Simple Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

Here’s my go-to beef and broccoli lo mein recipe, with tender noodles, strips of juicy beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce that brings it all together.

This lo mein has become our family’s favorite weeknight dinner. I often make extra because my kids always ask for seconds, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day for lunch. Nothing beats having restaurant-style noodles right at home, right?

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

Traditional lo mein noodles are your best bet here, but don’t worry if you can’t find them at your local store. Regular spaghetti makes a perfectly good substitute since both types of noodles are wheat-based and similar in thickness. If you’re shopping at an Asian market, look for fresh lo mein noodles in the refrigerated section – they tend to have a better texture than dried ones. When cooking either type, aim for al dente since they’ll continue cooking a bit more when you toss them with the other ingredients. Just remember to avoid angel hair pasta or other thin noodles, as they’ll become too soft and might break apart when stir-frying.

Options for Substitutions

This tasty lo mein recipe is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can swap if needed:

• Lo mein noodles: While the recipe mentions spaghetti as an option, you can also use other Asian-style noodles like udon, ramen (discard the seasoning packet), or whole wheat spaghetti. Just cook according to package instructions.
• Flank steak: Don’t have flank steak? Try skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken breast or thigh meat. For a vegetarian version, try firm tofu or mushrooms.
• Hoisin sauce: If you’re out of hoisin, mix 2 tablespoons of black bean sauce with 1 teaspoon honey, or use oyster sauce with a touch more brown sugar.
• Ground ginger: Fresh grated ginger works great here – use 1 teaspoon fresh for 1/4 teaspoon dried. In a pinch, ginger paste from a tube works too.
• Broccoli: Feel free to swap broccoli with other veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn. Just make sure to cut them in similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Sesame oil: This ingredient adds a specific flavor that’s hard to replace, but if you must, use regular oil and add a few more sesame seeds at the end.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making lo mein is overcooking the noodles – they should be cooked just until al dente since they’ll continue to soften when mixed with the hot sauce and vegetables. A common error is cutting the beef too thick or with the grain, which can make it tough and chewy – instead, slice it thinly against the grain while the meat is still partially frozen for the most tender results. To avoid mushy broccoli, don’t add it too early in the cooking process; a quick blanch or 2-3 minutes of stir-frying will keep it crisp-tender while maintaining its bright green color. For the best flavor development, make sure to let your sauce ingredients come to room temperature before mixing, and consider adding the garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.

What to Serve With Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein?

This noodle dish is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but there are some tasty sides that can make it even better! I love serving it with crispy egg rolls or spring rolls – you can find good frozen ones at most grocery stores that heat up perfectly in the oven. A simple side of steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes a great starter, and if you want to add some extra veggies, try some quick-pickled cucumbers or a simple Asian-style slaw with rice vinegar dressing. For a restaurant-style experience, serve everything with hot green tea, which helps cut through the richness of the noodles.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This tasty lo mein keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The noodles might absorb more sauce over time, but that just means they’ll be extra flavorful! It’s perfect for meal prep and actually tastes great cold too.

Freeze: While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, keep in mind that the noodles and broccoli might be a bit softer when thawed. If you’re planning to freeze, try slightly undercooking the vegetables so they don’t get too mushy later.

Reheat: To warm up your leftovers, pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For better results, reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat – this helps maintain the texture and you can add a splash of soy sauce if needed to refresh the flavors. Give it a quick stir while reheating to make sure everything warms evenly.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	15-25 minutes
Total Time	25-40 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 900-1100
• Protein: 60-70 g
• Fat: 30-40 g
• Carbohydrates: 100-120 g

Ingredients

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or substitute with spaghetti)
• 3 cups of broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped finely)
• 1 medium carrot (grated)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Green onion (to garnish)
• Sesame seeds (to garnish)

Step 1: Cook Noodles and Broccoli

In a large pot filled with boiling water, cook the noodles according to the package directions.

Add the broccoli during the last 5 minutes of cooking and let them cook until tender.

Once done, drain the noodles and broccoli together and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Flank Steak

While the pasta is cooking, take the flank steak and cut it across the grain into 1/4 inch strips.

This helps ensure the meat remains tender.

Step 3: Cook Steak and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat.

Add the cut flank steak and cook until the meat is no longer pink, ensuring it is cooked evenly.

Add the garlic and carrots to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper, and pepper.

This will create a flavorful sauce for your dish.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients in Skillet

Add the drained spaghetti and broccoli to the skillet with the cooked steak and vegetables.

Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until well incorporated and evenly coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If desired, garnish the finished dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Serve your flavorful noodle dish hot and enjoy!