– **Title**: Tender Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 oz lo mein noodles
– 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
6. Return the beef to the skillet, pouring in the beef broth. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the noodles in the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
10. Serve hot and enjoy your tender beef and broccoli lo mein!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: These noodles give the dish its name and texture. If you can’t find lo mein, you can use spaghetti or any other long noodle. Just cook them a bit less to avoid mushiness.
Beef Sirloin: Sirloin is tender and works great here, but you can swap it for flank steak or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add great crunch and color, but feel free to substitute with snap peas or bell peppers if you have those on hand.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for flavor. You can replace it with garlic powder if fresh isn’t available—about 1/8 teaspoon per clove works well.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce adds depth to the dish. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, mushroom sauce can be a great swap. It mimics the umami flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Beef Stays Tender?
Keeping your beef tender is key to this dish. Marinating it with cornstarch helps lock in moisture and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Slice beef thinly against the grain; this helps break down the fibers for tenderness.
- Combine beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and seasonings and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak in the flavors.
- Cook the beef quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking, which can make it tough.
By following these steps, your beef should turn out beautifully tender every time. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Tender Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauces:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to whip up this tasty meal. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough for special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are done, drain them and set aside. This will be the base of your delicious dish!
2. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, take the thinly sliced beef and add cornstarch, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the beef and add flavor.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Vegetables:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—watching closely so it doesn’t burn. Next, add the broccoli florets and julienned carrots. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly tender and vibrant.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the pan along with the sautéed vegetables. Now, pour in the beef broth, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and the cooked lo mein noodles. Toss everything together gently until well combined and heated through, letting all those wonderful flavors mix!
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the chopped green onions, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or salt and pepper to suit your preference. Serve it hot, topped with sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy your flavorful beef and broccoli lo mein!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles Instead of Lo Mein?
Absolutely! You can substitute lo mein noodles with chow mein, rice noodles, or even whole wheat spaghetti in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type you choose, as they may vary.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out, and warm gently in a pan or microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Use Chicken or Tofu Instead of Beef?
Yes, both chicken and tofu make excellent substitutes! For chicken, use boneless and skinless breast or thigh meat, sliced thinly. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed. The cooking times will be similar, but you may want to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the vegetables.
What Should I Serve With Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can complement it with a side of steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a light cucumber salad for extra crunch and freshness. Enjoy the variety!
