Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

Craving something savory, hearty, and full of flavor? You’re in for a treat! This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is the answer to your takeout cravings, without having to leave the house. Think tender strips of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked noodles, all tossed together in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a dish that’s packed with flavor, satisfying enough to be a full meal, and easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. Plus, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, so you can enjoy your favorite Chinese takeout flavors without the long wait. I promise, this is a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with this dish:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy nights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have hours to cook.
• Packed with Flavor: The sauce is a perfect balance of savory, salty, and just a hint of sweetness. The beef soaks up all that goodness, and the broccoli gives it that fresh, veggie crunch.
• One-Pan Meal: You’ll be cooking everything in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash. Win-win!
• Customizable: You can switch up the protein by using chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. The sauce is also versatile, so you can adjust it to your taste (add a little extra garlic or spice it up with some chili flakes).
• Takeout at Home: Skip the delivery fees! This recipe gives you that satisfying, takeout-quality meal from the comfort of your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein:

• Beef (Flank Steak or Sirloin): Thinly sliced against the grain. It’s tender, flavorful, and takes on the sauce beautifully.
• Broccoli: Fresh, crisp-tender broccoli florets add color, texture, and nutrition to this dish.
• Lo Mein Noodles: The perfect noodle to absorb all the delicious sauce. You can also use spaghetti or any other noodle you like, but Lo Mein noodles are classic!
• Soy Sauce: A key ingredient in the savory sauce, adding that rich umami flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds depth to the sauce and a touch of sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: For that delicious, nutty flavor that makes everything come together perfectly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a bold and fragrant kick to the dish.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a hint of warmth and spice that complements the other flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Just a small amount to balance the salty-sweet flavor of the sauce.
• Cornstarch: A little cornstarch to help thicken the sauce and give it that glossy finish.
• Green Onions: For garnish and a little extra burst of flavor.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Here’s how you’ll bring this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein to life:

1. Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the Lo Mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside. Toss them with a tiny drizzle of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.

2. Prepare the Beef

In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Toss until the beef is well-coated, and set it aside for a few minutes to marinate.

3. Cook the Broccoli

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender but still have a nice crunch. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Beef

In the same pan, add a little more oil and toss in the marinated beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside with the broccoli.

5. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. This will form your flavorful sauce base.

6. Combine Everything

Add the cooked noodles back into the pan, then pour the sauce over them. Toss everything together to coat the noodles in that delicious sauce. Add the beef and broccoli back into the pan and stir everything together. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened.

7. Garnish and Serve

Top with green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Vitamin A: 25%
• Vitamin C: 90%
• Calcium: 6%
• Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

This dish is perfect all on its own, but if you want to get a little extra with your meal, here are some serving ideas:

• With a Side of Dumplings: Serve with crispy, savory dumplings for a more filling meal.
• Top with Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.
• Add More Veggies: You can easily add in more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for even more color and nutrition.
• Pair with Soup: A simple miso or egg drop soup is the perfect light side dish to serve with this lo mein.

Additional Tips

• Marinate the Beef: If you have time, let the beef marinate for longer to help tenderize the meat and deepen the flavor.
• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients to your liking. If you want more spice, add some red pepper flakes or chili oil.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time for each.

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A2: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.

Q3: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A3: Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by using tofu or just loading it up with more veggies. The sauce is flavorful enough to stand on its own.

Q4: Can I use regular pasta instead of Lo Mein noodles?
A4: Yes, you can substitute Lo Mein noodles with spaghetti or any other pasta, though the texture may be a little different.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: While you can freeze the components separately (noodles, beef, and broccoli), the texture of the noodles may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

Q7: How do I make the sauce spicier?
A7: You can add red pepper flakes, chili sauce, or sriracha to the sauce for some extra heat.

Q8: Can I skip the sesame oil?
A8: Sesame oil adds a lot of flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil as a substitute. It’ll still be tasty!

Q9: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A9: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook everything fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Q10: How can I make this dish lower in sodium?
A10: Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce, and be mindful of adding extra salt. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce in the sauce mixture.

Conclusion

This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is the perfect solution when you’re craving takeout but want to make it yourself. With its tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress—and it’s so easy to make! Enjoy it with your favorite sides or just on its own, and savor every bite. Happy cooking!

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