Lo Mein Shrimp is a fun and tasty dish with soft noodles and juicy shrimp stir-fried with colorful veggies. It’s a quick dinner that brings the taste of takeout right to your kitchen!
I love how easy this comes together—just cook the shrimp and veggies, toss in the noodles, and add some sauce. Who knew a delicious meal could be this simple? 🍤🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Lo mein noodles give this dish its signature flavor and texture. If you can’t find these, thin spaghetti or rice noodles can work well as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used here. If you’re looking for a substitute, chicken or tofu are good options. Just ensure that they are cooked thoroughly.
Vegetables: Bok choy adds a nice crunch and flavor, but you might also consider using broccoli, snow peas, or spinach if bok choy isn’t available. Use what you love!
Sauces: For the sauces, oyster sauce is key for depth. If you’re vegetarian, you can use mushroom sauce instead. Hoisin is optional but gives a sweet touch. Soy sauce is essential and is typically gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time?
Cooking shrimp properly is crucial—too long and you’ll end up with rubbery shrimp. Follow these steps for success:
- Ensure your wok is hot before adding shrimp; this helps them cook quickly.
- Cook them just until they turn pink, usually 2-3 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you’re making a larger batch, cook in batches.
- Once done, remove them from the pan quickly to stop the cooking process.
This method will keep your shrimp tender and juicy, making your Lo Mein truly delightful!
How to Make Lo Mein Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lo Mein:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or thin egg noodles
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup bok choy or Chinese cabbage, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- Optional: chili paste or flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25 minutes total: around 10 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. If you’d like, you can toss them with a touch of oil to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and water or chicken broth. This will be the flavorful sauce that brings everything together. Set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the wok and set them aside; we’ll add them back later.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Now, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. This will create a lovely aromatic base!
5. Add Bok Choy and Green Onions:
Add the chopped bok choy (or cabbage) and the green onions to the mix. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, just until the bok choy wilts down a bit.
6. Combine with Noodles:
Return the cooked shrimp to the wok and add the drained noodles. Mix everything together gently.
7. Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the noodle mixture. Toss everything well to combine and make sure the noodles soak up all that delicious sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
8. Final Touch:
Taste your Lo Mein and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce or a splash of water to find your perfect balance.
9. Serve:
Serve your Lo Mein Shrimp hot. For a fun extra touch, garnish with some sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like. Enjoy your colorful and tasty dish!
This homemade Lo Mein Shrimp is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a taste of Asian cuisine right at home!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Shrimp?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, or tofu are great alternatives. Just ensure that any meat is cooked thoroughly and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Tofu should be pressed beforehand for the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to avoid drying out the noodles.
Can I Customize the Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand! Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots would all work wonderfully. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking times as needed.
What If I Want a Spicier Lo Mein?
If you’re looking for a kick, add some chili paste or red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste as you mix in the sauce.