You know those nights when all you want is something quick, tasty, and a little bit indulgent? That’s where this beef lo mein swoops in like a superhero with a takeout cape. It’s got that perfect balance of savory and umami—like a warm hug in a bowl—ready to rescue your weeknight with its magical noodle powers.
Steps
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and mix in Better Than Bouillon and brown sugar until dissolved. Stir in soy sauce and set the mixture aside.
- Chop carrots, broccoli, and onion into two-inch pieces. Thinly slice the beef into strips.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet and cook the beef until it turns golden brown. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions in sesame oil until they are golden brown, then remove them.
- Use the skillet to sauté the carrots until they soften, then add broccoli and cook for about three minutes. Press garlic into the mixture.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and let them simmer for about two minutes.
- Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
- Serve the lo mein hot by combining noodles, vegetables, and beef in a large dish, ensuring everything is mixed well.
Ingredients
- Egg noodles (lo mein noodles preferred, or spaghetti as an alternative)
- Sesame oil
- Better than Bouillon (beef flavor)
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Fresh garlic
- Carrots, diced into two-inch pieces
- Broccoli, diced into two-inch pieces
- Onions, diced into two-inch pieces
- Beef (flank steak, skirt steak, ribeye, or top sirloin), pre-sliced into very thin strips
Nutritional Values
Calories 381 | Calories from Fat 153 | Fat 17g | Saturated Fat 6g | Cholesterol 54mg | Sodium 586mg | Potassium 433mg | Carbohydrates 37g | Fiber 3g | Sugar 7g | Protein 20g | Vitamin A 3746IU | Vitamin C 6mg | Calcium 56mg | Iron 3mg
FAQ
- What is the difference between Lo Mein and Chow Mein?
- Lo Mein features soft noodles tossed in a thick sauce, while Chow Mein requires a longer frying time to achieve crispy noodles. Both are delicious and easy to prepare!
- What types of meat are best for Lo Mein?
- Flank steak, skirt steak, ribeye, or top sirloin are ideal for beef lo mein. For chicken, boneless breasts work best. If you prefer, you can also opt for a delightful Veggie Lo Mein by skipping the meat altogether.
- Can I use a substitute for Lo Mein noodles?
- Absolutely! While authentic lo mein noodles are ideal, spaghetti noodles can be a great alternative if you’re in a pinch and won’t compromise on taste.
- How should I store leftover Lo Mein?
- Store your lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for 3-5 days. The sauce continues to marinate, making leftovers even more flavorful!
- What are some essential ingredients for making Lo Mein?
- Key ingredients include sesame oil, soy sauce, beef-flavored Better than Bouillon, brown sugar, fresh garlic, and vegetables like carrots, onions, and broccoli. These components come together to create a rich and savory dish.
Tips
- Select the Right Noodles: If you’re unable to find fresh lo mein noodles, don’t worry—spaghetti noodles are a great alternative and won’t compromise the taste of the dish. Just remember to rinse them with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking.
- Get the Perfect Beef Texture: For the best flavor and texture, choose cuts like flank steak or ribeye and ensure you achieve a golden brown color when cooking. This browning step enhances the taste significantly.
- Utilize Sesame Oil for Flavor and Texture: Tossing your cooked noodles in sesame oil not only prevents them from sticking but also imparts a rich, nutty flavor that is characteristic of Asian cuisine.
- Enhance Leftovers: Store any leftover lo mein in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen, making them even more delicious as leftovers.
Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet – Essential for stir-frying and achieving the high heat needed for cooking the beef and vegetables properly.
- Garlic Press – Useful for pressing fresh garlic into the dish.
- Chef’s Knife – A high-quality knife might be needed for slicing beef and vegetables efficiently.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board is essential for preparing the ingredients.
