There’s a reason why beef lo mein has earned a permanent spot on Chinese takeout menus across the world. It’s savory, satisfying, and delivers the perfect balance of chewy noodles, tender beef, and flavorful vegetables, all coated in a glossy umami-rich sauce.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to rely on takeout to enjoy this classic dish. With a few ingredients and the right techniques, you can recreate restaurant-style beef lo mein at home — and even make it healthier and more customizable.
To get the best results, it’s important to choose the right cut of beef — like flank steak or sirloin — which are both flavorful and tender when sliced thin. Not sure which cut to use? This high-protein beef cuts guide breaks down the best options for stir-frying.
Equally important is mastering the wok. The key to that signature wok hei flavor is using high heat and fast movements. If you’re new to wok cooking, check out this guide on how to use a wok properly to learn how to stir-fry like a pro.
🥡 What Is Beef Lo Mein?
Beef lo mein is a Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that combines:
- Marinated beef slices
- Lo mein noodles (egg noodles or wheat-based)
- Stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, cabbage, and carrots
- A deeply savory brown sauce with notes of soy, sesame, and garlic
Looking to expand your noodle and rice game? Try this bold and refreshing take on Asian fusion with the Spicy Shrimp Sushi Stacks.
The term lo mein means “tossed noodles,” referring to how the ingredients are combined after cooking. Unlike chow mein, where noodles are crisped, lo mein noodles stay soft and saucy.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make authentic, flavorful beef lo mein at home, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples, fresh produce, and the right cut of beef. This dish comes together quickly once everything is prepped, so having your ingredients ready is key.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need:
🥩 Protein: The Beef
The star of this dish is, of course, beef. Choosing the right cut will ensure your lo mein is tender and delicious.
- Flank steak – Ideal for stir-fry due to its bold flavor and lean texture
- Sirloin steak – Slightly more tender, still affordable
- Skirt steak – Great for slicing thin and absorbing marinades
🔪 Pro Tip: Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness, and marinate it before cooking for added flavor.
🍜 Noodles: Lo Mein or Substitutes
Lo mein noodles are Chinese-style egg noodles that are soft, chewy, and perfect for stir-frying.
- Fresh or dried lo mein noodles (found in the Asian aisle or refrigerated section)
- Substitute: Spaghetti or linguine (if traditional lo mein isn’t available)
🕒 Boil noodles just until al dente, then rinse under cold water and toss with a splash of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
🥬 Vegetables: Color + Crunch
A mix of stir-fry veggies adds texture, color, and nutrients to your beef lo mein.
- Carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced into strips
- Snow peas or snap peas
- Shredded cabbage or bok choy
- Mushrooms (shiitake or cremini for earthiness)
- Green onions for garnish
🌱 Feel free to swap in any stir-fry-friendly veggies you have on hand — broccoli, bean sprouts, and zucchini also work well.
🧄 Aromatics & Sauce Base
These ingredients create the signature flavor of lo mein — rich, savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami.
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Light soy sauce – for saltiness
- Dark soy sauce – adds color and depth
- Oyster sauce – for savory, slightly sweet flavor
- Sesame oil – nutty aroma and finish
- Brown sugar – balances out the saltiness
- Cornstarch – for beef marinade and thickening
- Water or broth – to loosen the sauce slightly
🔥 Optional: Add hoisin sauce for sweetness or chili garlic paste for heat if you like it spicy.
✅ Optional Add-Ins
Customize your lo mein with these extra ingredients:
- Bean sprouts for crunch
- Water chestnuts for texture
- Baby corn for sweetness
- Toasted sesame seeds as garnish
Having these ingredients prepared and ready to go before you start cooking — known as mise en place — will help your cooking go smoothly. Once everything is sliced, marinated, and pre-measured, your beef lo mein will come together in under 20 minutes!
🥩 Best Cuts of Beef for Lo Mein
The texture of the beef is just as important as the flavor. For the perfect chew and juiciness:
- Flank steak – lean, flavorful, easy to slice thin
- Sirloin – more tender, slightly more marbling
- Skirt steak – rich and juicy, cooks fast
🔑 Pro Tips:
- Slice beef against the grain
- Marinate with a mix of:
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of baking soda (helps tenderize)
Let it sit for at least 15–20 minutes before cooking.
🔥 How to Make Beef Lo Mein (Step-by-Step)
Making beef lo mein at home is easier than you might think — and the result is every bit as satisfying as your favorite takeout order. The key is prepping everything ahead of time, since stir-frying moves quickly. This guide walks you through each step to ensure your lo mein noodles come out perfectly saucy and packed with flavor.
🔪 Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure everything is washed, sliced, and within arm’s reach. That includes:
- Thinly slicing the beef against the grain
- Chopping your vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, etc.)
- Cooking and draining the lo mein noodles
- Mixing your lo mein sauce
🍜 Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your lo mein noodles or egg noodles and cook until just al dente — tender with a bit of bite.
- Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Toss with a splash of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.
🥢 Tip: Do this step before stir-frying so your noodles are ready to toss in at the right moment.
🥩 Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add your marinated beef slices (flank, skirt, or sirloin).
- Stir-fry quickly, flipping the pieces so they sear evenly. This should take just 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
🔥 Pro Tip: High heat and thin cuts are crucial for that tender, juicy texture.
🧄 Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
- Add another tablespoon of oil if needed.
- Toss in minced garlic and fresh ginger — sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add your chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 3–5 minutes, depending on how soft or crisp you like them.
Common veggie combo for lo mein:
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Snow peas
- Mushrooms
- Cabbage or bok choy
🥡 Step 5: Add Noodles, Beef, and Sauce
- Return the beef to the pan with the sautéed veggies.
- Add your cooked noodles.
- Pour in the lo mein sauce (a mix of light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and water).
- Use tongs to toss everything together thoroughly over high heat for 1–2 minutes, ensuring the sauce coats everything evenly.
✅ Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and top with:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: a drizzle of chili oil for heat
- Serve immediately while hot. Beef lo mein is best enjoyed fresh — steaming, saucy, and packed with flavor!
This quick stir-fry method captures the essence of classic beef lo mein — bold, savory, and deeply satisfying. Want to level it up? Use a well-seasoned wok and your lo mein will rival your favorite takeout joint.
If you enjoy savory and filling dishes like lo mein, you’ll also love this cozy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
🧂 The Perfect Beef Lo Mein Sauce
This sauce is what ties the dish together — umami, sweet, and savory all in one.
Lo Mein Sauce Recipe:
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (adds color)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- Optional: 1 tsp hoisin or chili garlic paste
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and add during the final toss in the wok.
Pair your lo mein with crispy sides like these Easy Crab Rangoon Bombs for a full takeout-at-home spread.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Beef lo mein is a full meal on its own, but if you want to create a full takeout-style spread, serve it with:
- Spring rolls or egg rolls
- Hot and sour soup or wonton soup
- Asian cucumber salad for freshness
- Scallion pancakes or dumplings
Serve in a deep bowl with chopsticks and garnish with:
- Fresh chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
- A drizzle of chili oil
A drizzle of something sweet and tangy like this Jalapeño Honey Mustard Sauce brings a fun flavor twist to your lo mein or as a dipping side.
🍜 Variations You’ll Love
You can adapt beef lo mein to match your dietary preferences and what’s in your fridge:
- Spicy Beef Lo Mein: Add chili crisp or sriracha to the sauce
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles
- Vegetarian: Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and rice noodles
Leftover beef can be repurposed into creative wraps like these Nacho Cheese Beef Wraps, perfect for lunch the next day.
❄️ Storing & Reheating
Lo mein stores well and makes an excellent meal prep option.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months (best to freeze sauce separately)
Reheating Tips:
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth
- Microwave in short bursts, tossing in between to avoid soggy noodles
For those tracking calories or macros, use MyFitnessPal to estimate nutrition based on your specific ingredients.
For a lighter yet satisfying option, this veggie-packed Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad complements the richness of beef lo mein.
🔍 Beef Lo Mein FAQs
What’s the difference between chow mein and lo mein?
Lo mein uses soft, boiled noodles tossed with sauce. Chow mein is often stir-fried until crisp.
Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes! Spaghetti or linguine are great substitutes if Asian noodles aren’t available.
Can I make beef lo mein without a wok?
Absolutely. Use a wide, nonstick skillet. Just ensure it heats evenly and gets hot enough.
Is lo mein healthy?
It depends on ingredients. Use lean beef, load up on veggies, and control the oil and sodium.
How do I make it taste like takeout?
Use dark soy sauce for depth, sesame oil for aroma, and cook over very high heat for a charred edge.
🥢 Final Thoughts
Beef Lo Mein is the ultimate homemade comfort food: saucy, savory, satisfying. It comes together quickly, uses pantry staples, and delivers that takeout taste with fresher ingredients and healthier options.
Once you’ve tried it yourself, you’ll realize just how easy and fun it is to make this dish your own — whether you like it spicy, sweet, loaded with vegetables, or simplified for a busy weeknight.