If you’re craving a dish that combines tender, savory beef with vibrant, crisp broccoli, all tossed in a wonderfully flavorful sauce and nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked noodles, you’re going to love this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that hits all the right notes—comforting, quick, and packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a satisfying and colorful dinner that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple with a handful of essential ingredients is the secret to this dish’s spectacular flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy flank steak that brings savory richness to the bright, fresh broccoli adding a lovely crunch and color, all balanced by a sauce that beautifully blends salty, sweet, and earthy notes.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti): Provides the perfect tender and slightly chewy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil for searing beef and sautéing veggies without overpowering flavors.
- ¾ pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: Ensures tender, juicy beef that cooks quickly and stays flavorful.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds crunch, color, and a healthy dose of green goodness to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Introduces aromatic depth and a nice punch of savory flavor.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Offers a mild oniony brightness that complements the other flavors.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings salty umami to build the soulful sauce base.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds richness and a subtle sweetness that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Gives a hint of tangy sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a warm, nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances savory elements with a touch of sweetness for harmony.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that enhances all other flavors.
- Optional: sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish: For that lovely finishing touch that makes your plate pop!
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they’re tender but still have a slight bite. Drain them well and set aside—this step lays the foundation for your dish’s texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the noodles cook, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. This harmonious sauce blend brings savory, sweet, and nutty flavors that tie everything together.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until it develops a nice brown crust. Removing the beef at this point allows it to rest while you cook the vegetables, keeping it tender and juicy.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli and Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the broccoli florets with a splash of water. Cover them to steam for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re just tender but still have that vibrant crunch we all love. Then uncover and add the minced garlic along with sliced green onions. Sauté for about a minute to release their fragrant flavors.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Return the seared beef to the pan, add the cooked noodles, and pour in the savory sauce. Toss everything together vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure the noodles get nicely coated and the whole dish gets warmed through. This final toss is where all the magic happens.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and a handful of extra sliced green onions over the top for a delightful crunch and fresh burst of flavor. These simple garnishes make your dish look like it’s straight from your favorite Asian restaurant.
Side Dishes
This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed dumplings. If you want to keep things on the heartier side, a side of egg drop soup or hot and sour soup makes a comforting, crowd-pleasing addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your beef and broccoli lo mein in individual bowls garnished with a wedge of lime for a citrusy kick, or pile it on a platter with some fresh cilantro sprigs to brighten up the presentation. For a fun twist, turn it into lettuce wraps for a hands-on dining experience that’s unexpectedly fresh and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (not likely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this tasty dish again without any fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Just cool completely before freezing to preserve texture, and use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the noodles from getting soggy, and your meal will taste nearly as amazing as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are ideal, you can substitute spaghetti or other long pasta types. Just cook them al dente and drain well to maintain the right texture.
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Flank steak is perfect due to its flavor and tenderness when sliced thin against the grain, but you could also use skirt steak or sirloin as alternatives.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the beef for firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or additional soy sauce instead to keep it flavorful.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate and slice the beef in advance, and even pre-cook the noodles to save time on busy weeknights. Just be sure to finish cooking them all fresh when you’re ready to eat.
What’s a good way to add more heat to this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe?
If you like a bit of spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce when you add the sauce to the noodles. It gives a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s so quick, satisfying, and bursting with layered flavors. It’s a dish that feels special yet comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress without stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a flavorful and satisfying Asian-inspired noodle dish featuring tender flank steak, crisp broccoli florets, and savory sauces tossed with perfectly cooked lo mein noodles. Quick to prepare, this stir-fry combines a harmonious blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces with aromatic garlic and green onions, making it a perfect weeknight main course for four servings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¾ pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Extra green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and ground black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Sear Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Steam Broccoli: Using the same pan, add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover the pan and steam for 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli is just tender but still crisp.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the cover, add the minced garlic and sliced green onions to the pan with the broccoli, and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Toss: Return the cooked beef to the pan along with the drained noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the beef and broccoli lo mein and garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute flank steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit dietary preferences.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its bright color and crunch.
- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to your taste, adding more brown sugar for sweetness or extra soy sauce for saltiness.
