Homemade “Chinese Takeout” Beef Lo Mein

8 oz (about 225g) lo mein noodles or spaghetti
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, julienned
1/2 bell pepper, julienned (any color)
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1/2 cup snow peas or snap peas
2 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ground black pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the Noodles:
Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. If using spaghetti, cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic, julienned carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms (if using), and snow peas. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are just tender.
6. Combine:
Add the cooked noodles and beef back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the top. Toss everything together over medium-high heat until well combined and the noodles are heated through, about 2 minutes.
7. Serve:
Transfer the beef lo mein to serving plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade “Chinese Takeout” Beef Lo Mein! This dish is versatile, so feel free to adjust the vegetables according to what you have on hand or prefer.