Shrimp Lo Mein

Introduction

Shrimp Lo Mein is a flavorful, savory stir-fried noodle dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with vibrant vegetables, succulent shrimp, and a delicious sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings the taste of a classic takeout favorite right to your kitchen. The soft, slurpable noodles are tossed with shrimp and an array of colorful veggies in a mouthwatering sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.

I first made this dish when I was craving something light yet satisfying, and it turned out to be a big hit. The best part is how versatile it is—you can swap in your favorite vegetables or even use chicken or beef instead of shrimp. The noodles soak up all the flavors from the sauce, creating a perfect balance of savory, garlicky goodness.

Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend meal, Shrimp Lo Mein is sure to satisfy your appetite. With its quick prep and bold flavors, it’s the kind of dish you’ll make time and time again!

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Entertaining guests
• Stir-fry lovers
• Seafood enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Lo Mein

Here’s why Shrimp Lo Mein will quickly become your go-to dish:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and satisfying.
• Savory Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a rich, umami-packed sauce that complements the shrimp and vegetables.
• Customizable: You can easily add or swap out vegetables to suit your preferences or use up what you have in your fridge.
• Healthy Option: Loaded with shrimp, fresh veggies, and whole wheat noodles (optional), this dish is a healthier alternative to traditional takeout.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Shrimp Lo Mein:

• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if you don’t have lo mein)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 cup snow peas or snap peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a wonderful flavor and protein boost to the dish, making it both satisfying and light.
• Lo Mein Noodles: These Chinese-style egg noodles are soft and perfect for soaking up the savory sauce, but you can substitute with spaghetti if needed.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that’s essential to the stir-fried taste of lo mein.
• Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: These sauces provide the deep umami flavor that defines lo mein dishes.
• Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, onions, and snow peas bring crunch and color to the dish, making it both flavorful and nutritious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Shrimp Lo Mein:

Prepare the Noodles and Shrimp:

1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions (about 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside. If using spaghetti, cook until al dente and drain.
2. Cook the Shrimp: While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Stir-Fry:

3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
5. Add the Snow Peas: Toss in the snow peas and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the peas are heated through.

Make the Sauce and Combine:

6. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
7. Add the Noodles and Shrimp: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce and vegetables. Add the cooked shrimp and stir until everything is well combined and heated through.

Finish and Serve:

8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Shrimp Lo Mein to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

How to Serve Shrimp Lo Mein

Shrimp Lo Mein is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

• With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a simple cucumber salad or Asian slaw for a refreshing contrast.
• As Part of a Chinese Feast: Include it as one of several dishes in an Asian-inspired spread, along with spring rolls, dumplings, or stir-fried vegetables.
• With Soup: Pair with a bowl of hot and sour soup or miso soup for a comforting meal.
• Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Add toasted sesame seeds or cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
• On its Own: Shrimp Lo Mein is hearty enough to be enjoyed as a standalone meal.

Additional Tips for Shrimp Lo Mein

Here are some tips to ensure your Shrimp Lo Mein is perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to remove them from the skillet once they’re pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or zucchini. The versatility of this dish allows you to use whatever you have on hand.
• Use Fresh Noodles: If possible, use fresh lo mein noodles, as they offer a better texture and flavor than dried noodles.
• Make it Spicy: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce if you like your lo mein with a little heat.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry the ingredients in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.
• Stir-Fry Quickly: Stir-fry on high heat for a quick, searing action that will preserve the crispness of the vegetables and the flavor of the sauce.

Recipe Variations for Shrimp Lo Mein

Here are 5 variations you can try for Shrimp Lo Mein:

• Chicken Lo Mein: Substitute shrimp with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for a chicken version.
• Beef Lo Mein: Swap in thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin for a rich, beefy flavor.
• Vegetable Lo Mein: Omit the shrimp and load the dish up with more vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, and baby corn.
• Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein: Add extra chili paste or chili oil for a spicier version of the dish.
• Gluten-Free Lo Mein: Use gluten-free noodles and make sure the soy sauce and hoisin sauce are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Freezing and Storage for Shrimp Lo Mein

• Freezing: Shrimp Lo Mein can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Special Equipment for Shrimp Lo Mein

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Shrimp Lo Mein easier:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or large skillet is perfect for stir-frying the ingredients quickly and evenly.
• Spaghetti Tongs or Tongs: These are handy for tossing the noodles and ingredients together without breaking them.
• Grater or Zester: A grater or microplane is great for finely grating fresh ginger for the dish.
• Small Bowl: Use a small bowl to prepare the sauce before adding it to the pan.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring out the soy sauce, vinegar, and other sauce ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions for Shrimp Lo Mein

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
2. Can I use a different type of noodle?
   Yes, you can substitute lo mein noodles with other types of noodles, such as spaghetti or rice noodles, if necessary.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, skip the shrimp and load up on vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian option.
4. Can I prep this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance, but it’s best to cook the shrimp and noodles just before serving for the freshest results.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free noodles and make sure the sauces you’re using are also gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Shrimp Lo Mein is the ultimate stir-fry dish, offering a satisfying combination of tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles all tossed in a savory sauce that packs a punch. With its vibrant flavors and quick prep time, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and versatile. You can easily switch up the vegetables or adjust the sauce to your liking, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this Shrimp Lo Mein is sure to impress. It’s a dish that brings the taste of takeout right into your kitchen!

I’d love to see how your Shrimp Lo Mein turns out! Be sure to snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creation! Happy cooking!