Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a delicious dish that combines tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and savory noodles in a rich sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe stands out with its bold flavors and quick preparation time. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this meal, making it a go-to option for both family meals and entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 50 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of beef, vegetables, and sauces delivers a delightful taste in every bite.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- One-Pan Meal: Cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup while enjoying a hearty meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok: Ideal for stir-frying due to its high sides and even heat distribution.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for efficient cooking.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients
Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein features an array of fresh ingredients that create a satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Beef
- 2-2½ pounds top sirloin steak, flank steak, or skirt steak
- 1 teaspoon slap ya mama seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup beef broth
For the Sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
For the Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1-2 cups snap peas
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounce can water chestnuts, diced
For the Noodles
- 14 ounces lo mein noodles
How to Make Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
First, cook noodles as package instructs. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
- Add olive oil to wok; heat over medium-high.
- Once oil is hot, add beef along with seasoning and broth.
- Stir continuously until meat is tender and liquid has reduced.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add more olive oil; heat over medium-high.
- Add onions, carrots, and red bell pepper; cook until tender-crisp.
- Stir in garlic, broccoli, snow peas, cabbage, and water chestnuts; cook for 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return beef to pan. Stir in cooked noodles and toss everything together.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In the same pan:
Mix all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch) together; simmer gently.
Combine cornstarch with water in a small bowl; stir into sauce until thickened.
Step 6: Final Touches
Pour the sauce into the pan with beef and vegetables. Toss everything together thoroughly. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes. Enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Serve with Additional Garnishes
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions can brighten the dish and add a fresh taste.
Pair with a Refreshing Drink
- Iced Tea: A chilled glass of iced tea complements the savory flavors perfectly.
- Sparkling Water: Add a slice of lemon or lime for a refreshing twist.
Create a Complete Meal
- Side Salad: A light cucumber salad can balance the richness of the lo mein.
- Spring Rolls: Serve crispy spring rolls for an authentic Asian dining experience.
How to Perfect Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
To ensure your Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein stands out, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Beef: Selecting top sirloin, flank, or skirt steak will provide tenderness and flavor.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all vegetables chopped before cooking to streamline the process.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas enhance both taste and presentation.
- Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust seasonings to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Enhance your meal by pairing Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein with delightful side dishes. Here are some great options.
- Fried Rice: A classic choice that adds another layer of flavor with egg and vegetables.
- Dumplings: Steamed or fried dumplings offer a delicious complement to the lo mein.
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame provides a healthy snack that pairs well with Asian cuisine.
- Vegetable Tempura: Crispy tempura vegetables add texture and variety to your meal.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can serve as a soothing starter before the main dish.
- Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich lo mein.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong cut of beef: Opt for tender cuts like top sirloin or flank steak. Avoid tougher cuts that won’t cook well in a stir-fry.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cook your veggies until they are tender-crisp. This keeps them vibrant and maintains their nutrients.
- Neglecting to marinate the beef: Marinating adds flavor and tenderness. Take time to season your beef before cooking for the best results.
- Not using enough sauce: A rich sauce brings the dish together. Ensure you have enough to coat all ingredients evenly for maximum flavor.
- Skipping the noodle cooking instructions: Follow package instructions precisely for perfect noodles. Undercooked or overcooked noodles can ruin the dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir often until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein that may help you.
What is Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein?
Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a delicious stir-fried dish featuring tender beef, fresh broccoli, and lo mein noodles tossed in a savory sauce.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute chicken for beef if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What type of noodles should I use?
Lo mein noodles are traditional, but you can also use other types of noodles like spaghetti or udon if you can’t find them.
How do I customize my Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein?
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas according to your taste preferences!
Final Thoughts
Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a comforting dish that appeals to many palates. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is the ultimate comfort dish, combining succulent beef, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked lo mein noodles tossed in a rich, savory sauce. This quick-to-make recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, delivering bold flavors that please everyone at the table. In just under an hour, you can enjoy a delightful, hearty meal that allows for customization to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2-2½ pounds top sirloin steak or flank steak
- 14 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 large onion
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon slap ya mama seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1-2 cups snap peas
- 8 ounce can water chestnuts, diced
Instructions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced beef seasoned with spices and broth; stir-fry until tender. Remove from wok.
- In the same wok, add more oil and cook onions, carrots, and red bell pepper until tender-crisp. Stir in garlic, broccoli, snap peas, cabbage, and water chestnuts; cook for another few minutes.
- Return the beef to the pan along with the cooked noodles.
- In a bowl, mix sauce ingredients (excluding cornstarch), simmer gently then combine cornstarch with water; stir into the sauce until thickened.
- Pour the sauce over all ingredients in the wok; toss well and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
