Oh, shrimp lo mein! This dish is such a delightful classic that brings the bustling streets of China right into your kitchen. Packed with tender shrimp, colorful veggies, and those perfectly chewy lo mein noodles, it’s a flavor explosion that never fails to please! What I love most is how easy it is to whip up—seriously, you can have this on your table in under 30 minutes! You’ll find the savory sauce ties everything together, making each bite a delicious balance of taste and texture. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for any weeknight dinner!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create your mouthwatering shrimp lo mein. I promise, all these ingredients come together beautifully to make a dish that’s both vibrant and satisfying!
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: These chewy noodles are the star of the show! Make sure to have them ready to cook according to package instructions.
- 1 pound shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience—this will save you a lot of prep time!
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This is what we’ll use for stir-frying; it helps everything cook evenly and adds a nice flavor.
- 1 cup bell peppers: Sliced into thin strips—feel free to use a mix of colors for a beautiful presentation!
- 1 cup carrots: Julienned so they cook quickly and blend perfectly with the other ingredients.
- 1 cup snap peas: These add a lovely crunch and sweetness; just trim the ends before using.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced for that aromatic kick that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce: This savory sauce brings depth of flavor; I always recommend using low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: It adds a rich umami flavor that pairs so well with the shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: This is the secret ingredient for that nutty aroma and taste—just a little goes a long way!
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course! Adjust these to your preference.
How to Prepare Shrimp Lo Mein
Making shrimp lo mein is truly a breeze! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time.
Cooking the Noodles
First things first, let’s cook those lo mein noodles! Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy; they’ll finish cooking in the stir-fry later. Once done, drain the noodles and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set them aside for later!
Stir-Frying the Ingredients
Now, grab a large skillet or wok and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, add in your shrimp; they should start turning pink in just 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them; once they’re opaque and curled, they’re done! That’s your cue to move on to the veggies.
Adding Vegetables and Noodles
Time to add some color! Toss in the sliced bell peppers, julienned carrots, and snap peas, and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes. You want them to be bright and slightly tender but still crisp. Now, it’s noodle time! Add your cooked lo mein noodles right into the pan. Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over everything, and toss it all together. Make sure every noodle is coated with that savory sauce and mixed well with your shrimp and veggies. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voila! You’ve got a stunning plate of shrimp lo mein ready to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Seriously, shrimp lo mein is a game-changer for any weeknight dinner! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this dish:
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Deliciously savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Colorful veggies add nutrition and a pop of color to your plate.
- Customize with your favorite ingredients, like chicken or tofu!
- One pan means less cleanup—a win-win!
- Perfect for meal prep; enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day!
Tips for Success
To make sure your shrimp lo mein turns out perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips!
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Keep a close eye on them; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Once they’re pink and opaque, they’re done!
- Adjust the sauce: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce and oyster sauce according to your taste. Want it saltier? Add more soy. Prefer a sweeter touch? A dash of sugar can balance it out!
- Mix up the veggies: You can add or substitute with whatever you have on hand, like broccoli, mushrooms, or even baby corn. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic really elevates the flavor, so skip the jarred kind if you can! It makes a world of difference.
- Prep ahead: Chop your veggies and marinate the shrimp ahead of time. This makes the cooking process feel super quick and easy when you’re ready to whip this up!
- Garnish adds flair: Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving. It adds a nice touch and a bit of crunch!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying shrimp lo mein, it’s nice to know a bit about what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one serving of this delicious dish, based on typical ingredients:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels for the most accurate counts. But trust me, this dish packs a punch of flavor and nutrition, making it a great choice for any meal!
FAQ Section
If you’ve got questions about making shrimp lo mein, you’re in the right place! Here are some common queries I get, along with my trusty answers:
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before using them. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for a quicker option. Frozen shrimp are super convenient and work great in this dish!
What can I substitute for lo mein noodles?
No problem! If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can use spaghetti or even rice noodles as a substitute. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to what you choose, as they can vary in how long they take to cook. You’ll still get that delicious stir-fry taste!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist and flavorful!
Can I make shrimp lo mein ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all your veggies and marinate the shrimp a day ahead, which makes the cooking process a breeze when you’re ready to eat. Just toss everything together when you’re ready to enjoy a quick meal!
What other vegetables work well in shrimp lo mein?
Feel free to mix it up! Broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy are all fantastic additions. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking. The more colorful, the better!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious shrimp lo mein, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers. No worries! Proper storage will keep those flavors intact. To store, simply transfer any leftover shrimp lo mein into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it cool completely before sealing it up to avoid condensation, which can make it soggy.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using a skillet for the best results. Heat a little splash of water or broth in the pan over medium heat, then add your shrimp lo mein. Stir occasionally to ensure it warms evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. This method helps maintain that delightful texture! You’ll want to heat it just until warmed through—about 5–7 minutes should do the trick. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot throughout.
And there you have it! Enjoy your shrimp lo mein just as much the second time around!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your shrimp lo mein, it’s all about creating a well-rounded meal that delights your taste buds! Here are some fantastic ideas to serve alongside your flavorful dish:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls make for a perfect appetizer to kick off your meal. The crunchiness pairs beautifully with the soft noodles!
- Egg Drop Soup: This light and comforting soup is a classic companion to any Chinese meal. Its warm broth will complement the savory flavors of your lo mein.
- Steamed Dumplings: Whether pork, chicken, or veggie, these little pockets of goodness are a hit! They add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your dining experience.
- Chinese Broccoli: Lightly steamed or sautéed with garlic, this nutritious green side adds a lovely crunch and balances the meal beautifully.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy cucumber salad with sesame oil and vinegar can cut through the richness of the lo mein, making for a delightful contrast.
Feel free to mix and match any of these suggestions to create your perfect meal. Each side dish enhances the overall experience and makes your shrimp lo mein truly shine!
Print
Shrimp Lo Mein: 5 Bold Flavors in Just 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp Lo Mein is a classic Chinese dish featuring stir-fried noodles and shrimp in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
- Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish.
- Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variation.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: shrimp lo mein, Chinese noodles, stir-fried shrimp
