Quick & Delicious Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a fantastic dish that brings together tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and soft noodles all tossed in a flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
I love making this recipe because it comes together so fast, and the beef and broccoli never let me down. The sauce has just the right balance of savory and slightly sweet, which makes every bite super satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to tweak if you want to add extra veggies or a little spice.
My favorite way to enjoy this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a little sesame seed topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser at home, and leftovers heat up great for lunch the next day. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, this dish is one that always hits the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak works best for tenderness and quick cooking. If you want a leaner option, try using thinly sliced chicken or tofu instead.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a nice crunch. You can swap in other veggies like snap peas or bok choy if you prefer more variety.
Noodles: Lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti or even rice noodles can work well too. Just don’t overcook them to keep that perfect chew.
Sauce: The combo of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar creates a balanced flavor. For a vegetarian version, use mushroom soy sauce and skip oyster sauce.
How Do I Cook the Beef and Broccoli Without Overcooking?
Timing is key to keep the beef tender and broccoli crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the beef thinly and cook it quickly over high heat—3 to 4 minutes is enough.
- Remove the beef before cooking broccoli to avoid overcooking it.
- Stir-fry the broccoli until bright green and just tender (3-4 minutes).
- Add the beef back only when the broccoli is almost done and toss everything together briefly with the sauce.
This way, both beef and broccoli stay at their best texture and flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – I use it because it heats evenly and handles stir-frying well.
- Small bowl – perfect for mixing the sauce ingredients quickly.
- Pot for cooking noodles – makes sure the noodles are cooked to the right tenderness.
- Meat knife and cutting board – for slicing beef thinly, which helps it cook fast and stay tender.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use sliced chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein option, perfect for variety or dietary needs.
- Add sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Mix in a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes if you like some heat in your dish.
Quick & Delicious Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
For Cooking and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a quick dinner. In about 25 minutes total, your beef and broccoli lo mein will be ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Boil the lo mein noodles following the package directions until they are just tender (al dente). Drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to use.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth. Stir everything together until blended, then set this sauce aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir-fry it for about 3 to 4 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Take the beef out of the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until you can smell the wonderful aroma.
5. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes. They should turn bright green and be slightly tender but still crisp, keeping a nice crunch.
6. Combine Beef and Sauce:
Return the beef to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything well to coat the ingredients evenly.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir to recombine, then add it to the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until the sauce thickens just a bit.
8. Add the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss everything together gently so the noodles are nicely coated with the sauce and mixed well with the beef and broccoli.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Turn off the heat. If you like, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve your beef and broccoli lo mein hot and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid a soggy dish. Stir-fry it a little longer to reach the right tenderness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the lo mein noodles with rice noodles or another gluten-free noodle to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce alone or mix soy sauce with a little mushroom broth for a similar umami flavor. Adjust the amount to taste.