Beef Lo Mein

Beef

Cuisine Chinese

Ingredients 17

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Story behind the dish

In bustling kitchens around Asia, the aroma of sizzling beef and fragrant spices often signals the start of a comforting, hearty meal. Beef Lo Mein is a beloved classic that captures the soul-warming essence of Chinese street food, meticulously crafted with tender strips of beef and perfectly coated noodles. This dish is a delightful blend of textures and flavors—crispy vegetables, savory sauce, and succulent beef—all coming together in a quick stir-fry that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings. As you toss everything in a hot wok, you’ll feel the energy and warmth that make this dish a staple at dining tables worldwide.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb beef (8 oz / 227 g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of white pepper
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seed oil
  • 1/2 egg
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 lb noodles (4 oz / 113 g)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Step-by-step

  1. Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine the beef, a pinch of salt, a pinch of white pepper, 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil, 1/2 beaten egg, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Mix everything thoroughly until the beef is well coated. This helps tenderize the meat and creates a nice glaze during cooking.
  2. Boil the noodles: Fill a 6-quart pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until they are submerged and just barely tender, about 10 seconds. Strain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process; set aside.
  3. Stir-fry the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok on high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until it’s medium well, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
  4. Cook the vegetables: In the same wok, add another 2 tablespoons of oil. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, bean sprouts, and sliced mushrooms. Add enough water (about 1.5 cups) to cover the vegetables just enough to steam and cook through.
  5. Combine everything: Add the cooked noodles to the wok with the vegetables. Prepare the sauce by mixing oyster sauce, a pinch of white pepper, 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil, sugar, and soy sauce. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, then return the cooked beef to the wok.
  6. Finalize the dish: Stir everything together vigorously for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the noodles to soak up the savory sauce. Serve hot, garnished with additional bean sprouts or sliced green onions if desired.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and a splash of rice wine before cooking.
  • Serve your Beef Lo Mein with a side of steamed bok choy or Asian-style pickles to add a refreshing crunch.

Closing thoughts

Cooking Beef Lo Mein is a delightful dance of textures and flavors, all whipped up in minutes that bring the vibrant taste of Asian cuisine into your home. Whether you’re rustling up a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this dish’s warm, savory notes will never go out of style. Grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and let the comforting aroma fill your kitchen—your perfect plate of Beef Lo Mein awaits.