Introduction
Crispy Beef Lo Mein is a delectable fusion of tender, crispy beef strips and flavorful, saucy noodles. This dish is a favorite in many households for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special weekend treat, this recipe brings the delicious taste of takeout into your home kitchen. With lean cuts of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, Crispy Beef Lo Mein is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Description
Crispy Beef Lo Mein is a delightful combination of crispy beef strips and perfectly seasoned noodles. The beef is marinated and cooked until golden and crispy, providing a perfect contrast to the tender, saucy noodles. The Lo Mein sauce is a savory blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness from honey, complemented by aromatic garlic and ginger. Tossed with fresh vegetables and straight-to-wok noodles, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
Crispy Beef Strips:
- 800g lean steak (flank or top sirloin are also great lean cuts to use)
- 20ml soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 20g cornflour
- 5g baking soda (tenderizes the beef)
- Cooking spray
Lo Mein Sauce:
- 60ml soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 5g cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp of water (prevents clumping)
Other Ingredients:
- 600g straight-to-wok noodles (brand: Blue Dragon – Tesco)
- 1 medium onion (sliced into 1/4 pieces)
- 80g thinly sliced carrot
- 100g sugar snap peas (snow peas)
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 2 shiitake mushrooms (thinly sliced)
- Dash of water to help soften veg
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Recipe by@panaceapalm
Step-by-Step Making Instructions
Preparing the Crispy Beef Strips
- Marinate the Beef: Cut the lean steak into thin strips. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, black pepper, salt, cornflour, and baking soda. Add the beef strips and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add the beef strips in a single layer, cooking until golden and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Lo Mein Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, honey, garlic paste, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Stir in the cornflour mixture to prevent clumping.
Cooking the Vegetables and Noodles
- Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more cooking spray if needed. Sauté the sliced onion, carrot, sugar snap peas, garlic paste, and ginger paste over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Add a dash of water if needed to help soften the vegetables.
- Add the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes until they are tender.
Combining the Ingredients
- Add the Noodles: Add the straight-to-wok noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared Lo Mein sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Reheat the Beef: Add the crispy beef strips back to the skillet and toss to combine with the noodles and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish: Transfer the Crispy Beef Lo Mein to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and the green parts of spring onions if desired.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your homemade Crispy Beef Lo Mein hot and fresh!
Pro Tips
- Use High Heat: Cooking the beef and vegetables over high heat ensures they become crispy and caramelized, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Marinate the Beef: Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse it with flavor.
- Day-Old Noodles: If possible, use day-old noodles that have been refrigerated to achieve the best texture for your Lo Mein.
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for family meals or leftovers.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 1300mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 30g |
Health Concerns
While Crispy Beef Lo Mein is a delicious and nutritious dish, there are some health considerations to keep in mind:
- Sodium Content: The soy sauce and other sauces used can be high in sodium. Opt for reduced-sodium versions if necessary.
- Caloric Intake: This dish is relatively calorie-dense. Pay attention to portion sizes to maintain a balanced diet.
- Sugar Content: The honey and hoisin sauce add sugar to the dish. Adjust the amount based on dietary needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flavorful: Combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors for a delicious meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ideal for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cooking time.
- Versatile: Can be adapted with different vegetables or proteins based on preference.
Cons:
- Sodium Content: High in sodium due to soy sauce and other sauces.
- Ingredient Specificity: Requires specific ingredients that may not always be on hand.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu based on your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Crispy Beef Lo Mein?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Crispy Beef Lo Mein?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or egg rolls.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, replace beef with tofu or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Certainly! Reduce or omit the chili flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
Conclusion
Crispy Beef Lo Mein is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the delicious taste of takeout into your home kitchen. This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a hearty dinner, this dish delivers on all fronts. Give it a try and experience the delightful blend of flavors in every bite.