Quick Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Stir Fry Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To keep the broccoli crisp, blanch it in boiling water for one minute and shock it in an ice bath before adding it to the stir fry.

This ensures the broccoli is perfectly cooked through without needing to spend extra time in the hot skillet, which can sometimes lead to uneven textures or overcooked, soft florets.

If the pan seems dry, add a small amount of oil or a splash of water to help the ingredients move freely. Ensure the pan is at maximum heat before adding the beef, as this is the key to achieving the characteristic sear that gives the dish its depth of flavor and appetizing appearance.

Variations

• Spicy Beef Stir Fry: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the pan while tossing. This provides a pleasant heat that complements the savory beef and broccoli perfectly.
• Vegetable Medley: Incorporate thinly sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots along with the broccoli. These vegetables add extra color and crunch, making the dish even more substantial and vibrant.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the broccoli and noodles will change significantly.

Reheat

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the mixture until steaming hot.

Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the noodles from drying out. Place them in the refrigerator promptly, ensuring they cool down within two hours of cooking.

Proper storage helps maintain the texture of the beef and the integrity of the dish, allowing for a delicious meal the next day.

You can prep the beef and broccoli up to 24 hours in advance. Slice the beef and store it in the refrigerator. Cut the broccoli and keep it in a sealed bag. The noodles can be cooked ahead of time, rinsed with cool water, and tossed with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking before storing.

Serving ideas

Serve the beef and broccoli lo mein immediately while it is steaming hot. The contrast between the tender beef and the crisp broccoli is best enjoyed fresh from the pan.

For a complete presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions if desired, though the dish is flavorful enough to stand on its own.

When serving, use tongs to lift the noodles onto plates, ensuring each portion gets a generous amount of beef and broccoli.

If the noodles have settled, give them a quick toss in the pan one last time before plating to redistribute the juices and ensure every portion is as glossy and flavorful as the first.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Quick Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein Stir Fry

Prep 15 minCook 10 minRest 5 minTotal 30 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 8 oz lo mein noodles

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the sliced beef and sear until browned on all sides. Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and let it rest for at least 3 minutes before combining with other ingredients.
2. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the beef and cook until crisp-tender. Stir in the cooked lo mein noodles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for consistent flavor.
3. Toss everything together using kitchen tongs until every strand of noodle is glossy and thoroughly coated. Ensure the mixture is heated through before serving.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

26 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.