Beef Lo Mein Better Than Takeaway
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of Beef Lo Mein ? I know I do! Honestly, who doesn't love a good noodle dish? This Beef Lo Mein Recipe hits all the right spots: savory, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious.
Brief Overview
Lo Mein is a classic Cantonese noodle dish. This homemade lo mein version is easier than you think! Ready in about 35 minutes, it serves 4 hungry people.
Main Benefits
This dish is packed with protein from the beef and veggies. It's perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner when you need a quick lo mein dinner .
What makes this recipe special? It tastes better than takeaway style lo mein !
What You Need to Make This Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Let's gather the bits and bobs to make this banging Beef Lo Mein! This Beef Lo Mein needs beef, noodles, and a few veggies.
The Beef Needs a Spa Day (Marinade)
- 1 lb sirloin steak, super thinly sliced.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine. Dry sherry works too!
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper.
The Sauce is the Boss
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine, or sherry.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water.
Lo Mein Time!
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
- 1 inch ginger, minced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced.
- 1 carrot, julienned.
- 4 cups cooked lo mein noodles.
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish.
So, are you ready to ditch the takeaway and make this delicious Beef Lo Mein yourself? I promise, it's easier than ordering Deliveroo!
Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Beef Lo Mein
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. This Beef Lo Mein Recipe is all about flavour. And to get that takeaway style lo mein taste, you need the right bits and bobs.
Don’t worry, it's not rocket science. Honestly, most of the kit you already have.
Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty
We're aiming for Cantonese noodles recipe magic, so quality matters.
- Beef: 1 lb (450g) sirloin steak. Get a decent cut, not shoe leather, you know? Look for good marbling that's the fat that melts and makes it tasty. Slice it thinly against the grain. Trust me .
- Lo Mein Noodles: 4 cups cooked. That's about 1 pound (450g) dried. Buy fresh if you can find 'em. Cook 'em al dente, not mushy.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium. Because no one needs a salt lick.
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is key for that umami flavour.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (30g) . Balances the saltiness, see?
- Chicken Broth/Water: 1/2 cup (120ml) . To get the sauce just right .
- Veggies: 1 onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 carrot. Get them prepped and ready to go.
Seasoning: Spice Up Your Life
This beef lo mein is all about the flavour punch!
- Ginger & Garlic: Essential aromatics. About 1 tablespoon minced ginger, 2 teaspoons minced garlic. Don't skimp.
- Sesame Oil: Earthy goodness. We use it in the marinade and sauce.
- Shaoxing Rice Wine (or Dry Sherry): Adds depth. If you don't have it, sherry works.
- Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce and tenderizing the beef.
- White Pepper: A pinch! More subtle than black pepper.
- Green Onions: For garnish. Adds a fresh bite.
Essential Equipment: Keep It Simple
- Wok or Large Skillet: For stir frying. A well seasoned wok is a beautiful thing.
- Large Pot: For cooking the noodles. Obvs.
- Chopping Board & Knife: Safety first, eh?
- Mixing Bowls: For marinade and sauce.
Honestly, that's all you need. This easy beef lo mein is about the ingredients and the technique. Get this right, and you'll be whipping up Chinese beef noodles better than your local takeaway.
Plus, you can brag that it's homemade lo mein .
Beef Lo Mein Recipe: Way Better Than Takeaway!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Beef Lo Mein ? But let’s be real, sometimes that takeaway just doesn't hit the spot.
Greasy noodles, questionable beef… no thanks! I’ve cracked the code to a takeaway style lo mein that's ready in about 35 minutes.
It’s so good, you'll never order in again!
This Beef Lo Mein recipe is super simple, even if it sounds fancy. Think tender beef, perfectly coated in a luscious sauce, nestled amongst bouncy noodles.
It's inspired by classic Cantonese noodles recipe , but made dead easy for a weeknight dinner. Prepare for a flavour explosion in every bite!
Prep Like a Pro for Killer Beef Lo Mein
- Essential Mise en Place: Chop all your veggies before you even think about turning on the hob. This is a must. Slice the beef thinly - partially freezing for 15 minutes beforehand makes it easier.
- Time Saving Tip: Whisk the sauce ingredients together in advance. Having everything prepped lets you focus on the stir fry.
- Safety First: Watch that wok! Hot oil and splashing sauce can be a nuisance.
Let's Cook Some Chinese Beef Noodles , step-by-step
- Marinate your beef: Mix the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine and sesame oil. Set aside for 15 to 30 minutes .
- Whisk the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in your wok. Stir fry ginger and garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir fry until softened, about 2- 3 minutes .
- Toss in the beef. Stir fry for 2- 3 minutes until no longer pink.
- Pour the sauce over everything. Simmer for 1- 2 minutes until it thickens. Add noodles and toss.
- Garnish with green onions. Serve that quick lo mein dinner immediately!
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Noodle Stir fry
- Don't overcrowd the wok. Cook beef in batches to avoid steaming. This keeps the meat tender.
- Avoid this common mistake: Soggy noodles. Rinse after cooking if needed. And under no circumstance, overcook the noodles.
- Want to prep ahead? Slice the veggies and marinate the beef in the morning. Dinner will be even faster.
Honestly, this easy beef lo mein has become a staple in my house. It's quick, satisfying, and customizable to whatever veggies are lurking in the fridge.
Give it a go and you won't be disappointed. You can tweak things to your liking. More garlic? More heat? You know the drill!
Recipe Notes for Your Killer Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Right then, let's talk shop about this amazing Beef Lo Mein Recipe . Honestly, this isn't just any old lo mein recipe .
It's the easy beef lo mein version that tastes like proper takeaway style lo mein , but without the questionable ingredients and hefty price tag.
You know? So pay attention.
Serving Up Some Genius: Plating and Presentation
Forget boring bowls. Pile your Beef lo mein high in a funky ceramic dish. Scatter with loads of chopped green onions.
I even like to sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds. Fancy pants, I know. For a proper Cantonese noodles recipe vibe, serve with a side of crispy spring rolls.
And a nice cold beer. Perfect for a Friday night in.
Storing Like a Pro: Keeping Your Lo Mein Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that beef noodle stir fry in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .
When you're ready to eat, just microwave it until piping hot. Seriously, make sure it's piping hot . For freezing, portion it out into freezer bags.
It keeps for up to 2 months . Just defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or a pan.
Twists and Turns: Variations on a Theme
Feeling adventurous? Swap the beef for chicken. Boom! Chicken Stir fry noodles . Vegetarian? Ditch the beef. Throw in tofu and extra veggies.
You could add mushrooms, broccoli, or anything green. Seasonally, use what is best and fresh. Spring asparagus? Autumn squash? Why not?!
Numbers Game: Nutrition Simplified
Alright, the boring bit. One serving of this homemade lo mein clocks in around 550 calories. It's got a decent chunk of protein and some carbs.
It provides energy, after all. The sodium level is a bit high, so if you're watching your salt intake, use low-sodium soy sauce.
Health benefits? Well, it's tasty. And that's good for the soul. That's gotta count, right?
So there you have it. My notes, my tips, my ramblings. Seriously, you're gonna nail this Beef Lo Mein Recipe . Go forth and create some magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to keep my Beef Lo Mein recipe from becoming a sticky noodle mess?
Ah, the dreaded sticky noodle situation! The key is to not overcook the noodles initially aim for al dente, just like you would with pasta. After draining, rinsing them with cool water helps stop the cooking process and removes excess starch.
Also, don't add the noodles to the sauce until the very end; this prevents them from soaking up too much liquid and becoming gloopy.
Can I make this Beef Lo Mein recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely prep elements in advance. I'd recommend marinating the beef and chopping all your veggies. You can also whisk together the sauce. However, for the best texture, it's best to cook the noodles and stir fry everything just before serving.
Pre-made lo mein tends to get a bit mushy if left too long nobody wants sad, soggy noodles!
How can I adapt this Beef Lo Mein recipe for a vegetarian diet?
Easy peasy! Simply omit the beef entirely and bulk up the vegetables. Mushrooms, broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers (any color!), snow peas, and even baby corn would be fantastic. Make sure you use vegetable broth in the sauce, and look for a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute to maintain that umami flavor profile.
What kind of noodles are best for Beef Lo Mein, and can I use something else if I can't find Lo Mein noodles?
Traditionally, Lo Mein uses thick, round, wheat based noodles. If you can find fresh lo mein noodles, that's absolutely brilliant as they'll give you the best texture! However, dried lo mein noodles are perfectly acceptable.
If you're in a pinch, spaghetti or linguine can work as substitutes, though the texture won't be quite the same think of it as a kind of Italian Chinese fusion!
My Beef Lo Mein came out a bit bland. How can I give it more flavour?
Bland Lo Mein is a culinary tragedy! First, make sure you're using a good quality soy sauce low-sodium is preferable for health, but a richer dark soy sauce can add more depth. A splash of rice vinegar can brighten the flavors.
You can also add a pinch of white pepper, and don't be afraid to taste and adjust the sauce as you go a little more brown sugar for sweetness, or chili garlic sauce for a kick can work wonders.
How long does leftover Beef Lo Mein last, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftover Beef Lo Mein should be good for 3-4 days. When reheating, a wok or skillet is your best bet. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out.
You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it, as the noodles can get rubbery. A quick zap in the microwave with some moisture is a good technique.
Beef Lo Mein Better Than Takeaway
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
