This Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a quick and satisfying one-pan stir-fry loaded with tender beef, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and a bold, savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals, this takeout-style favorite brings together classic Asian flavors using fresh, healthy ingredients. It’s family-friendly, customizable, and ready in just about 30 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 2–2½ lbs top sirloin, flank, or skirt steak, sliced

• 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or Cajun blend)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

• ¼ cup beef broth

• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

For the Sauce:

• 1½ cups beef broth

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup oyster sauce

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup matchstick carrots

• 2 cups shredded cabbage

• 1–2 cups snap peas

• 3 cups broccoli florets

• 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, diced

Noodles:

• 14 oz lo mein noodles, cooked and drained

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles: Cook noodles per package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a wok over medium-high. Add sliced beef, seasonings, and ¼ cup broth. Stir-fry until beef is cooked and liquid is reduced. Remove beef and set aside.

3. Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the wok. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and carrots until slightly tender. Add garlic, broccoli, snap peas, cabbage, and water chestnuts. Cook for 3–4 minutes.

4. Make the Sauce: In a separate pan or bowl, mix all sauce ingredients except cornstarch. Heat until simmering. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.

5. Combine: Return beef to the wok. Add noodles and pour sauce over everything. Toss to coat and cook another 3–4 minutes until heated through.

6. Serve: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per serving, estimated for 6 servings)

• Calories: ~540 kcal

• Protein: ~35g

• Fat: ~20g

• Saturated Fat: ~5g

• Carbohydrates: ~48g

• Sugar: ~14g

• Fiber: ~5g

• Sodium: ~1150mg

A Stir-Fry Classic Reimagined

Beef and broccoli is a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its simplicity and punchy flavor profile. Lo mein, on the other hand, emphasizes the joy of chewy, saucy noodles. This recipe brings both together into one glorious fusion dish that captures the essence of comfort food with a vibrant twist.

The seared beef soaks in savory spices and beef broth, staying tender and juicy. A medley of vegetables adds crunch, color, and a satisfying range of flavors, while the lo mein noodles tie everything together with their soft, springy texture. Topped with a glossy, umami-rich sauce, each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, spicy, and earthy notes.

Bold and Balanced Flavors

At the heart of this dish is the signature lo mein sauce—a dynamic combination of beef broth, brown sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil. Each ingredient contributes its own distinct quality: the beef broth builds depth, the oyster sauce lends richness, the brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness, and the hoisin rounds it all out with its complex tang.

A splash of sesame oil imparts nutty warmth, while grated ginger and red pepper flakes bring brightness and gentle heat. The sauce is thickened to perfection with a cornstarch slurry, ensuring it clings to every strand of noodle and every piece of beef and broccoli.

The Perfect Protein: Flavorful, Tender Beef

You can use top sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak—all are well-suited for quick stir-frying thanks to their tenderness and ability to absorb flavor. Sliced thinly and seasoned with a Cajun-style blend (like Slap Ya Mama), garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes, the beef delivers both heat and richness.

Searing the beef in hot oil locks in moisture while creating a light crust that enhances the overall mouthfeel. A splash of beef broth adds juiciness and helps create a quick deglaze effect, lifting flavorful bits from the wok and folding them back into the dish.

A Rainbow of Veggies for Texture and Nutrition

This recipe features an abundant variety of vegetables, making it as nutritious as it is flavorful. You get sweetness from red bell pepper, umami from mushrooms, earthiness from cabbage, and crunch from water chestnuts and snap peas. Carrots add a natural sweetness and beautiful color, while broccoli delivers that signature bite and fiber boost.

Sautéed just long enough to stay vibrant and crisp-tender, the vegetables contrast beautifully with the soft noodles and succulent beef, making every forkful exciting and balanced.

Noodles That Soak Up Every Drop

Lo mein noodles are thick, chewy, and perfect for stir-fries. Their slightly slippery texture allows them to capture the sauce without becoming soggy. In this recipe, the noodles are cooked until just tender, then tossed with the beef, vegetables, and sauce until everything is hot, well-coated, and deeply flavorful.

If you don’t have access to traditional lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine can be used in a pinch, though fresh refrigerated Asian noodles will give the best authentic texture.

Why This Dish Belongs in Your Rotation

There’s something inherently satisfying about making your own version of a takeout classic. Not only do you control the ingredients, but you also avoid the excess sodium, oil, and additives commonly found in restaurant versions. This recipe is customizable for dietary preferences, kid-friendly, and perfect for making ahead.

It’s a true one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with family. You can make a large batch for meal prep, and the leftovers reheat wonderfully.

Tips for Success

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.

• Use high heat when searing the beef to lock in moisture and get a good sear.

• Cook the vegetables in stages if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming them instead of sautéing.

• Make the sauce separately and thicken it before combining with the noodles for the best texture.

• Toss everything at the end and let it cook together for a few minutes so the flavors meld completely.

Delicious Variations to Try

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few variations:

• Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein profile.

• Add mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for earthy flavor.

• Use soba or udon noodles for a twist in texture.

• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring your oyster and hoisin sauces are certified gluten-free.

• Adjust spice levels by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame

• Steamed dumplings or potstickers

• Egg drop or hot and sour soup

• A cold glass of jasmine tea or light beer to balance the spices

You can also serve it in takeout-style boxes for a fun, themed dinner night with friends or family.

Ideal for Leftovers and Meal Prep

This lo mein dish holds up incredibly well in the fridge, making it great for next-day lunches. Store it in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat, use a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and restore their texture.

You can also freeze portions of the cooked dish for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Homemade Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is a vibrant, bold, and satisfying meal that proves you don’t need takeout to enjoy classic Asian flavors. It’s quick, hearty, and full of texture—from the tender beef to the crisp veggies to the chewy noodles, all coated in a silky, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.

Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned home chef, this one-pan wonder offers big payoff with minimal effort. It’s customizable, nutritious, and incredibly delicious—a reliable go-to that everyone at the table will love.