Upgrade Your College Dorm Cuisine: How To Make Beef Lo Mein With Ramen Noodles!

Lo mein, a beloved Chinese noodle dish, is renowned for its savory flavors and satisfying textures. While traditionally made with fresh noodles, this recipe offers an innovative twist using versatile ramen noodles, making it accessible and convenient for home cooks. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering beef lo mein that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Noodles:

• 1 package (3 ounces) ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef:

• In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth.

3. Cook the Noodles:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water.

4. Stir-Fry the Beef:

• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

5. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add the broccoli, carrots, and green onions to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Add the Noodles and Beef:

• Add the cooked noodles and the cooked beef back to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine. Cook until the sauce has thickened and the noodles are evenly coated, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• For a richer flavor, marinate the beef overnight.
• If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute oyster sauce or teriyaki sauce.
• Add other vegetables to your liking, such as snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Serve with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.

Variations

• Spicy Beef Lo Mein: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Beef Lo Mein: Omit the beef and add extra tofu or vegetables.
• Seafood Beef Lo Mein: Add cooked shrimp, scallops, or calamari to the dish.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use other types of noodles besides ramen noodles?
A: Yes, you can use udon noodles, soba noodles, or egg noodles.

Q: What if I don’t have sesame oil?
A: You can substitute olive oil or vegetable oil.

Q: How can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Prepare the beef, sauce, and vegetables up to 2 days in advance. When ready to serve, stir-fry the noodles and combine everything.