Classic Beef Lo Mein
Last Tuesday, I was staring into the fridge like it owed me answers—just condiments and a lonely lemon staring back. I was this close to ordering $35 worth of lukewarm takeout when it hit me: beef in the freezer, noodles in the pantry. The kids were already asking what’s for dinner, and honestly, I didn’t have the energy to scroll menus or wait for delivery.
So I whipped up a quick beef lo mein, and wow—better than our usual Chinese takeout. My 14-year-old looked up mid-bite and said, “Mom, this is really good,” which is basically Michelin-star praise in our house. Even my husband went back for seconds—and he’s usually skeptical of my “wing it” dinners.
The best part? It was faster than delivery, cost maybe $8 total, and came with zero delivery fees or soggy spring rolls. Now it’s our go-to for fast, cozy, budget-friendly dinners.
🍜 Ingredients
Noodles
- Lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) – 8 oz
- Sesame oil – 1 tsp
The Sauce
- Hot water – ¼ cup
- Better Than Bouillon beef base – 1 tbsp
- Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
- Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
Everything Else
- Beef, thinly sliced or ground – 1 lb
- Oil for cooking – 2 tbsp
- Onion, sliced – 1
- Carrots, cut into sticks – 2
- Broccoli florets – 2 cups
- Garlic, chopped – 4 cloves
🔥 Instructions
1. Boil the noodles
Cook according to package directions. Drain and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the sauce
Dissolve the beef base in hot water. Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar. Set aside.
3. Cook the beef
Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Add beef and sear for 2–3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté the veggies
In the same pan, cook onions for 3 minutes. Add carrots for 2 minutes, then broccoli for another 2 minutes.
5. Add garlic
Stir in chopped garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Bring it all together
Return beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and let simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Add noodles
Toss in cooked noodles and stir until everything is coated and glossy.
8. Serve hot
Plate and enjoy while steaming and delicious.
