Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein
There are nights when dinner needs to happen fast, but you still want it to feel like you tried. Not rushed. Not thrown together. Just something warm and comforting that everyone will happily sit down for. This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is one of those meals I come back to again and again, especially on busy weeknights when homework is spread across the table and the day has already been long.
I remember the first time I made this at home instead of ordering takeout. I had one of those moments standing at the stove thinking why have I not been doing this all along. The noodles were glossy and tender, the beef cooked just the way I like it, and the broccoli still had a little bite to it. The kitchen smelled like garlic and soy sauce, and before I even called everyone to the table, I had kids wandering in asking what smelled so good.
This is the kind of recipe that fits real life. You can make it after work. You can make it on a Sunday when you want something cozy but not heavy. You can even make it when the fridge looks a little bare and you just need dinner to work. It is forgiving, flexible, and always satisfying.
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein feels like comfort food with purpose. It fills you up, makes great leftovers, and scratches that takeout itch without waiting for delivery or paying extra. It is one of those meals that reminds you that cooking at home does not have to be complicated to be good.
What Is Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein?
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a classic noodle stir fry made with tender strips of steak, cooked noodles, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. Everything gets tossed together in one pan so the noodles soak up all that flavor and turn silky and rich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This entire dish comes together in about twenty five minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Better than takeout: You control the ingredients and flavors, and it tastes just as satisfying as your favorite restaurant version.
- Family friendly: Mild enough for kids but easy to spice up for adults who like a little heat.
- Flexible ingredients: You can swap the protein or veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Great leftovers: It reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
When to Serve This Recipe
- Weeknight dinners: When you need something fast that still feels homemade and comforting.
- Busy school nights: Perfect for feeding hungry kids after a long day.
- Casual family meals: No fancy plating needed, just big bowls and forks.
- Takeout replacement nights: When you want that restaurant flavor without leaving the house.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti noodles if needed – These are the base of the dish and soak up all the sauce.
- 3 cups broccoli florets – Adds freshness and a little crunch to balance the rich noodles.
- 1 tablespoon oil – A neutral oil works best for stir frying the beef and vegetables.
- 1 large carrot shredded – Brings color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 8 ounces steak thinly sliced – Use your favorite cut and slice it thin for tenderness.
- 3 cloves garlic minced – This is where the flavor really starts to build.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce – Adds depth and a slightly sweet savory note.
- 1 fourth cup soy sauce – The salty backbone of the sauce.
- 1 fourth cup brown sugar – Balances the salt and helps create that glossy finish.
- 1 fourth teaspoon ground ginger – Adds warmth and subtle spice.
- 1 half teaspoon pepper – Brings gentle heat and seasoning.
- 1 fourth teaspoon red pepper flakes – Optional but great for a little kick.
- Sesame seeds for topping optional – Adds texture and a nutty finish.
- Chopped green onions for topping optional – Fresh and bright right at the end.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the noodles and broccoli
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package directions. About halfway through cooking the noodles, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Once everything is tender, drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the beef and vegetables
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the shredded carrots and thinly sliced steak. Cook for five to eight minutes, stirring often, until the steak is cooked to your liking and the carrots are softened.
Step 3: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Bring it all together
Add the cooked noodles and broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over everything and gently toss until the noodles are fully coated and heated through.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Remove from heat and top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Substitutions
- Chicken instead of beef: Thinly sliced chicken breast works just as well and cooks quickly.
- Frozen broccoli: Steam it in the microwave first, then add it in place of fresh broccoli.
- Spaghetti noodles: A great substitute if lo mein noodles are not available.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Helps control saltiness if preferred.
Variations
- Spicy lo mein: Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili sauce before serving.
- Veggie packed: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for more color and texture.
- Sweet and savory: Increase the brown sugar slightly for a sweeter sauce.
- Gluten free: Use gluten free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Tips and Tricks
• Slice steak easily: Freeze the steak for a short time so it is easier to slice thin.
• Do not overcook noodles: Slightly firm noodles hold up better when tossed with sauce.
• Prep everything first: Stir fries move fast, so having everything ready makes it stress free.
• Use a big pan: A large skillet helps everything cook evenly without overcrowding.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Is this dish spicy?
It is mild as written, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work well in this recipe.
What if my noodles seem dry?
Add a splash of soy sauce or water to loosen everything up.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with egg rolls: Makes it feel like a full takeout style meal.
- Add a simple salad: A light cucumber or cabbage salad pairs nicely.
- Family style bowls: Let everyone top theirs with green onions or chili sauce.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for two to three days.
- Reheat gently: Warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of water.
- Meal prep friendly: Portion into containers for easy lunches.
Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 8 oz of lo mein noodles or spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups of broccoli florets
- 8 oz of your favorite steak thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot shredded
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tbsp of hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup of soy sauce
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- ¼ tsp of ground ginger
- ½ tsp of pepper
- ¼ tsp of red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds for topping optional
- Chopped green onions for topping optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the noodles and broccoli – Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package directions. About halfway through cooking the noodles, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Once everything is tender, drain well and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the beef and vegetables – Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the shredded carrots and thinly sliced steak. Cook for five to eight minutes, stirring often, until the steak is cooked to your liking and the carrots are softened.
- Step 3: Make the sauce – In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Step 4: Bring it all together – Add the cooked noodles and broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over everything and gently toss until the noodles are fully coated and heated through.
- Step 5: Finish and serve – Remove from heat and top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Substitutions
- Chicken instead of beef: Thinly sliced chicken breast works just as well and cooks quickly.
- Frozen broccoli: Steam it in the microwave first, then add it in place of fresh broccoli.
- Spaghetti noodles: A great substitute if lo mein noodles are not available.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Helps control saltiness if preferred.
Variations
- Spicy lo mein: Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili sauce before serving.
- Veggie packed: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for more color and texture.
- Sweet and savory: Increase the brown sugar slightly for a sweeter sauce.
- Gluten free: Use gluten free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Slice steak easily: Freeze the steak for a short time so it is easier to slice thin.
- Do not overcook noodles: Slightly firm noodles hold up better when tossed with sauce.
- Prep everything first: Stir fries move fast, so having everything ready makes it stress free.
- Use a big pan: A large skillet helps everything cook evenly without overcrowding.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with egg rolls: Makes it feel like a full takeout style meal.
- Add a simple salad: A light cucumber or cabbage salad pairs nicely.
- Family style bowls: Let everyone top theirs with green onions or chili sauce.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for two to three days.
- Reheat gently: Warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of water.
- Meal prep friendly: Portion into containers for easy lunches.
Private Notes
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is one of those recipes that just fits into real life. It is quick, comforting, and reliable, the kind of meal you can count on when the day has been long and everyone is hungry. I love that it brings everyone to the table without fuss, and that it tastes just as good the next day.
If you give this one a try, I hope it becomes part of your regular dinner rotation like it has in our house. Cooking does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes all it takes is a warm pan of noodles, a good sauce, and the people you love gathered around the table.
