Sweet and savory, Asian Noodles and Steak is a simple copycat steak lo mein recipe just like your favorite take-out restaurant. It's quick and easy to make, infusing soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger coating the noodles and steak with a sauce that will leave you craving it again and again. This recipe's protein is easy to change up, try it with chicken or pork also.
Why this recipe is so good
Lo mein is a stir-fried noodle dish made with long, soft egg noodles. They are tossed with a savory and sweet sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic. Sauteed strips of steak are also tossed in and seasoned with the same sauce.
According to The Spruce Eats, the main distinction between these two popular dishes lies in how the noodles are prepared. Mein or (mian) is simply the Chinese word for noodles. Lo Mein means "tossed noodles," while chow mein or (chao) mian means "fried noodles.
Lo Mein often contains a variety of vegetables such as snow peas, carrots, red peppers. There is also some meat or seafood, usually beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or wontons. Traditionally it has a simple sauce made up of soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and rice wine.
The biggest difference, ingredient-wise is that spaghetti dried pasta does not contain eggs, and lo mein noodles do.
Lo Mein sauce is made with sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a punch of Sriracha sauce. When tossed on noodles, they take on the flavor of this slightly sweet and slightly spicy sauce.
How to make this recipe beef & broccolie lo mein
Use the same recipe below. Pour sauce over the beef; stir. Add noodles and broccoli; cook and stir until warmed through and sauce coats the noodles, 1 to 2 minutes.
How do yo make chinese lo mein from scratch?
The secret is in the sauce and using the right noodles. Create a simple sauce using the following ingredients. Be sure and only use fresh garlic and ginger to infuse the best flavors into your noodles.
- soy sauce
- oyster sauce
- brown sugar
- garlic minced
- sesame oil
- corn starch
- ginger
- Sriracha sauce
Instruction tips
You will want to print this recipe and make it a favorite quick and easy go-to dinner! It's so versatile. You can add whatever meat or veggies you have on hand.
What kind of steak to use?
- Flank steak is a popular choice when it comes to choosing a cut for stir fry. This long and thin cut comes from the cow's belly muscles and is full of intense beef flavor.
- Skirt steak is similar to flank steak and is another long and thin cut. It comes from the diaphragm muscles of the animal. This cut has a robust flavor and is best if marinated.
- Sirloin is a great choice as it is tasty and flavorsome while still being inexpensive.
How to slice the steak
Steak School suggests not to buy pre-cut stir fry packs from your local supermarket but instead cut the beef yourself.
When prepping your meat, if you have time, leave it in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes as it will allow the meat to partially freeze, making it much easier to slice.
Focus on thin and uniform pieces, and it’s crucial you slice the beef against the grain. This trick will break down and shorten the muscle fibers leaving the end product tender and easier to chew.
What kind of noodles to use?
Choose denser and thick Asian noodles. These are perfect for absorbing the rich sauce that is traditional to lo mein dishes.
Simply Asia Chinese Style Lo Mein Noodles
What mix ins can you add?
This recipe is a good base to create all kinds of yummy dinners. Try changing up the veggies for what is in season and adding your favorite meat or seafood.
- broccoli
- bok choy
- snow peas
- spinach
- carrots
- water chestnuts
- bamboo shoots
- cabbage
- a variety of mushrooms
- shrimp
- chicken
- pork
Tips for preparing ahead
You can make this a quick 10-minute meal if you do a little prep work the day before. Mix the ingredients for your sauce in a jar. Secure lid and store in the refrigerator. Pre slice your steak and store in the fridge. You could also precook your lo mein noodles and keep them in a zip lock bag in your refrigerator. Then you will have a 5-minute dinner.
Topping ideas
- black sesame seeds
- white sesame seeds
- scallions
- thinly sliced bamboo shoots
- sliced green onions
- chopped peanuts
More Asian recipes
Easy Asian Noodles and Steak
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak sliced into thin bite-size slices
- 12 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon corn starch
- 1 teaspoon ginger fresh grated, not powdered
- 2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 4 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 4 green onions Sliced Thin
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add noodles, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for 7-9 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- Stir soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and Sriracha sauce, together in a small bowl.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet; sauté steak in oil until browned completely, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour sauce over the beef; stir coating beef well. Add noodles; cook on low heat until warmed through, stirring continously, so sauce coats the noodles, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle most of the green onions and sesame seeds over the lo mein; stir to incorporate.
- Divide into bowls; garnish with more green onion and sesame seeds to serve.
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