Steak and Shrimp Lo Mein is a delightful stir-fried noodle dish that combines tender beef, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. This recipe is ideal for home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 40 minutes. The blend of soy-based sauces with fresh garlic and colorful bell peppers makes it a crowd-pleaser that works well for family dinners or casual gatherings.
With just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this recipe balances convenience and rich flavor perfectly. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, beef, or noodles, the combination here offers a satisfying texture and taste experience, all tossed together in one pan for easy cleanup.
Why you’ll love this Steak and Shrimp Lo Mein
- This recipe combines two popular proteins, steak and shrimp, for a delicious surf-and-turf twist on classic lo mein.
- The quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal fast.
- The savory sauce uses a blend of soy, oyster, hoisin, and sesame oil for deep, layered flavor.
- Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and green onions add color, crunch, and nutrition.
- This one-pan stir-fry keeps prep and cleanup simple without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 12 oz lo mein noodles or thick wheat noodles
- 8 oz beef sirloin, cut in bite-size pieces
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 4 green onions, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water or stock
- 1 tsp cornstarch
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare plus 15 minutes to cook. The key ingredients are lo mein noodles, which provide a chewy and satisfying base, and the combination of beef sirloin and shrimp, offering a rich protein duo. When selecting beef, choose sirloin for tenderness and flavor. For shrimp, look for large, peeled, and deveined options to save prep time. The variety of soy sauces and oyster sauce create a savory, umami-rich sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Drain them well and toss with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, water or stock, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the beef: Pat the beef pieces dry and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the beef and sear until browned but still tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink with a light char. Remove and set aside with the beef.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers along with the white parts of the green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked noodles, beef, and shrimp to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything over high heat until the noodles become glossy and are evenly coated, about 2 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the green parts of the scallions and sprinkle some extra black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the best results
- Cook the noodles just until tender to avoid them becoming mushy when stir-fried.
- Make sure the beef is patted dry before cooking to achieve a good sear and caramelization.
- Use high heat when stir-frying to keep vegetables crisp and proteins juicy.
- Toss the ingredients quickly after adding the sauce to coat noodles evenly without overcooking.
- Add the green parts of the scallions last to preserve their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- If you don’t have a wok, use a large skillet to allow enough space for tossing ingredients easily.
Variations and substitutions
- Swap beef sirloin for flank steak or ribeye for a different texture and flavor.
- Use chicken breast or thighs instead of beef for a milder protein option.
- Replace shrimp with scallops or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian alternative.
- Add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for extra crunch and variety.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Serving suggestions
Steak and Shrimp Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out the dinner. Serve it with steamed or stir-fried bok choy, a light cucumber salad, or crispy spring rolls for added texture and freshness. A bowl of miso soup or hot tea complements the savory flavors nicely. Garnish with extra chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds for visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.
Storage and reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving for best texture; reheating on the stovetop helps revive the noodles’ chewiness and keeps the beef and shrimp tender.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well as long as it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps achieve a good sear and prevents excess moisture from steaming the shrimp during stir-frying.
What type of noodles are best for lo mein?
Traditional lo mein noodles or thick wheat noodles are ideal because they have a firm, chewy texture that holds up well in stir-fries. Avoid thin pasta or rice noodles as they tend to become mushy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook and cool the noodles and sauce separately ahead, but it’s best to stir-fry the beef, shrimp, and vegetables just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the beef and shrimp with firm tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and snap peas. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or substitute with soy sauce and a bit of mushroom broth for similar umami flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes, adding chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or fresh sliced chilies during the vegetable stir-fry step will increase the heat level to your preference without overpowering the dish.
Final thoughts
Steak and Shrimp Lo Mein is a wonderful way to enjoy a flavorful, quick, and satisfying stir-fried noodle dish at home. Its combination of juicy beef, tender shrimp, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory sauce makes it a recipe worth repeating. Give this recipe a try for your next meal and enjoy a delicious taste of Asian-inspired comfort food that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.