Beef Broccoli Lo Mein (Printable)

Stir-fried noodles with beef, broccoli, and a fragrant sesame oil sauce for a savory main dish.

# What goes in:

→ Beef

01 - 10 oz flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
02 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 1 tsp cornstarch
04 - 1 tsp sesame oil

→ Sauce

05 - 3 tbsp soy sauce
06 - 2 tbsp oyster sauce
07 - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
08 - 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1 tsp sesame oil
11 - 2 tbsp water
12 - 1 tsp cornstarch

→ Lo Mein

13 - 9 oz lo mein or egg noodles
14 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
15 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
16 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
17 - 1 small onion, sliced
18 - 7 oz broccoli florets
19 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
20 - 2 green onions, sliced
21 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
22 - Extra sesame oil, for drizzling

# Directions:

01 - Combine sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Mix thoroughly and let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
03 - Cook lo mein or egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
04 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add marinated beef and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
05 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the wok. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and onion for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Add broccoli florets and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
07 - Return the cooked beef to the wok, add noodles, then pour in the prepared sauce. Toss and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and evenly coated.
08 - Drizzle with extra sesame oil, then sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under thirty minutes, which means weeknight dinners suddenly feel restaurant-quality.
  • The sesame oil creates this subtle, nutty backbone that makes every bite taste intentional and complex.
  • You can taste each ingredient—the beef stays tender, the broccoli stays bright—instead of everything blending into one muddy flavor.
02 -
  • Don't skip marinating the beef—those ten minutes change everything about its texture and how it absorbs the surrounding flavors.
  • High heat is non-negotiable; low and slow is for braises, not for this—you need that wok-tossed energy and the quick sear that keeps vegetables crisp.
  • Cornstarch in the sauce is what makes it coat the noodles instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl, and that's the difference between good and unforgettable.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes before sprinkling them on—this unlocks their flavor in a way that changes everything about the final bite.
  • Have all your ingredients prepped and within arm's reach before you turn on the heat, because once that wok is hot, there's no time to hunt for the cornstarch or remember where you put the green onions.

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