Ground beef lo mein is a quick and easy one-skillet meal made with ground beef, vegetables, and noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce. Ground beef lo mein is a chinese-american dish typically made with stir-fried vegetables, tender noodles, and a savory sauce.
This popular dish can be found in many takeout restaurants, but it’s also easy to make at home. In this recipe, ground beef is used instead of sliced beef to make the meal even more affordable and accessible. The vegetables used can vary, but commonly include carrots, bell peppers, and onions. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, creating a depth of umami flavor that complements the ingredients perfectly. This dish makes for a tasty and satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
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Ingredients And Preparation
Ground beef lo mein is an easy-to-make dish with simple ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to prepare a quick and delicious meal for your family. In this post, we will discuss the ingredients and preparation steps required to make this delectable dish.
So, let’s get started!
Ingredients For Ground Beef Lo Mein
- 1lb ground beef
- 2 packs of lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups sliced cabbage
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion (optional)
Preparing The Meat And Vegetables
- Heat a large pot of water until it boils. Add the lo mein noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
- In a skillet, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger and minced garlic, saute for one minute, then add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it is crumbly and brown.
- Add the cabbage and carrots to the skillet and stir occasionally until the vegetables soften and the cabbage begins to wilt.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir for one minute.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and stir everything until the sauce fully coats the vegetables and beef. Cook for an additional two minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top (optional) and serve the dish!
Cooking The Noodles
- Heat a large pot of water until it boils. Add the lo mein noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
Ground beef lo mein is a quick and easy dish that requires simple ingredients and effortless preparation steps. This recipe makes for a perfect family meal, providing tasty flavors that everyone will love. So, prepare this dish and relish the delightful flavors that it brings to your palate!
How To Cook Ground Beef Lo Mein
If you’re craving some noodles but tired of the usual pasta dishes, you might want to try making some ground beef lo mein. This chinese-american dish is packed with flavor, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s how you can cook ground beef lo mein steps-by-step.
Step-By-Step Guide To Cooking Ground Beef Lo Mein
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook ground beef lo mein:
- Precook the noodles – cook the noodles according to the package directions, then rinse with cold water and drain it. Coat the noodles with a bit of oil to keep them from sticking.
- Brown the ground beef – in a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan, but leave the drippings to use as a base for the sauce.
- Sauté vegetables – in the same skillet, sauté the vegetables in the beef drippings until they are tender. Add garlic and ginger if you want to add more flavors to the dish.
- Pour in the sauce – in a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir it until it’s heated throughout.
- Combine the ingredients – add the cooked beef and pre-cooked noodles back into the skillet, along with the cooked vegetables. Mix everything well until the sauce evenly coats the noodles and beef.
Tips And Tricks For Perfectly Cooked Noodles And Beef
Here are some tips and tricks to follow when making ground beef lo mein:
- Add vegetables – carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cabbage are great choices to add to the dish. You can add your preferred vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
- Don’t overcook the noodles – the noodles will continue cooking when you add them back into the skillet, so it’s important to not overcook them beforehand. It’s better to precook the noodles, rinse them with cold water, then coat them with oil.
- Choose the right cut of beef – use lean ground beef for a healthier version of the dish. You could also add thinly sliced steak instead, which you could quickly sear in the same skillet to your liking.
- Customize the flavors – you can adjust the sauce to your taste if you’re not fond of certain ingredients. Oyster sauce adds a sweet and salty taste to the dish, while adding soy sauce will give it a saltier flavor.
- Serve hot – lo mein tastes best served hot, so make sure to enjoy it straight out of the pan. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator but reheating can sometimes cause the noodles to become mushy so try to consume everything on the same day.
By following these simple steps starting from the pre-cooking stage to the final cooking step, you can make an excellent lo mein dish right at home. Enjoy the delicious taste of ground beef lo mein with your friends and family!
Ground Beef and Cabbage Chinese Lo Mein Noodles Recipe | BETTER THAN TAKEOUT
Variations Of Ground Beef Lo Mein
Ground beef lo mein is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a versatile meal that can be customized to fit your preferences.
Beefless Lo Mein With Chicken Or Shrimp
If you’re looking for a healthier option or simply want to switch up your protein, beefless lo mein can be made with chicken or shrimp.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or shrimp instead of ground beef.
- Cut the chicken or shrimp into bite-sized pieces and sauté them in a wok or large skillet until cooked through.
- Add in your choice of vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas.
- Follow the rest of the recipe as directed, substituting chicken or shrimp for the ground beef.
Vegetarian Lo Mein
Vegetarians can enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of lo mein by swapping the ground beef for plant-based protein.
- Use meatless grounds or tofu in place of the ground beef.
- Sauté the protein in a wok or large skillet until it’s browned on all sides.
- Add in your choice of vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and cabbage.
- Finish off with the lo mein sauce and noodles as directed in the recipe.
Adding Different Vegetables For More Flavor
One of the great things about ground beef lo mein is that you can add any vegetables you like to suit your taste.
- Broccoli florets
- Bean sprouts
- Bamboo shoots
- Green beans
- Baby corn
- Bok choy
Add any of the above vegetables (or any others you like) to your lo mein for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving And Storing Ground Beef Lo Mein
Ways To Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein: With Sauce Or Without Sauce
Ground beef lo mein is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in many ways.
- With sauce: ground beef lo mein can be served with a savory sauce that enhances the flavor of the dish. Simply mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar in a bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the cooked noodles and top with the ground beef and vegetables.
- Without sauce: ground beef lo mein can also be served without sauce for those who prefer a simpler dish. Simply toss the cooked noodles with the ground beef and vegetables and season with salt and pepper to taste.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers after enjoying your delicious ground beef lo mein, it is important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat.
- Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. This will prevent condensation from forming and keep the dish from spoiling.
- Place the container in the refrigerator and store for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the leftovers, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag and store for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to reheat your leftover ground beef lo mein, it’s important to do so properly to ensure it is safe to eat and retains its flavor and texture.
- If reheating in the microwave, add a bit of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- If reheating on the stovetop, add a bit of oil or broth to a pan over medium heat. Add the leftover lo mein and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through.
- Add fresh herbs or lime juice to the reheated dish to add some extra flavor.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal whenever you’re in the mood for ground beef lo mein. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions For Ground Beef Lo Mein
What Is Ground Beef Lo Mein?
Ground beef lo mein is a popular chinese dish made with ground beef, vegetables, egg noodles, and a flavorful sauce.
What Vegetables Can I Add To Ground Beef Lo Mein?
You can add any vegetables you like such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and onions.
What Type Of Noodles Are Used In Ground Beef Lo Mein?
Egg noodles or chinese wheat noodles are traditionally used in ground beef lo mein.
How Can I Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Healthier?
Use lean ground beef, use plenty of vegetables, and decrease the amount of noodles to make ground beef lo mein healthier.
Conclusion
In the end, ground beef lo mein is a simple and delicious dish that can easily be made at home with just a few ingredients. It offers an array of textures and flavors that will please the entire family. Whether you’re looking to save money or simply prefer to cook meals from scratch, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Plus, it’s a great way to swap in ground beef for the more traditional protein options used in asian cuisine. By following these simple instructions and tips, you’ll be able to whip up a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
Try it out the next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal. Your taste buds won’t regret it!
