Beef Lo Mein

Introduction

Beef Lo Mein is a classic and popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, featuring tender strips of beef, stir-fried with vegetables and soft lo mein noodles, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. This dish is not only flavorful but also provides a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. It’s a fantastic choice for women over 35, as it’s both satisfying and can be tailored to be healthier by adjusting the ingredients.

Ingredients List

• Chuck roast
• Broccoli crowns
• Carrots (thinly sliced)
• Oil
• 2-3 tbsp Corn starch
• Fresh Lo Mein noodles (I found these in the refrigerated section at my local Asian store but if you can\92t find it you can also use spaghetti noodles and cook them according to the package before putting it in the stir fry).
• 2 tsp Sesame oil
• Two teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger ( minced)
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce

Servings: 4

Preparation Steps

1. Cook Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. Marinate Beef: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil with the beef slices. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Prepare Sauce: Mix the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a small bowl.
4. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper, stir-frying until tender-crisp. Remove vegetables from the wok and set aside.
5. Cook Beef: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until cooked through. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger in the last 30 seconds of cooking.
6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked vegetables to the wok with the beef. Add the cooked noodles and the prepared sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Cooking Notes

• Thinly slicing the beef against the grain will ensure it’s tender.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference or seasonal availability.
• If you want a spicier dish, add a teaspoon of chili sauce to the lo mein sauce.

Serving Suggestions

1. With a Side of Rice: For a more filling meal, serve with a side of steamed white or brown rice.
2. Alongside Soup: Pair with a light soup like egg drop or hot and sour soup for a complete meal.
3. With Tea: Enjoy with a cup of green tea to complement the flavors.
4. As Part of a Buffet: Perfect for a Chinese-themed dinner night with various dishes.
5. Cold Lo Mein Salad: Leftovers can be eaten cold the next day as a noodle salad.

Tips

• For a healthier version, use whole wheat lo mein noodles and low-sodium soy sauce.
• Lo mein noodles can be substituted with spaghetti or linguine if unavailable.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be slightly crunchy.

Cooking Times

• Preparation: 25 minutes
• Cooking: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g

Storage Advice

1. Cool Down: Allow the beef lo mein to cool completely before storing.
2. Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a little water or soy sauce if dry.
4. Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
5. Avoid Moisture: Keep the container sealed tightly to prevent moisture from making the noodles soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, simply omit the beef and add more vegetables or tofu.
2. What’s the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
   Lo mein uses soft noodles while chow mein uses noodles that are cooked to a crisp.
3. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
   Absolutely, chicken is a great substitute and cooks faster.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
5. Is this dish spicy?
   It is not inherently spicy, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
6. Can I add more sauce if I like it saucy?
   Yes, feel free to double the sauce ingredients for a more flavorful dish.
7. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
   Toss the noodles with a bit of sesame oil after cooking and draining them.
8. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
   Yes, but it’s best served fresh. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time.
9. What other vegetables can I use?
   Snow peas, mushrooms, and baby corn are great additions.
10. How do I know when the beef is cooked?
    The beef slices should be browned and no longer pink in the middle.

Conclusion

Beef Lo Mein is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of beef, vegetables, and noodles in a tasty sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether as a weeknight dinner or part of a larger feast, it’s sure to be a hit.

Vegan Alternative Recipe

Vegan Ingredients

• Lo mein noodles: 8 ounces
• Firm tofu: 1/2 pound, cubed
• Soy sauce, oyster sauce (vegan), brown sugar, sesame oil for the sauce
• Assorted vegetables: broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, green onions
• Garlic, ginger, vegetable oil

Vegan Preparation Steps

Follow the same steps as the original recipe, substituting beef with tofu and ensuring all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Vegetarian Alternative Recipe

Simply omit the beef and increase the quantity of vegetables in the original recipe.

Kid-Friendly Recipe

Ingredients for Kids

• Use the same ingredients as in the original recipe.
• Optional: Add sweet corn or peas for a sweeter taste.

Preparation Steps for Kids

Follow the original recipe, ensuring that the beef is well-cooked and the noodles are soft enough for kids to enjoy.