Learn How To Make Beef Lo Mein Just Like Chinese Restaurants With This Easy Recipe!

Craving the savory, comforting flavors of Chinese restaurant-style beef lo mein? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will empower you with the secrets to creating this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Chinese rice wine
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Lo Mein:

• 1 package (12 ounces) lo mein noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained

Instructions

Marinate the Beef:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients.
2. Add the beef slices to the marinade and stir to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth.
2. Set aside.

Cook the Noodles:

1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. Set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly tender.
3. Add the water chestnuts and bamboo shoots and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes more.

Cook the Beef:

1. Remove the beef from the marinade and discard the marinade.
2. Heat the skillet or wok over high heat.
3. Add the beef and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.

Combine the Sauce and Ingredients:

1. Pour the sauce into the skillet or wok.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Add the noodles, vegetables, and beef.
4. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the ingredients are evenly coated.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
2. Serve immediately with your desired sides, such as steamed rice or egg rolls.

Tips for Success

• For a richer flavor, use dark soy sauce.
• Add a splash of Chinese rice vinegar to the sauce for a hint of acidity.
• If you don’t have Chinese rice wine, dry sherry or white wine can be used as a substitute.
• Don’t overcook the noodles, as they will become mushy.
• If you don’t have a skillet or wok, a large nonstick pan can be used instead.

Variations

• Chicken Lo Mein: Replace the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast.
• Vegetable Lo Mein: Omit the beef and add additional vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
• Spicy Lo Mein: Add a teaspoon of chili oil or Sriracha sauce to the sauce for some heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of noodles for lo mein?
A: Yes, you can use other types of noodles, such as ramen noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles. However, the cooking times and textures may vary.

Q: How can I make my lo mein sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the boiling sauce and stir until thickened.

Q: How do I store leftover lo mein?
A: Leftover lo mein can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I make lo mein ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the noodles, vegetables, and beef ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the ingredients and combine them with the sauce.

Q: What are some good sides to serve with lo mein?
A: Some good sides to serve with lo mein include steamed rice, egg rolls, spring rolls, or wonton soup.