Quick-cooking, amendable to no matter greens are lurking in your fridge, and extremely family-friendly, this simple Beef Lo Mein is dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow… assuming you don’t polish all of it off in a single sitting anyway!.
Why You’ll Love This Takeout-Model Recipe
- It’s Fast and Easy. Preserve a couple of staples like garlic and soy sauce readily available, together with immediate flavor-makers like hoisin (the tough equal of Asian barbecue sauce) and sesame oil, and a nutritious dinner (like this Vegetable Lo Mein) is rarely greater than half-hour away, fewer in case you use frozen greens.
- Everybody Will Get pleasure from It. Wholesome stir fry recipes make an look not less than as soon as per week round these elements. Partly as a result of they’re nutritious and simple, however largely as a result of they’re extremely scrumptious and crowd-pleasing.
- It’s Straightforward on Your Pockets. This recipe (and Tofu Stir Fry) is reasonably priced to make. Beef lo mein is made of straightforward, nutritious substances. Because of noodles, the meat (and thus your greenback) goes a good distance on this recipe.
- It’s Versatile. Lo mein is manufactured from noodles, a protein (often beef or hen), greens, and a candy and savory sauce. The recipe here’s a place to begin. Be happy to swap in different greens you have got readily available, season to style, and serve with any of your favourite sides.
What’s the Distinction Between Beef Chow Mein and Beef Lo Mein?
These are two common Chinese language takeout entrees which might be related in taste and substances, however the preparation of the noodles differs.
- Chow mein means “fried noodles.” The noodles are cooked, then pan fried earlier than including the opposite substances. (This Rooster Chow Mein is a good recipe.)
- Lo mein means “tossed noodles.” You cook dinner the noodles, then stir them into the stir fried meat and greens.
For the reason that noodles on this recipe are tossed in on the finish, that makes it beef lo mein. (Wow your mates with this one!)
Whether or not chow mein or lo mein is healthier is fully as much as you!
Methods to Make Beef Lo Mein
The Elements
- Beef. In the present day’s lo mein protein of selection. Beef provides protein, iron, and a number of other important nutritional vitamins similar to B6 and B12. It’s regarded to be wholesome moderately.
- Noodles. Saucy, slippery noodles are a pure delight! For a wholesome spin, I desire to make use of entire grain noodles, that are larger in fiber and vitamins (I take advantage of this trick in my Stir Fry Noodles too).
- Garlic + Ginger + Soy Sauce. The stir fry Huge Three.
- Hoisin. This candy/savory/umami sauce is almost all you want to make fabulously flavored stir fries. I at all times have a jar of it readily available.
Tip!
Hoisin is broadly obtainable at nearly any main grocery retailer. Search for it within the Asian or worldwide meals aisle. Or, use it as a motive to go to your native Asian market.
- Greens. My favourite mixture of greens for stir fries is broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots for the array of colours and vitamins. Snow peas are additionally scrumptious. That mentioned, you can also make stir fry with nearly any veggie you have got round.
- Water Chestnuts. Whereas optionally available, I’ve been smitten with their crunch since I used to be in highschool ordering Mongolian beef lo mein with my hard-earned {dollars} at lunch.
- Toasted Sesame Oil. Whereas optionally available, this provides knowledgeable, completed style to the lo mein. It’s intensely nutty, savory, and makes the lo mein all of the more durable to cease consuming.
The Instructions
- Prep the Beef. Slice it and coat it within the baking soda combination.
- Cook dinner the Noodles. Cook dinner simply till they’re al dente.
- Stir the Sauce Collectively. A liquid measuring cup works effectively for this.
- Cook dinner the Beef With Sauce. Take away it whereas it’s nonetheless slightly pink inside.
- Cook dinner the Greens. We would like them to be crisp-tender.
- Mix. Add all of the substances again to the pan, stirring to warmth and coat within the sauce. ENJOY!
Storage Suggestions
- To Retailer. Refrigerate leftover beef lo mein in an hermetic container for 4 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low warmth or gently within the microwave. Splash slightly water or broth onto the noodles to maintain them from drying out.
- To Freeze. You possibly can freeze beef lo mein. Freeze in an hermetic, freezer-safe container for as much as 3 months. Let thaw in a single day within the fridge.
What to Serve With Beef Lo Mein
- Solid Iron Skillet. In the event you desire a big skillet over a wok, this 12-inch Staub with enamel backside is second to none!
- Knife Set. This 10-piece Zwilling set stays sharper longer than anticipated.
- Pasta Strainer. A 5-quart colander with giant handles is ideal for noodles for the entire household.
Recipe Suggestions and Methods
- Slice the Beef In opposition to the Grain. This helps tenderize its fibers.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef. Tender, flavorful beef is the aim right here, so ensure you don’t overdo it. When overcooked, beef can turn into robust and dry.
- Use the Veggies You Have. Raid the fridge or purchase your favorites! Be happy to swap within the greens your loved ones enjoys most. Stir fries are additionally an excellent place to make use of greens which might be previous their prime.
- Don’t Skip the Water Chestnuts. Whereas they aren’t a essential element on this simple beef lo mein recipe per se, they add a tasty crunch that I feel makes it additional tasty. Even in case you don’t usually buy them, I urge you to present them a attempt.
- 1 pound sirloin prime spherical steak, or flank steak
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons water divided
- 6 ounces lengthy noodles similar to entire grain spaghetti or entire grain fettuccine, soba noodles, or udon noodles
- 1/4 cup decreased sodium soy sauce plus further to style
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced or grated (about 1 heaping tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped contemporary ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed crimson pepper flakes plus further to style
- 1 tablespoon canola oil or peanut or grapeseed oil
- 2 medium carrots peeled and lower into skinny cash
- 1 head broccoli lower into small florets (about 3 cups), or 3 cups thinly sliced cabbage
- 1 crimson bell pepper cored and thinly sliced
- 1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts drained
- 4 inexperienced onions thinly sliced divided
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil optionally available
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For simpler slicing, place the meat within the freezer for quarter-hour to agency up. Lower the meat throughout the grain into very skinny (1/4-inch or smaller) slices. Lower any lengthy slices in half crosswise (every strip ought to be round 3 inches or so lengthy).
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Place the meat in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, stir collectively the baking soda and a pair of tablespoons of the water. Pour over the meat and toss to coat. Let sit 5 minutes (this helps to tenderize it).
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In the meantime, in a big pot of salted water, cook dinner the noodles simply till al dente. Drain and rinse below cool water. Put aside.
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In a small bowl or bigger liquid measuring cup, stir collectively the soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and crimson pepper flakes. Preserve useful close to the range.
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In a wok or giant, nonstick skillet, warmth the oil over medium excessive. Add the meat and cook dinner till crisp on the surface however nonetheless pink on the within, about 3 minutes. The meat will give off liquid, which is ok. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the sauce and let cook dinner 30 seconds. With a big spoon, scoop the meat onto a plate (any cooking juices left behind will cook dinner away).
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Add the carrots, broccoli, and bell pepper. Cook dinner till crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Stir within the remaining 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) of water and let the greens steam till the broccoli turns brilliant inexperienced and many of the liquid has cooked away, about 2 minutes extra.
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Stir within the water chestnuts, half of the inexperienced onions, and a pair of tablespoons of the soy sauce combination and let cook dinner 30 further seconds.
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Scale back the warmth to medium. Add the noodles and beef and pour the remaining soy sauce combination excessive. With tongs, stir and toss till the noodles are heated by means of.
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Drizzle the sesame oil excessive (if utilizing) and sprinkle on the remaining inexperienced onion. Toss to mix. Get pleasure from!
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftover beef lo mein in an hermetic container for 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low warmth or gently within the microwave. Splash slightly water or broth onto the nooldes to maintain them from drying out.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze in an hermetic freezer-safe container for as much as 3 months. Let thaw in a single day within the fridge.
Serving: 1(of 4)Energy: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 36gFats: 12gSaturated Fats: 3gPolyunsaturated Fats: 3gMonounsaturated Fats: 5gTrans Fats: 1gLdl cholesterol: 70mgPotassium: 1029mgFiber: 6gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 6647IUVitamin C: 105mgCalcium: 119mgIron: 5mg
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Often Requested Questions
An genuine beef lo mein recipe would name for Chinese language egg noodles, that are made with wheat flour and eggs. Nevertheless, any lengthy noodles you have got entry to will do properly. Soba noodles (a Japanese noodle manufactured from buckwheat), entire grain spaghetti noodles, or entire grain fettuccine noodles all work effectively.
Whereas you should utilize frozen greens for this recipe in a pinch, I feel contemporary greens are inclined to have a greater taste and texture.
If in case you have hassle retaining contemporary greens readily available, attempt selecting ones with an extended shelf life, similar to cabbage. Beef and cabbage lo mein is scrumptious (see this Cabbage Stir Fry for prep suggestions.)
If you wish to flip up the warmth a bit, add additional crimson pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Certain! In the event you’d like your lo mein to have two varieties of protein, you may add one other meat, seafood, or vegetarian choice. I feel shrimp, salmon, or tofu could be particularly tasty with the meat.
Associated Recipes
Stir fries and different Asian specialties are scrumptious and stuffed with dietary worth. Listed below are a few of my favorites:
