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Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

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By Chloe Bennett • January 25th, 2026
Tender beef strips, crisp broccoli, and lo mein noodles coated in a glossy sesame soy sauce in a hot wok. Save
Tender beef strips, crisp broccoli, and lo mein noodles coated in a glossy sesame soy sauce in a hot wok. | brightbasilblog.com

This vibrant dish brings together thinly sliced flank steak and fresh broccoli florets with chewy lo mein noodles, all coated in a rich sauce blending soy, oyster, and hoisin flavors with nutty sesame oil. The beef marinales briefly to ensure tenderness, while vegetables stay crisp-tender for texture contrast. Everything comes together in a hot wok or skillet where the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to each strand. Ready from start to finish in just half an hour, it delivers the satisfying flavors of your favorite takeout spot with the comfort of homemade cooking.

My tiny apartment kitchen smelled like a proper Chinese takeout joint the first time I attempted lo mein at home. The toasted sesame oil hit the hot pan and suddenly I understood why this dish exists. Now it is my weeknight savior when takeout feels too far away.

I made this for my sister on a rainy Tuesday when she needed comfort food. She texted me three days later asking for the recipe because her husband kept requesting it. That is when I knew this was a keeper worth sharing.

Ingredients

  • Flank steak: Slice against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness
  • Cornstarch: The secret ingredient that velvetines the beef perfectly
  • Sesame oil: Toasted version gives that authentic restaurant aroma we all love
  • Lo mein noodles: Traditional egg noodles work best but spaghetti is a fine substitute
  • Broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp holds up beautifully in the sauce
  • Oyster sauce: Adds that deep umami richness you cannot replicate with anything else
  • Hoisin sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the salty soy

Instructions

Marinate the beef:
Combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep everything else.
Cook the noodles:
Boil noodles until al dente then drain immediately. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Mix the sauce:
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
Sear the beef:
Heat oil in a hot wok or skillet and add beef in batches. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until browned then remove.
Cook the vegetables:
Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper to the same pan. Stir fry 2 to 3 minutes then add garlic for 30 seconds.
Combine everything:
Return beef to pan with noodles and green onions. Pour in sauce and toss until everything is coated and hot.
Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve while steaming hot.
Savory Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein with Sesame piled high on a white plate, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Save
Savory Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein with Sesame piled high on a white plate, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. | brightbasilblog.com

This recipe has evolved through countless late night dinners. Each tweak brought it closer to the flavors I craved from our local spot. Now I honestly prefer this version.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I add snap peas or baby corn when I want more color in the bowl. The sauce works with almost any vegetable you have in the crisper drawer.

Protein Swaps

Thinly sliced chicken breast works beautifully here. For a vegetarian version I use extra firm tofu pressed and cubed then seared until golden.

Perfecting The Sauce

Taste your sauce before adding it to the pan. Adjust the balance of salty to sweet to suit your preferences.

  • Make it spicy with chili flakes or sriracha
  • Add fresh ginger with the garlic for more depth
  • Double the sauce recipe if you love extra sauce
A close-up view of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein with Sesame, highlighting juicy beef and vibrant vegetables in a rich sauce. Save
A close-up view of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein with Sesame, highlighting juicy beef and vibrant vegetables in a rich sauce. | brightbasilblog.com

This dish comes together so quickly you will find yourself making it on busy weeknowns. Nothing beats that first bite of tender beef and crisp noodles coated in that perfect sauce.

Recipe FAQs

Yes, spaghetti, linguine, or udon noodles work well as substitutes. Just cook until al dente before tossing with the sauce and vegetables.

Flank steak sliced against the grain is ideal, but sirloin or skirt steak also work beautifully. The key is cutting it thinly and marinating briefly.

Taste the sauce before adding and adjust with water or a pinch more brown sugar. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.

It's best served immediately for optimal texture, but you can prep ingredients in advance. Cook noodles, slice vegetables, and mix sauce ahead for quick assembly.

Snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, bok choy, or sliced cabbage all complement this dish well. Adjust cooking times based on vegetable hardness.

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

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Tender beef strips, crisp broccoli, and lo mein noodles coated in a glossy sesame soy sauce in a hot wok.
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Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein

Tender beef and crisp broccoli in savory sesame-soy coated noodles for a quick Asian-style stir-fry.

Prep 15m
Cook 15m
Total 30m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade

  • 10 oz flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Noodles and Vegetables

  • 9 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Garnish

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Extra sliced green onions

Instructions

1
Marinate the Beef: Combine beef strips with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
2
Prepare the Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, tossing with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking if needed.
3
Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl until cornstarch is fully dissolved and mixture is smooth.
4
Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned on edges but still pink in center. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
5
Stir-Fry Vegetables: Return pan to high heat. Add broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6
Combine and Sauce: Return cooked beef to the pan along with noodles and green onions. Pour sauce over the top and toss everything together vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats all components evenly.
7
Serve: Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and reserved green onion slices. Serve immediately while hot.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Saucepan for boiling noodles
  • Mixing bowls for marinade and sauce
  • Tongs or spatula for stir-frying
  • Whisk

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 430
Protein 26g
Carbs 50g
Fat 14g

Allergy Information

  • Contains soy and wheat gluten from soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and noodles. Contains sesame. Oyster sauce may contain shellfish traces.
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Chloe Bennett

Chloe shares quick, fresh recipes and kitchen wisdom for fellow home cooks.