Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Are you a fan of Chinese food? Do you enjoy a dish that is loaded with tender juicy shrimp, vegetables, and tender noodles? If you answered yes, then why not try making shrimp lo mein at home? It’s a simple meal that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to make shrimp lo mein from scratch.

The best thing about this dish is that you can use any type of shrimp you like, fresh or frozen. Along with shrimp, you can also add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, or snap peas. The perfect lo mein dish is all about the flavors and textures, and in this article, we’ll share with you the tips and tricks to get it just right. So put on your apron, grab some chopsticks, and let’s get cooking!

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start making your shrimp lo mein, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:

– 1 pound of lo mein noodles
– 1 pound of large shrimp
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
– 1 cup of sliced carrots
– 1 cup of sliced bell peppers
– 1 cup of sliced onions
– 1 cup of sliced cabbage
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

It’s important to have everything ready before you start cooking so that you can move quickly and efficiently. Having everything within reach will save you time and prevent you from burning anything.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

The first step in making shrimp lo mein is to prepare the shrimp. Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. You can leave the tails on or take them off depending on your preference. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Once your shrimp are prepared, season them with salt and pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor.

3. Cook the Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.

Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse them with cold water to stop them from cooking further. Drizzle a little bit of sesame oil over the noodles and toss them to prevent them from sticking together.

4. Stir-Fry the Shrimp

Heat up a wok or a large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and stir-fry them for 1-2 minutes or until they turn pink.

Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

5. Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced vegetables and stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

6. Add the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the pan and stir to coat.

7. Combine the Shrimp and Vegetables

Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan with the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute or two to allow all of the flavors to meld together.

8. Add the Noodles

Add the cooked lo mein noodles into the pan with the shrimp and vegetables. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce and heated through.

9. Garnish and Serve

Garnish your shrimp lo mein with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!

10. Tips and Tricks

– For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
– Don’t overcook the vegetables. They should be slightly tender but still have some crunch.
– Use a combination of different colored bell peppers to make your dish more colorful.
– If you want to make your dish spicier, add some sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
– Use chopsticks to toss the lo mein noodles together with the shrimp and vegetables to prevent them from breaking apart.

What You’ll Need for Shrimp Lo Mein

Making shrimp lo mein requires having the necessary ingredients to complete the dish. The recipe for this delicious Chinese noodle dish can be simple or complex, depending on your preferences. Here are the essential ingredients:

1. Shrimp – Fresh or frozen shrimp is a key ingredient. You can buy them peeled or with the shell on.

2. Lo Mein Noodles – This type of Chinese egg noodle is readily available in most Asian grocery stores.

3. Vegetables – Choose from a variety of vegetables such as bok choy, carrots, bean sprouts, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.

4. Oil and Soy Sauce – Use vegetable or canola oil for stir-frying and regular or low-sodium soy sauce for seasoning.

5. Spices and Condiments – Use chopped garlic and ginger, salt, pepper, Chinese five-spice, and sesame oil for flavoring. Oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha sauce can be added to taste.

6. Chicken or Beef Broth – This adds additional flavor to the dish.

7. Cornstarch – Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

8. Sugar – A little bit of sugar can balance out the saltiness of the sauce.

9. Garnishes – Scallions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro can be sprinkled on top for more flavor.

10. Wok or Stir Fry Pan – A wok or a non-stick fry pan will enable you to stir-fry the ingredients evenly.

Easy Steps to Make Shrimp Lo Mein

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to make the shrimp lo mein. Here’s a straightforward guide to making this tasty dish:

1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Rinse and drain them when done. It is best to do this step first so that you will have a basis for the dish’s quantity.

2. In a wok or a stir fry pan, heat the oil over high heat.

3. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink, which can take up to two minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

4. Add garlic and ginger to the same pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds.

5. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they’re tender.

6. Add chicken or beef broth and soy sauce to the pan and stir.

7. Stir in oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha sauce, if you prefer them.

8. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan, together with the cooked noodles.

9. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, and water. Add this mixture to the pan to thicken the sauce.

10. Toss the shrimp lo mein until everything is evenly coated with sauce.

Tips for Making Excellent Shrimp Lo Mein

While making shrimp lo mein may seem easy, there are some tips that you can follow to make it exceptional:

1. Don’t overcook the shrimp. It’s essential to not overcook the shrimp since it can get tough and rubbery. Cook them until they turn pink and remove them from the pan.

2. Choose fresh ingredients. Use fresh vegetables and good-quality shrimp for a more flavorful dish.

3. Get the sauce right. Balance the seasoning and make sure that the sauce is not too salty.

4. Cook the noodles perfectly. Always taste the noodles before adding them to the pan. They should be cooked aldente.

5. Keep your pan hot. A hot pan is essential for stir-frying since it helps in cooking the ingredients quickly.

6. Be creative. You can add additional ingredients such as scrambled eggs, snow peas, or green beans to make the dish look more colorful and flavorful.

Ingredients for Shrimp Lo Mein

Making shrimp lo mein requires a few ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. Be sure to choose fresh shrimp and vegetables to enhance the flavors of your dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Preparation

Now that you have gathered all of your ingredients, you’re ready to start cooking. Follow these steps to prepare your shrimp lo mein:

Step 1: Cook Your Noodles

Begin by cooking your lo mein noodles in a large pot of boiling water. Cook them for around five minutes or until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop them from cooking any further. Toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Prep Your Shrimp and Vegetables

Peel the shells off your shrimp and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, chop all of your vegetables, including your bok choy, carrots, snow peas, garlic, ginger, and scallions. Mix your soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl.

Step 3: Cook Your Shrimp and Vegetables

Heat up your vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in your shrimp and cook them for about 2 minutes on each side or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Add your vegetables, including your bok choy, carrots, garlic, ginger, and snow peas, to the same pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are slightly softened. Add in your cooked lo mein noodles and toss everything together.

Step 4: Add Your Sauce

Pour your sauce over your shrimp and vegetables, and stir well. Turn off the heat and let the sauce thicken for a minute or two. Finally, sprinkle your shrimp lo mein with sliced scallions and serve hot.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Homemade Shrimp Lo Mein!

In conclusion, making homemade shrimp lo mein is easy and delicious. Follow these steps to make your own lo mein at home with fresh ingredients. Enjoy your meal!

Time to Cook Some Shrimp Lo Mein!

That’s it, you adventurers! Making your favorite Chinese dish at home is easy and fun. Whether you want to cook for yourself, your family, or friends, be sure to follow our recipe and tips for the perfect shrimp lo mein. Remember to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Thanks for joining us on this cooking journey. We hope you enjoyed it and learned something new. Don’t forget to visit us again for more exciting recipes and food adventures. Until then, happy cooking!