Description
This recipe provides a simple and satisfying method to create a flavorful beef lo mein with rainbow peppers at home. It features tender beef, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles coated in a glossy sesame-ginger sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, (flank steak or sirloin) thinly sliced against the grain
- 12–16 oz lo mein noodles, (fresh or dried)
- 2–3 medium rainbow bell peppers, (red, yellow, orange) sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2–3 cloves garlic and 1-inch (2.5 cm) fresh ginger, minced
- 0.5 cup low sodium soy sauce, (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1–2 tbsp brown sugar or honey, (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp plus 1 tsp cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for stir-frying
Instructions
- Slice and Marinate Beef: Thinly slice 1 lb beef against the grain. Combine with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp cornstarch in a bowl, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Prep All Veggies: Slice all rainbow peppers and onion, mince the garlic and ginger.
- Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar or honey, and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
- Cook Noodles: Boil 12-16 oz lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Heat Pan and Sear Beef: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add beef in a single layer; sear quickly until browned, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove beef from the pan.
- Stir-Fry Aromatics and Veggies: Add 1 more tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add onions, rainbow peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant and veggies are crisp-tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the seared beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles and pour in the whisked sauce. Toss everything together vigorously to coat.
- Thicken and Meld Flavors: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. The sauce should thicken slightly and cling to the noodles.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For variations, consider using chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef. Spaghetti or linguine can substitute lo mein noodles, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. To boost flavor, add sriracha, red pepper flakes, oyster sauce, or a splash of rice vinegar. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. If beef is tough, ensure slicing against the grain and searing quickly. If noodles are mushy, they were likely overcooked or not rinsed properly; a tiny splash of oil during rinsing can help prevent sticking. Adjust sauce thickness with a cornstarch slurry or water/broth as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 200 g)
- Calories: 520 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg