Beef Lo Mein Made Simple

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Last Tuesday, I swung open the fridge like it might finally tell me what to cook. Condiments and a sad lemon were the only answers. I was moments away from ordering $35 of lukewarm takeout when I remembered—beef in the freezer, noodles in the pantry. The kids were already hovering, asking what was for dinner, and honestly, I didn’t have the patience to browse menus or wait for delivery.

So I threw together a quick lo mein—and wow. Way better than our usual Chinese spot. My 14-year-old paused mid-bite: “Mom, this is really good.” I’m counting that as Michelin-star-level praise. Even my husband went back for seconds, which is saying a lot when it comes to my improvisational dinners.

Best of all? It cost about $8, took less time than delivery, and came without any fees or soggy spring rolls. Now it’s our fast, cozy, budget-friendly weeknight winner.

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🍜 Ingredients

Noodles

• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

The Sauce

• ¼ cup hot water
• 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon beef base
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

The Stir-Fry

• 1 lb beef, thinly sliced or ground
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, cut into sticks
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped

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🔥 Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles
Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Sauce
Dissolve the beef base in hot water, then stir in soy sauce and brown sugar. Set aside.

3. Cook the Beef
Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Sear the beef 2–3 minutes until golden, then remove from the pan.

4. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, cook onions 3 minutes, carrots 2 minutes, and broccoli 2 minutes until tender-crisp.

5. Add Garlic
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

6. Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and simmer 2 minutes to meld flavors.

7. Toss in the Noodles
Add noodles and toss everything together until glossy and well coated.

8. Serve
Plate hot and enjoy your quick, flavorful lo mein.