BEEF AND BROCCOLI LO MEIN BETTER TAKEOUT

The sizzle of beef hitting a screaming hot wok, the earthy aroma of broccoli florets softening just so – it’s a symphony of controlled chaos that ends in a bowl of pure comfort. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a culinary hug, a taste of takeout elevated to something truly special.

Forget gloppy sauces and overcooked noodles. We’re talking tender, marinated beef, perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of lo mein. Get ready for a Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein experience that will make you ditch the delivery apps for good.

The Essential Components

Good ingredients are the foundation of any great dish, and this Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein is no exception. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavors and textures, making it a truly memorable meal. Don’t skimp on the soy sauce or the fresh ginger!

• Beef Sirloin (thinly sliced): For tenderness and flavor (Sirloin is ideal because it’s lean but still flavorful).
• Broccoli Florets (fresh): Adds a vibrant color and a satisfying crunch (Fresh broccoli has a superior texture compared to frozen).
• Lo Mein Noodles (fresh or dried): The perfect vehicle for the delicious sauce (Look for thick, chewy noodles for the best texture).
• Soy Sauce (low sodium): The base of the marinade and sauce, adding umami and saltiness (Low sodium allows you to control the salt level).
• Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, savory depth to the sauce (A little goes a long way!).
• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty aroma and flavor (Use toasted sesame oil for the most intense flavor).
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and helps the beef to brown (Essential for achieving that perfect glaze).
• Garlic (minced): Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor (Freshly minced is always best!).
• Ginger (minced): Provides a warm, spicy note (Adds complexity and depth to the dish).
• Brown Sugar: Balances the savory flavors and adds a touch of sweetness (Light or dark brown sugar works well).
• Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying (Canola or peanut oil are good options).
• Optional: Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat.

Swaps & Alternatives

Sometimes you don’t have every ingredient on hand, and that’s okay! Here are some substitutions you can make without sacrificing too much flavor:

• If you don’t have sirloin, you can use flank steak or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
• Frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before stir-frying to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• If you don’t have lo mein noodles, you can use spaghetti or linguine. Just cook them al dente.
• Tamari can be used as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce.
• Hoisin sauce can be used in place of oyster sauce, although it will have a slightly sweeter flavor.

Chef’s Twists

Want to take your Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein to the next level? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add a splash of rice vinegar: This will brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions: This adds visual appeal and a nutty, fresh flavor.
• Incorporate other vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas would all be delicious additions.
• Spice it up with a drizzle of chili oil: For those who like a little extra heat.

The Cooking Process

This Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The key is to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. The stir-frying process happens quickly, so you want to be organized.

1. Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. This will tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. This ensures the sauce is ready to go when you need it.

3. Cook the Noodles

Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.

4. Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the wok and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Broccoli

Add more vegetable oil to the wok, if needed. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Add Aromatics

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

7. Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

8. Add Noodles and Toss

Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until everything is heated through. Make sure every strand is coated with the delicious sauce.

Serving Ideas

This Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side of Chicken Lo Mein. You could also add a simple green salad or some steamed dumplings. For a truly authentic experience, serve it with chopsticks and a small bowl of soy sauce for dipping. Consider adding Beef And Broccoli Bowl as another side. If you are looking for a quick recipe, try Beef And Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Ultimate.

This dish pairs well with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the sauce and cleanse the palate. You can also try pairing it with a light-bodied beer like a Pilsner or Lager. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lime. Don’t forget to check out Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli for another great recipe. Or if you are looking for something more traditional, try Chinese Beef And Broccoli. You can also try Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles for a different take on this dish.

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Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Better Than Takeout

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home, surpassing takeout with its tender marinated beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly balanced sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s both comforting and flavorful, making you ditch the delivery apps for good.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese-American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Tongs or spatula
• Pot for cooking noodles
• Colander

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh
• 1 pound lo mein noodles, fresh or dried
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Set aside.
• Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the wok and set aside.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the wok. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until everything is heated through.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use toasted sesame oil. If you don’t have sirloin, flank steak or skirt steak can be substituted. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness or garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. Other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas can be added.