Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein – A Takeout Favorite Made at Home!

🎉 Introduction

There’s something about a steaming plate of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein that feels like pure comfort food. Tender strips of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly chewy noodles come together in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that rivals any takeout.

This homemade version uses fresh ingredients, a balanced stir-fry sauce, and just the right amount of sesame oil for aroma. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve guests. The best part? You control the seasoning, the quality of the meat, and the vegetables that go in.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling noodles)
• Wok or large skillet
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula

🛒 Ingredients

Meats:

• 1 lb steak (flank or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain

Fruits & Vegetables:

• 16 oz broccoli florets
• ⅛ cup garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ⅛ cup fresh ginger, minced
• ¼ cup onions, thinly sliced

Condiments:

• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup oyster sauce
• ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)

Pasta & Grains:

• 16 oz noodles (lo mein or spaghetti)

Culinary Aids & Spices:

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

Oils & Vinegars:

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar (non-alcoholic)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil

Liquids:

• 2 tbsp water

Other:

• 1 tbsp browning (optional, for color)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prep the Beef

1. In a medium bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and optional browning.
2. Add sliced beef, tossing to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil noodles according to package directions until just al dente.
2. Drain, toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil, and set aside to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
   • Honey
   • Oyster sauce
   • Low-sodium soy sauce
   • Rice vinegar and rice wine vinegar
   • Water
   • Remaining cornstarch (2 tbsp) for thickening
2. Set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef in a single layer; cook for 1–2 minutes per side until browned.
3. Remove beef and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add garlic, fresh ginger, and onions. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add broccoli and ¼ cup water; cover for 2–3 minutes to steam until crisp-tender.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Return beef to the pan.
2. Pour in the sauce, stirring until it thickens slightly.
3. Add noodles and toss until fully coated in sauce.

Step 7: Serve

1. Plate immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or extra green onions if desired.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~35 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

• Best eaten fresh, but you can freeze for up to 1 month (texture may soften).

Reheating:

• Stir-fry in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce until warmed through.

🥄 Variations

• Chicken Lo Mein: Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast.
• Shrimp Lo Mein: Add shrimp during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
• Extra Veggie: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
• Spicy Kick: Add chili paste or crushed red pepper.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari and rice noodles instead of wheat noodles.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. What cut of beef is best?

Flank or sirloin steak works best for tenderness.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—replace beef with tofu and oyster sauce with mushroom sauce.

3. Can I make it without oyster sauce?

Yes—use hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor.

4. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes—just thaw slightly before cooking.

5. Why is my beef tough?

Overcooking or cutting with the grain can make it chewy; slice thinly against the grain.

6. Can I skip the honey?

Yes—use brown sugar for sweetness instead.

7. Can I use different noodles?

Yes—egg noodles, spaghetti, or even udon work.

8. Can I make this in advance?

Yes—prep the beef and sauce ahead, then cook fresh.

9. How do I keep noodles from sticking?

Toss in a little sesame oil after boiling.

10. Can I double the sauce?

Yes—especially if you like it extra saucy.

🏁 Conclusion

This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is proof that you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy restaurant-quality noodles. With tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that clings to every strand, it’s a satisfying, quick, and healthier alternative to delivery.

Adam

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein – A Takeout Favorite Made at Home!

There’s something about a steaming plate of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein that feels like pure comfort food. Tender strips of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly chewy noodles come together in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that rivals any takeout. This homemade version uses fresh ingredients, a balanced stir-fry sauce, and just the right amount of sesame oil for aroma. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve guests. The best part? You control the seasoning, the quality of the meat, and the vegetables that go in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meats:

• 1 lb steak flank or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

Fruits & Vegetables:

• 16 oz broccoli florets
• ⅛ cup garlic minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ⅛ cup fresh ginger minced
• ¼ cup onions thinly sliced

Condiments:

• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup oyster sauce
• ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp soy sauce for marinade

Pasta & Grains:

• 16 oz noodles lo mein or spaghetti

Culinary Aids & Spices:

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

Oils & Vinegars:

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar non-alcoholic
• 2 tbsp sesame oil

Liquids:

• 2 tbsp water

Other:

• 1 tbsp browning optional, for color

Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling noodles)
• Wok or large skillet
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula

Method

 

Step 1: Prep the Beef

1. In a medium bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and optional browning.
2. Add sliced beef, tossing to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil noodles according to package directions until just al dente.
2. Drain, toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil, and set aside to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
2. Honey
3. Oyster sauce
4. Low-sodium soy sauce
5. Rice vinegar and rice wine vinegar
6. Water
7. Remaining cornstarch (2 tbsp) for thickening
8. Set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef in a single layer; cook for 1–2 minutes per side until browned.
3. Remove beef and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add garlic, fresh ginger, and onions. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add broccoli and ¼ cup water; cover for 2–3 minutes to steam until crisp-tender.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Return beef to the pan.
2. Pour in the sauce, stirring until it thickens slightly.
3. Add noodles and toss until fully coated in sauce.

Step 7: Serve

1. Plate immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or extra green onions if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

Best eaten fresh, but you can freeze for up to 1 month (texture may soften).

Reheating:

Stir-fry in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce until warmed through.

🥄 Variations
Chicken Lo Mein: Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast.

Shrimp Lo Mein: Add shrimp during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Extra Veggie: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.

Spicy Kick: Add chili paste or crushed red pepper.

Gluten-Free: Use tamari and rice noodles instead of wheat noodles.

❓ 10 FAQs
1. What cut of beef is best?
Flank or sirloin steak works best for tenderness.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—replace beef with tofu and oyster sauce with mushroom sauce.

3. Can I make it without oyster sauce?
Yes—use hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor.

4. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes—just thaw slightly before cooking.

5. Why is my beef tough?
Overcooking or cutting with the grain can make it chewy; slice thinly against the grain.

6. Can I skip the honey?
Yes—use brown sugar for sweetness instead.

7. Can I use different noodles?
Yes—egg noodles, spaghetti, or even udon work.

8. Can I make this in advance?
Yes—prep the beef and sauce ahead, then cook fresh.

9. How do I keep noodles from sticking?
Toss in a little sesame oil after boiling.

10. Can I double the sauce?
Yes—especially if you like it extra saucy.

🏁 Conclusion
This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is proof that you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy restaurant-quality noodles. With tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that clings to every strand, it’s a satisfying, quick, and healthier alternative to delivery.