Skip the takeout and treat yourself to a homemade version of a classic favorite—Beef Lo Mein. This recipe brings together tender beef, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in a savory sauce that will leave you craving more. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, this Beef Lo Mein is a delicious and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
Noodles:
- 2 portions of fresh egg noodles (about 300 g / 10.6 oz)
Sauces:
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons dark soy sauce
Oil:
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
Beef Marinade:
- 300 grams (10.6 oz) beef, thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cooking wine
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- Black pepper to taste
Vegetables:
- 1 medium-sized onion, sliced thinly
- 3 green onions, trimmed and sliced into elegant, diagonal segments about 2 inches in length
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with salt, baking soda, cooking wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add black pepper to taste. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the fresh egg noodles according to the package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes. It’s important to not overcook the noodles as they will be stir-fried later.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil shimmers with heat, introduce the marinated beef into the sizzling wok. Sear the beef swiftly, tossing it for just 2-3 minutes until it develops a rich, caramelized crust and is fully cooked. Transfer the beef to a waiting dish, keeping it warm while you prepare the next ingredients.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of peanut oil. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring everything together to coat evenly. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss everything together, making sure the noodles are well coated with the sauce and mixed thoroughly with the beef and vegetables.
- Final Touch: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of peanut oil over the noodles and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to give the dish a nice sheen and extra flavor.
- Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the wok from the heat. Serve the Beef Lo Mein hot, garnished with extra scallions if desired.
Conclusion:
This homemade Beef Lo Mein is a perfect blend of savory flavors, tender beef, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped up in deliciously coated egg noodles. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the rich flavors of this classic Chinese-American favorite made fresh at home!