Beef Lo Mein Recipe – Detailed Guide

This Beef Lo Mein recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, thanks to the combination of tender rib-eye steak, vegetables, noodles, and delicious sauces. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is simple yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Beef and Marinade:

1 lb Rib-eye steak – Rib-eye is the ideal cut because of its tenderness, flavor, and marbling. It holds up well in stir-fries, ensuring a juicy bite in every piece. Slice against the grain to keep the meat tender.

Soy Sauce (¼ cup) – Soy sauce is a must for stir-fry dishes as it gives a salty umami punch. The liquid form makes it easy to coat the beef and vegetables, providing a deep flavor base.
Balsamic Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Adds a rich, tangy flavor that balances the soy sauce’s saltiness and helps tenderize the beef.
Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon) – A key component in most Asian stir-fries. The nutty flavor of sesame oil adds authenticity to the dish and enhances the aroma.

Steak or Meat Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – Seasoning blends designed for steak are usually made with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. This will help bring out the natural flavor of the beef.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon) – The deep, savory flavor of Worcestershire sauce adds complexity to the marinade, contributing a bit of tanginess and richness.

For the Vegetables:

1 green bell pepper – Slice into thin strips. The bell pepper provides a crisp texture and a slight sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the dish.
1 medium onion – Slice thinly. Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor when stir-fried.
1 cup carrots – Julienned (cut into thin matchstick-like pieces). Carrots add a pop of color, natural sweetness, and crunch.

1 cup green beans (or sugar snap peas) – Green beans or peas provide a satisfying crunch and a fresh contrast to the tender beef.

For the Noodles and Sauce:

8 oz Lo Mein Noodles (Simply Asian or similar) – Lo Mein noodles are soft, chewy, and perfect for soaking up the sauce. You can also use other types of Chinese egg noodles or even ramen noodles.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons) – Extra soy sauce enhances the overall flavor and ensures that the noodles are well-seasoned.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Another splash of Worcestershire adds even more depth to the sauce.
Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Brown sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and gives the sauce a slight caramelized sweetness.

PF Chang’s Teriyaki Sauce (3 tablespoons) – Teriyaki sauce adds a bit of sweetness and a rich glaze to the noodles and beef, tying the flavors together perfectly.

Optional Garnishes:

Sesame seeds – A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch and extra flavor.

Chopped green onions – Adds a burst of freshness and color.

Instructions:

Prepare the Beef:
- Thinly slice the rib-eye steak against the grain to ensure the meat remains tender.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, sesame oil, Worcestershire sauce, and steak seasoning. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinate the beef for 30 minutes or up to an hour for maximum flavor.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of sesame oil.
- Add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir-fry the beef until browned, about 4-5 minutes. This ensures the beef remains juicy and gets a nice sear.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more sesame oil. Stir-fry the green pepper, onion, carrots, and green beans for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. The vegetables should retain some bite for a nice contrast to the noodles.
Boil the Noodles:
- While the vegetables cook, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the Lo Mein noodles according to the package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes). Drain the noodles and set them aside. If desired, toss them with a tiny bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Combine Everything:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, return the beef to the skillet along with the noodles.
- Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and PF Chang’s teriyaki sauce. Stir well to coat the noodles, beef, and vegetables in the sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- If you like the dish saucier, you can add a bit more soy sauce or teriyaki sauce to taste.
Serve:
- Transfer the Beef Lo Mein to plates or a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Additional Tips:

Marinate the beef longer: If you have time, marinate the beef for up to 2 hours. The longer the marinade, the more flavor it absorbs.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of brown sugar or add a bit more teriyaki sauce.
Customize with other veggies: Feel free to use mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy as alternatives to the vegetables listed.

Make it spicier: For extra heat, stir in some chili paste or sriracha.

Q&A (Extended):

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure that the noodles are also gluten-free (check the packaging or use rice noodles).

Q: What if I don’t have sesame oil?
A: You can substitute with vegetable oil or olive oil, though the flavor won’t be the same. If you have toasted sesame seeds, you can sprinkle those on top for a hint of sesame flavor.

Q: How can I get the noodles to have a better texture?
A: When boiling the noodles, be careful not to overcook them. Drain and rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the beef and vegetables in advance, but it’s best to cook the noodles just before serving. The dish will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Health Benefits of Beef Lo Mein:

Protein Power: Beef is an excellent source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and growth. It’s also rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Fiber from Vegetables: The mix of carrots, green beans, and green pepper adds dietary fiber to the dish, which supports healthy digestion and helps keep you full longer.
Healthy Fats from Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is a good source of polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It also has antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation.
Antioxidants: Carrots and green peppers are packed with vitamins A and C, which are potent antioxidants that help boost immunity and protect skin health.

Balanced Carbs: The Lo Mein noodles provide energy in the form of carbohydrates, while the brown sugar helps balance the savory components with a touch of sweetness, promoting a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Enjoy your Beef Lo Mein with all these enhanced flavors and techniques! Let me know if you have any further questions or need more details.