Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, and cornstarch.
- Marinate the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and water or beef broth until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
- Boil the noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Beef and Vegetables
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat until hot.
- Cook the beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrots, snow peas, and green onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the beef and noodles: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and the prepared sauce.
- Toss and heat through: Toss everything together until the noodles, beef, and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and add bean sprouts if using.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot: Serve the homemade beef lo mein hot, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Perfect Beef Lo Mein
- Slice beef thinly: Thinly slicing the beef against the grain ensures it cooks quickly and remains tender.
- High heat: Use high heat for stir-frying to get a nice sear on the beef and keep the vegetables crisp.
- Prepare ingredients in advance: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying goes quickly.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or mushrooms to the stir-fry.
Conclusion
Homemade beef lo mein is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe ensures tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and savory noodles that everyone will love. Enjoy making and savoring this classic Chinese dish with your family and friends!