Looking for a flavorful, quick dinner idea that will satisfy your cravings and be ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Beef Lo Mein recipe! Packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory lo mein noodles, this dish combines the best flavors in a delicious, easy-to-make stir-fry. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is versatile enough to use any veggies you have on hand, and the rich sauce ties everything together beautifully.
Be sure to check out the tips and FAQs for the best results!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 10 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles)
- 1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (instead of wine)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Prepare Beef Lo Mein
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet with peanut oil. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in the skillet. Once cooked, remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onions, carrots, bell peppers, celery, and cabbage. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Deglaze and Add Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce for a minute. Stir in the garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Combine: Add the cooked lo mein noodles and beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure it’s well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Stir in the bean sprouts and cook for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Pro Tips
- Noodle Swap: If you don’t have lo mein noodles, you can use spaghetti or egg noodles as an alternative.
- Beef Variations: You can swap out ground beef with sliced beef, chicken, or lamb, depending on your preference.
- Vegetable Choices: Feel free to throw in any veggies you have on hand, like broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms.
- Low Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to reduce sodium in the dish.
- Timing is Key: Avoid overcooking the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy when reheating.
Conclusion
This Beef Lo Mein recipe is a simple, versatile, and tasty meal that can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles ensures that it will be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking to customize the ingredients or use what’s already in your fridge, this dish is adaptable and full of flavor. Make sure to try this recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
FAQs
- Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, lamb, or even tofu as a substitute for beef in this recipe. - What if I don’t have lo mein noodles?
No worries! You can use spaghetti, udon, or egg noodles for a similar result. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and use gluten-free noodles. - How can I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy when reheated?
Make sure not to overcook the noodles initially. When reheating, use low to medium heat to avoid making them mushy.