Beef Lo Mein

Beef Lo Mein

Beef Lo Mein is a delightful Chinese stir-fry dish featuring tender marinated beef combined with crisp vegetables and silky noodles, all enveloped in a savory sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying yet simple meal.

Beef

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

2

Lo Mein is a classic dish rooted in Chinese culinary tradition, often enjoyed for its comforting and quick preparation. Its name translates to 'tossed noodles,' reflecting the cooking method where noodles are combined with various ingredients in a wok. The dish is versatile and popular worldwide, renowned for its rich blend of flavors and textures. This particular Beef Lo Mein recipe highlights tender beef that has been carefully marinated to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Stir-fried alongside a medley of fresh vegetables such as mushrooms, bean sprouts, and peapods, the dish offers a delicious contrast between the chewy noodles, crisp veggies, and juicy beef. The oyster and soy sauce-based sauce ties all elements together beautifully with a subtle sweetness and umami depth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, Beef Lo Mein pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian cucumber salad. For those wanting to explore further, a delicate jasmine tea or light lager complements the rich flavors of the dish excellently. Enjoy the lively medley of tastes and textures in every bite!

Ingredients

  • 0.5 lb Beef
  • pinch Salt
  • pinch Pepper
  • 2 tsp Sesame Seed Oil
  • 0.5 Egg
  • 3 tb Starch
  • 5 tb Oil
  • 0.25 lb Noodles
  • 0.5 cup Onion
  • 1 tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 tsp Ginger
  • 1 cup Bean Sprouts
  • 1 cup Mushrooms
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 tb Oyster Sauce
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Soy Sauce

Instructions

STEP 1 - MARINATING THE BEEF Begin by combining the beef slices with a pinch of salt and white pepper, then drizzle in 1 teaspoon of fragrant sesame seed oil. Add half a beaten egg along with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of oil to create a silky marinade that will tenderize the meat. Mix everything thoroughly until the beef is evenly coated; this step helps infuse rich flavors and ensures a juicy texture after cooking. STEP 2 - BOILING THE NOODLES Bring a large 6-quart pot of water to a vigorous boil. Submerge the noodles completely and let them cook for just 10 seconds — this very brief cooking keeps them al dente and preserves their springy texture. After boiling, immediately drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. STEP 3 - STIR FRYING Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over high heat and add the marinated beef. Stir-fry briskly until the beef reaches a beautiful medium doneness, locking in its tenderness, then transfer it onto a plate to rest. In the same wok, pour in another 2 tablespoons of oil and toss in the chopped onions, minced garlic, and finely grated ginger. Sauté briefly until aromatic, then add the fresh bean sprouts, mushrooms, and crisp peapods. Pour in 1.5 cups of water just enough to barely cover the vegetables, allowing them to steam and soften slightly. Next, add the prepared noodles back into the wok, gently mixing them with the vegetables. To create the luscious sauce, stir in oyster sauce, an extra pinch of white pepper, 1 teaspoon of sesame seed oil, a pinch of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Give all ingredients a good toss to coat everything evenly. Finally, return the cooked beef to the wok and toss once more, melding all the flavors together with a quick, energetic stir-fry. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delectable harmony of this classic Beef Lo Mein dish. TIP: Avoid overcooking the noodles by watching the boil time closely and rinsing with cold water right after. This keeps the noodles perfectly springy and prevents them from becoming mushy.

Quick Info

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2