Beef Lo Mein – A Takeout-Style Favorite You Can Make at Home

When you want a dinner that’s fast, satisfying, and full of bold flavor, look no further than Beef Lo Mein. This recipe features tender flank steak, fresh vegetables, chewy noodles, and a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, savory, and just a little spicy.

Perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving your favorite takeout without the delivery wait.

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Why I Love This Recipe

This beef lo mein is everything you want in an Asian-inspired noodle dish. The sauce is layered with complexity from soy, hoisin, brown sugar, sesame, and a hint of sriracha. The veggies stay crisp and colorful, the beef is juicy and flavorful, and the noodles soak up all that saucy goodness.

Plus, you can customize it with whatever you have on hand—swap proteins, change the veggies, or adjust the spice to your liking. It’s a one-pan wonder with crowd-pleasing results.

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Ingredients

For the Noodles & Main:

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces sliced water chestnuts, drained and rinsed
• 1 carrot, shredded

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (or buffalo sauce)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onion

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Ingredient Swaps & Tips

• Flank steak: Can sub with sirloin, ground beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, snow peas, cabbage, or whatever you’ve got in your fridge.
• Noodles: If lo mein isn’t available, try spaghetti or ramen noodles.
• Spice: Adjust sriracha to taste or leave it out for a milder version.

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How to Make It – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Noodles and Broccoli

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Cook noodles according to package, drain, and toss with 1 tsp sesame oil.
3. In the same pot, boil broccoli for 4–5 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Season flank steak with salt and pepper.
2. In a hot skillet, add olive oil and beef bouillon cube.
3. Cook steak until no longer pink. Remove and cover with foil.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
2. Add bell pepper, water chestnuts, and shredded carrot.
3. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, until just tender.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin, sriracha, and sesame oil.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return beef, noodles, and broccoli to the skillet.
2. Pour sauce over everything and toss to coat.
3. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion.

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Tips for Success

• Slice steak thin and across the grain for tenderness.
• Prep all your ingredients before starting—this dish moves fast.
• Don’t overcook the veggies—keep them crisp for contrast.
• Taste and adjust the sauce before combining for your preferred flavor balance.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair your beef lo mein with light sides or serve as part of an Asian-inspired meal spread:

• Add crunch with Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• Complement with a starter like Beer Cheese Dip
• Balance the richness with A Light Tangy Chicken Salad
• Add another comfort dish like Instant Pot Lasagna
• Kick off with Crockpot Nacho Dip for a fusion twist

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Storage & Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Not freezer-recommended—noodles tend to get mushy.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

• Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• Beer Cheese Dip
• Crockpot Nacho Dip
• Instant Pot Lasagna
• Light Tangy Chicken Salad

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Final Thoughts

This Beef Lo Mein recipe is the perfect weeknight solution when you want something fast, filling, and flavor-packed. With just one skillet and a quick homemade sauce, it’s an easy way to satisfy your noodle cravings—without calling for takeout.

Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac in your creations and let us know how you customized your lo mein! Follow for more global comfort food and weeknight dinner wins.