Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli florets tossed with chewy lo mein noodles in a rich, savory sauce. This classic Chinese-American takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home and comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Beef
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and the baking soda. The baking soda is a key step for tenderizing the meat, a technique called velveting.
- c.Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece of beef is evenly coated.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the other components.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Sauce and Cook Noodles
- b.In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, beef broth, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and white pepper. Set aside.
- c.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes.
- d.During the last 60 seconds of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them alongside the noodles.
- e.Drain the noodles and broccoli in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sear the Beef
- b.Heat a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it is very hot, almost smoking. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- c.Carefully place the marinated beef in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary.
- d.Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until well-browned and cooked through. The high heat will create a delicious crust.
- e.Remove the cooked beef from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry and Combine
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same wok.
- c.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- d.Add the drained noodles and blanched broccoli to the wok. Toss for 1 minute to heat through and coat with the aromatics.
- e.Return the seared beef to the wok. Give the sauce a final whisk to recombine the cornstarch, then pour it over everything.
- f.Toss continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the noodles, beef, and broccoli.
- g.Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately for the best texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender beef, slice it as thinly as possible against the grain. Partially freezing the steak for 20-30 minutes makes it much easier to slice.
- 2Don't skip the baking soda in the marinade; it's a secret weapon for tenderizing the beef, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture similar to your favorite takeout.
- 3Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go (mise en place) before you start cooking, as stir-frying moves very quickly.
- 4Ensure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding the beef. This creates a proper sear rather than steaming the meat.
- 5Rinsing the cooked noodles under cold water is crucial. It stops them from overcooking and removes excess starch, preventing them from clumping together.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or pressed firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms. Add heartier vegetables like carrots with the broccoli, and quicker-cooking ones like bell peppers with the garlic and ginger.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
For a spicy kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Nut GarnishNut Garnish
Top the finished dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef provides high-quality complete protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.
Packed with Nutrients
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in Vitamin C for immune support, Vitamin K for bone health, and fiber for healthy digestion. It also contains powerful antioxidants.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the lo mein noodles are a primary source of energy, fueling your brain and body for daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein contains approximately 510-550 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and the leanness of the beef.