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Beef Lo Mein

Tender strips of marinated beef, chewy noodles, and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce that tastes better than takeout. Ready in just 25 minutes with that perfect balance of textures and flavors you crave from your favorite Chinese restaurant.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Chinese American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Beef and Marinade
  • 1 pound flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Noodles
  • 12 ounces lo mein noodles or fresh Chinese egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to toss with cooked noodles
For the Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
For the Stir-Fry
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 2 cups cabbage shredded
  • 1 large carrot julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 3 green onions cut into 2-inch pieces

Equipment

  • Large wok or 12-inch skillet with high sides
  • Large pot for boiling noodles
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowls (one medium, one small)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or wooden spatula
  • Colander for draining noodles

Method
 

  1. Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips about 1/4-inch thick. In a medium bowl, combine the beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons water. Set this aside within easy reach of your stove.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions, usually 3 to 4 minutes for fresh noodles. Drain them in a colander and immediately toss with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
  5. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear without stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until browned on one side. Flip the pieces and cook for another minute until just cooked through, then transfer to a clean plate.
  6. Add another tablespoon of oil to the hot wok. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 15 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
  7. Add the sliced onion to the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute until it starts to soften. Add the cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper, and continue stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
  8. Return the cooked beef to the wok along with any accumulated juices. Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Use tongs to toss everything together vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
  9. Add the green onion pieces and toss for a final 30 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or a splash of sesame oil for aroma. Transfer to serving plates immediately while everything is hot and glossy.

Notes

The secret to restaurant-quality lo mein is cooking over the highest heat your stove can manage and working quickly. Slice the beef when it is partially frozen for paper-thin, even slices. Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking because stir-frying happens fast. Store leftover beef lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of water or broth for best results.