Quick & Delicious Beef and Broccoli Lomein Recipe
Are you craving a savory, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor but won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? Then look no further! This Quick & Delicious Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and chewy lo mein noodles, all enveloped in a savory, umami-packed sauce, this dish combines the best of Chinese takeout flavors with the convenience of home cooking. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a moment to discuss why this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe is worth adding to your weekly meal plan.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. No need to wait for takeout delivery – you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal ready in a flash!
- Flavorsome: The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and chewy lo mein noodles drenched in a flavorful sauce creates an irresistible taste experience. It’s a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors.
- Customizable: You can tweak this recipe to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Want to add more vegetables? Swap out the beef for chicken or tofu? The possibilities are endless!
- Healthy-ish: While this recipe isn’t exactly “light,” it offers a great way to get in your greens (hello, broccoli!) while still satisfying your carb and protein cravings. Plus, it’s made from scratch, so you can control what goes into your dish.
So, are you ready to get started? Let’s dive right into the details of making this delicious Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein!
Ingredients for Quick & Delicious Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 8 oz. flank steak (or sirloin or ribeye, if preferred)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium onion (sliced thinly)
For the Lo Mein Noodles:
- 8 oz. lo mein noodles (or use spaghetti if lo mein noodles are unavailable)
- Water (for boiling the noodles)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance out the saltiness)
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water, to thicken the sauce)
Step-by-Step Preparation of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the preparation process step by step.
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Begin by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain. This will help the meat stay tender during stir-frying. If you want an even more tender bite, you can freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing, as it will make the process easier. Once the beef is sliced, set it aside.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Be sure not to overcook them! Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain the broccoli and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Lo Mein Noodles
While the broccoli is cooling, bring another large pot of water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook them according to the package directions (typically around 4-5 minutes). Drain and set aside. It’s a good idea to drizzle a little sesame oil on the noodles after draining to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, chili paste, and cornstarch slurry. Stir well to combine. This sauce is the backbone of your dish, adding a rich, umami-packed flavor that ties everything together.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step 6: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the garlic, ginger, and onion, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. These aromatics add a ton of flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step!
Step 7: Combine and Toss It All Together
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Return the beef to the pan, followed by the cooked broccoli and lo mein noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss gently to coat. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is well-combined and the sauce has thickened into a glossy coat, your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is ready to serve! Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions, if desired, and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few key tips that will elevate your dish and make it even more delicious!
1. Use High-Quality Beef
For the best flavor and texture, make sure to use high-quality beef like flank steak, ribeye, or sirloin. These cuts are tender and flavorful, perfect for quick stir-frying.
2. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
The broccoli should retain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. If you overcook it, it can become mushy and lose its crunch, which would negatively affect the texture of the entire dish.
3. Customize the Sauce
Feel free to adjust the sauce to suit your personal taste. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a bit more sugar. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of chili paste or sriracha. This recipe is meant to be flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
4. Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil
Sesame oil adds a deep, nutty flavor that’s essential to the dish. It’s what really helps bring out the Asian-inspired flavors in this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe, so make sure to include it!
5. Make It a One-Pan Meal
To simplify cleanup, you can use a wok or a large skillet to both cook the beef and stir-fry the vegetables and noodles. It’s a great way to keep the flavors all in one pan.
Variations of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
One of the best parts of this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe is its versatility. You can easily make substitutions or add additional ingredients to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
1. Chicken or Tofu Instead of Beef
If you’re not a fan of beef or want to make a lighter version of this dish, chicken breast or tofu are great substitutes. Just follow the same steps but swap out the protein. For tofu, make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture before stir-frying for a crispy texture.
2. Add Extra Veggies
While broccoli is the star of the show, you can easily add extra vegetables to the dish. Try adding carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms for added color, flavor, and nutrients. The more veggies, the better!
3. Gluten-Free Options
To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute the lo mein noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. Be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is ready, here are a few ideas for serving and pairing it:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of sliced green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds can add a fresh, crunchy topping to your dish.
- Pair with a Side of Spring Rolls: For a complete meal, serve your lo mein with crispy spring rolls or dumplings for a perfect balance of textures.
- Serve with a Light Soup: A simple miso or hot-and-sour soup complements this meal beautifully.
Conclusion
This Quick & Delicious Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe is a fantastic option for anyone craving a flavorful, satisfying meal in a short amount of time. With tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and chewy noodles enveloped in a rich sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you stick to the classic version or mix things up with your own variations, this dish is easy to customize to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s faster and more affordable than takeout!
Quick & Delicious Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
Ingredients
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 8 oz. flank steak or sirloin or ribeye
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for stir-frying
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium onion sliced thinly
For the Lo Mein Noodles:
- 8 oz. lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce low-sodium if preferred
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha optional
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Prep the Beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Blanch broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice water bath. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Lo Mein Noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, chili paste, and cornstarch slurry. Mix well.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and onion. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine and Toss: Add the beef, broccoli, and noodles to the pan. Pour the sauce over and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions, if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- Use high-quality beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added crunch and nutrients.
- Adjust the sweetness or spice level by modifying the sugar and chili paste quantities.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
- Variations: Swap beef for chicken or tofu for a different protein. To make it gluten-free, use tamari and rice noodles.