Easy Leftover Steak Lo Mein

Let’s be honest – figuring out what to do with leftover steak can be a real head-scratcher. After a nice dinner, you’re often left with a few slices that seem too good to waste, but reheating them straight up just isn’t the same, and sandwich options can get boring pretty fast.

That’s why this leftover steak lo mein is such a winner – it’s quick and easy to throw together, makes those extra pieces of steak taste just as good as day one, and gives you a completely different meal that your whole family will actually want to eat.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

The beauty of this lo mein recipe is that it works with pretty much any leftover steak you have on hand. While the recipe mentions ribeye and filet mignon, you could just as easily use strips of leftover sirloin, New York strip, or even flank steak. The key is to slice your leftover steak against the grain into thin strips – this keeps the meat tender when you’re reheating it in the lo mein. If your leftover steak is on the rare side, that’s actually perfect since it won’t overcook when you toss it with the hot noodles and sauce. Just make sure your steak hasn’t been sitting in the fridge for more than 3-4 days for the best flavor and food safety.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is pretty forgiving and works well with several substitutions:

• Leftover steak: While steak is great here, you can use any leftover cooked meat – chicken, pork, or even shrimp work well. You could also go vegetarian with tofu or double up on veggies.
• Lo mein noodles: Can’t find lo mein noodles? Regular spaghetti works just fine. You could also use udon, yakisoba, or even fettuccine noodles – just cook them until they’re slightly firm.
• Rice wine vinegar: If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, try apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Use a bit less (about 3 tablespoons) since these are slightly stronger.
• Sesame oil: While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor that’s hard to replace, you can use any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil – just add 1 tablespoon of tahini if you have it to get that sesame taste.
• Brown sugar: You can swap brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or regular white sugar. Start with 3 tablespoons and adjust to taste since these alternatives can be sweeter.
• Green onions: If you’re out of green onions, try regular chopped onions or chives. You’ll want about 1/2 cup of regular onions or 3-4 tablespoons of chives.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making lo mein is overcooking the noodles – they should be cooked just until al dente, as they’ll continue to soften when mixed with the hot ingredients and sauce. Another common error is adding all the sauce at once, which can make your dish too wet and diluted – instead, add it gradually while stirring to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and coating. When reheating leftover steak, avoid cooking it for too long in the pan as it can become tough and chewy – simply warm it through at the very end of cooking to maintain its tenderness. For the best texture and flavor distribution, make sure to cut your steak against the grain into thin, bite-sized pieces, and let your noodles cool slightly before adding the sauce to help them absorb the flavors better.

What to Serve With Lo Mein?

This hearty steak lo mein works great with simple Asian-inspired side dishes that won’t overshadow the main course. A side of steamed or roasted broccoli makes a perfect partner – just toss it with a little sesame oil and garlic to match the flavors in the lo mein. I like to serve some crispy egg rolls or spring rolls alongside for that takeout-at-home experience. If you want to round out the meal even more, try adding a small bowl of hot and sour soup or some simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This leftover steak lo mein is perfect for meal prep! Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they mingle together, making it taste even better the next day.

Pack Away: If you want to prep portions for lunch, divide the lo mein into individual containers. The noodles might stick together a bit in the fridge, but don’t worry – that’s totally normal with any noodle dish.

Warm Up: When you’re ready to eat your leftover lo mein, just pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also toss it in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes – this method helps bring back some of the original texture. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the noodles seem a bit dry.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	20-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 110-120 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 220-240 g

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds of cooked steak or leftovers, chopped (i used ribeye and filet)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• Onion and garlic powders, and pepper to taste
• 6-8 green onions, chopped
• 1 pound of either lo mein noodles or spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling your noodles in salted water according to the package instructions.

Once cooked to your liking, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside temporarily while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While the noodles are cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook your steak to your desired doneness.

Allow the steak to cool down enough to handle, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Soy Sauce Mixture

In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and any seasonings you prefer until everything is well dissolved and combined.

Chop the green onions and set them aside to be added later.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Once the noodles are drained, return them to the pot.

Pour the dissolved soy sauce mixture over the noodles and combine thoroughly, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Add Steak and Green Onions

Add the chopped steak and green onions to the pot with the noodles.

Mix everything together well until the steak and green onions are evenly distributed throughout the noodles.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your flavorful steak noodle dish with a side of egg rolls, if desired.

Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors in every bite!