and umami keeps each bite exciting.
  • Customizable: Swap vegetables or protein to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients list here is focused on creating layers of flavor and texture that make this Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe special. I always recommend fresh veggies for crunch, while the marinade tenderizes beef for that beautifully soft bite.

Easy Beef Lo Mein, beef noodle stir-fry, quick Asian dinner, savory beef recipes, family-friendly Chinese dishes - Flat lay of a small pile of raw flank steak strips, a medium whole carrot, a handful of sliced green cabbage, a small mound of thinly sliced white onion, five fresh scallions with green tops and white bottoms separated, five peeled garlic cloves roughly chopped, a small pile of dry lo mein noodles, a small white ceramic bowl with light brown oyster sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with light soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with golden sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl with white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with white cornstarch, a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl with Shaoxing wine, one whole uncracked brown egg, and a few sprigs of fresh white peppercorns, arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Flank Steak: Thinly sliced against the grain helps keep the beef tender.
  • Kosher Salt & White Pepper: Season beef subtly without overpowering.
  • Baking Soda: A classic tenderizing trick for beef.
  • Shaoxing Wine: Adds a depth of authentic Chinese flavor;
  • Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: Together, these give that rich umami taste.
  • Cornstarch: Coats the beef for a tender, velvety texture and thickens the sauce.
  • Neutral Oil & Sesame Oil: Neutral oil for frying and sesame oil for finishing with fragrance.
  • Carrot, Cabbage, Onion, Scallions: Crisp, fresh veggies that balance the meat and noodles.
  • Garlic: Adds a fragrant kick that wakes up the whole dish.
  • Lo Mein Noodles: The right noodles are chewy and absorb the sauce perfectly.
  • Sugar & MSG: A touch of sweetness and umami enhancers for flavor harmony.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe is how flexible it is—I often swap in whatever veggies I have on hand because it all works so well together. Summer means bell peppers and snap peas, while fall calls for mushrooms and bok choy. Play with it and you’ll find your perfect combo.

  • Vegetable Swaps: I’ve often used mushrooms or bean sprouts instead of cabbage for a nice twist.
  • Protein Variations: Tried chicken or shrimp instead of beef? Both work great with this method and sauce.
  • Heat It Up: Adding a splash of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes brings a kick if you’re into spice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Protein and Veggies

I always slice the flank steak thinly and against the grain—that’s the secret to keeping the meat tender and easy to chew. Then, the marinade works its magic while you chop your veggies to uniform, bite-sized pieces—this way everything cooks evenly. Don’t forget to separate the white and green parts of your scallions, since they go in at different steps to maximize flavor and texture.

Step 2: Make the Sauce and Prep Noodles

Mixing the sauce in advance is a game changer because this recipe moves fast once the pan heats up. I like to cook the noodles just shy of the package instructions—usually about 1 minute less—then rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking. Tossing them with a bit of sesame oil prevents sticking and adds flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat your wok or skillet on high and add a good splash of neutral oil. Cook the beef in batches so it gets a nice golden crust and doesn’t steam. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per batch—you want it browned and cooked through but still juicy inside. Transfer the beef to a plate while you stir-fry the veggies.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies and Bring It All Together

In the leftover oil (or add a bit more if needed), toss in the chopped garlic and fry it for just a few seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then add onions, scallion whites, carrots, and cabbage. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until veggies are tender but still crisp. Add the beef, noodles, and sauce back into the pan. Stir everything to coat noodles and beef in the sauce; it should thicken up nicely within a minute or so. Finish by stirring in scallion greens and a drizzle of sesame oil. Yum!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

  • Prep Everything First: Once the wok heats up, you’ll want all ingredients within arm’s reach; it makes the cooking flow so much smoother.
  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cooking noodles slightly under their package time prevents mushiness because they finish cooking in the stir-fry.
  • High Heat is Key: Stir-frying on high heat locks in flavors and keeps the veggies crisp—you want to avoid steaming them.
  • Batch Cook the Meat: Crowding the pan will make the beef stew instead of sear; take your time to brown it properly.

How to Serve Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

Easy Beef Lo Mein, beef noodle stir-fry, quick Asian dinner, savory beef recipes, family-friendly Chinese dishes - A white bowl filled with stir-fried noodles piled in the center with a shiny, dark orange color. Mixed throughout the noodles are pieces of cooked dark brown meat, bright orange carrot strips, light green cabbage leaves, and green onions with a fresh texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with green onions and dark red chopsticks placed nearby. The dish looks warm and saucy with a mix of soft vegetables and tender meat photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish my lo mein with an extra sprinkle of sliced scallion greens for that fresh pop and some toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. A few drops of chili oil on the side can also give a nice kick to anyone who wants to dial up the heat.

Side Dishes

This beef lo mein is hearty enough on its own, but I sometimes pair it with simple steamed dumplings or a crisp cucumber salad to lighten things up. A hot cup of jasmine tea on the side also rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this lo mein in individual bowls lined with crisp lettuce leaves, turning it into a fun wrap. It’s always a hit at dinner parties because people love the hands-on element. Putting a few colorful veggies on top also makes for a beautiful presentation that looks restaurant-worthy but is so easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Easy Beef Lo Mein in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The noodles and beef hold up well without drying out if stored properly. Just make sure they’re cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

While it’s best fresh, I’ve frozen leftovers a couple of times when life got busy. Freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture softens a bit, so I recommend reheating gently to avoid mushy noodles.

Reheating

When reheating, I cover the lo mein with a damp paper towel and microwave it in short bursts to create steam and keep noodles from drying out. Alternatively, tossing it briefly in a hot pan with a splash of water brings back some of the fresh stir-fry texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe?

    Yes! While flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute sirloin or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain and marinate well to keep it tender.

  2. What if I can’t find lo mein noodles?

    No worries! Spaghetti or linguine can work as substitutes in a pinch. Just cook them a little less than usual to maintain the texture, and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking before stir-frying.

  3. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

    Cook noodles just a minute or two less than package instructions, rinse immediately in cold water, and toss with sesame oil. Also, avoid over-stirring in the pan; gentle tossing is key to keep them firm.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    Definitely! Simply swap the beef for tofu or extra veggies like mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce for a similar umami flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe is like a warm hug after a busy day—it’s comforting, quick, and packed with wholesome flavors that you can customize to your liking. I love how it brings that restaurant-worthy vibe right into my own kitchen without fuss. Give it a go, and I’m sure you’ll find it’s a recipe to keep in your regular rotation for easy, delicious dinners anytime.

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Easy Beef Lo Mein Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 46 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Description

A flavorful Beef Lo Mein recipe featuring tender marinated flank steak, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles tossed in a savory sauce. This quick stir-fry combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors for a delicious homemade Chinese classic.


Ingredients

Beef Marinade

  • 1 lb flank steak
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tbsp neutral oil

Vegetables + Aromatics

  • 1 medium carrot
  • 3 cups cabbage, sliced
  • 1/2 cup white onion, sliced
  • 5 scallions, greens and whites separated
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp white sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1/4 tsp msg

Noodles + Oil

  • 16 oz lo mein noodles
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp neutral oil


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Beef: Slice the flank steak at an angle against the grain into 1/4″ thick strips. Combine with kosher salt, white pepper, baking soda, shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, cornstarch, and neutral oil. Marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Prepare Vegetables and Sauce: Cut the carrot, cabbage, and onion into 1/2″ pieces. Chop garlic and separate scallion whites and greens. In a bowl, mix light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, cornstarch, water, and msg; set aside.
  3. Cook Noodles: Boil lo mein noodles for 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain, rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking, shake dry, and toss with 1/2 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  4. Cook Beef: Heat 3 tbsp neutral oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Fry the marinated beef in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  5. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Using the remaining oil in the pan, fry garlic for a few seconds until fragrant. Add onions, scallion whites, carrot, and cabbage and stir-fry over high heat for 2 minutes.
  6. Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles and sauce. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly. Add scallion greens, drizzle with 1/2 tsp sesame oil, toss to combine, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cut vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking.
  • Have all ingredients prepped and near the pan as the cooking process goes quickly.
  • Cook noodles slightly less than package instructions so they finish cooking in the pan without becoming mushy.
  • After boiling noodles, rinse with cold water and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, celery, or bean sprouts for variety.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a damp paper towel to create steam and avoid overcooking noodles.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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