Every time I make this Sweet Chili Sesame Beef Lo Mein, it reminds me of family gatherings and the joy of sharing a meal together. The first time I tried this dish, I stumbled upon it while flipping through a cookbook on a rainy afternoon. The vibrant colors and mouth-watering combination of flavors jumped out at me. Once it was on the table, the aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t resist diving in. I know that once you try it, you’ll feel that same warmth and comfort that makes cooking so rewarding!
How to make Sweet Chili Sesame Beef Lo Mein
Ingredients:
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1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced – The star of the show! Flank steak is full of flavor, and when cooked just right, it becomes incredibly tender.
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8 oz lo mein noodles – These noodles soak up all the delicious sauce and add a satisfying bite.
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce – This adds a touch of sweetness with a hint of spice, making the dish irresistible.
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1 cup matchstick carrots – They add a nice crunch and a splash of color.
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2 cups chopped bok choy – A fabulous green that brings freshness to the dish.
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3 cloves garlic, minced – Because who doesn’t love the aroma of garlic cooking in a hot skillet?
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1 onion, sliced – It adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
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1/4 cup sesame oil – This gives the dish its signature nutty flavor.
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1/4 cup soy sauce – For that essential umami taste.
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2 tablespoons sesame seeds – These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to finish it off.
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1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated – A hint of warmth and spice that elevates the dish.
I love adding fresh vegetables to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious. Feel free to throw in other favorites like bell peppers or snap peas if you have them on hand!
Cooking Steps
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Cook the Noodles: Begin by boiling the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Trust me, this little step ensures that your noodles are cooked perfectly and ready to soak all that delicious sauce later.
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Sear the Steak: In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the sliced flank steak. Let it brown for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want that beautiful sear! When it’s browned and cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion first. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then, add in the matchstick carrots and chopped bok choy. Cook them all together until the veggies are tender-crisp, around 3-5 minutes.
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Combine and Sauce: Now, it’s time to bring everything back together. Add the seared steak back into the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and sprinkle those sesame seeds in. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is well-coated and mixed.
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Mix in Noodles: Add the cooked lo mein noodles right into the skillet. Toss everything together until it’s heated through, and the noodles are well combined with the sauces and veggies.
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Serve and Enjoy: Finally, dish out the Sweet Chili Sesame Beef Lo Mein into bowls. Don’t forget to sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds on top for that finishing touch!
Why I Love Making This Dish
What I adore about Sweet Chili Sesame Beef Lo Mein is how quickly it comes together. A busy weeknight dinner can become a flavorful adventure in your kitchen! It’s bright, colorful, and packed with so many textures and flavors. But more importantly, it’s a dish that brings everyone together. The smiles on my family’s faces are my favorite part when I set this on the table. It truly becomes a moment of sharing and enjoying each other’s company.
What You’ll Need
Before diving in, make sure you have everything you need. Aside from the ingredients, having a sharp knife and a large skillet is essential for this recipe. A big cutting board will also make chopping the veggies a breeze! Remember, preparation is key, so I like to have everything prepped and ready to go before I start cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Preheat your skillet.
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Boil the lo mein noodles according to package instructions.
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Slice your flank steak into thin strips.
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Heat the sesame oil and sear the steak until browned.
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Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
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Add in matchstick carrots and bok choy.
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Return steak to the pan.
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Pour in sweet chili sauce and soy sauce, mixing well.
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Toss in the cooked noodles and combine everything thoroughly.
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Serve beautifully in bowls with an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use high heat when searing the steak to get that beautiful browning.
- Choose fresh veggies for the best flavor and texture.
- If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add some crushed red pepper or chili flakes when you combine the sauce.
- Make sure to toss the noodles gently to avoid breaking them up too much.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
This dish is so filling that it can stand alone, but I love pairing it with a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli as a side. It adds a refreshing crunch and balances the flavors beautifully. And if you’re craving a little something extra, consider serving it with homemade spring rolls for an amazing dinner spread.
Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I rarely do because my family dives right in), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re good for about 2-3 days. When reheating, I suggest using a skillet to warm everything through gently so the noodles don’t get mushy.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! Chicken or shrimp would work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
What if I can’t find bok choy?
No worries! You can substitute with spinach or even Napa cabbage if that’s what you have. I’ve found that many greens work well in this dish.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the beef and swap it with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Add more veggies to give it a hearty feel.
How spicy is this dish?
The sweetness of the sweet chili sauce balances any spice level, but you can tailor it to your liking. If you love spice, you can increase the amount of ginger or add hot sauce when serving.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
I recommend enjoying it fresh, but if you need to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
This Sweet Chili Sesame Beef Lo Mein has become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to cook it for your family. The flavors, the colors, and that sweet, savory aroma will make your heart swell with joy. You’re going to love this, and I’m so excited for you to try it! Let me know how it turns out—I guarantee your family will be asking for seconds, just like mine does. Happy cooking!