Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time? This shrimp lo mein recipe is your answer! It's a fantastic blend of savory flavors and textures, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a delicious, healthy meal. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
This shrimp lo mein recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple the recipe as needed.
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For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
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For the Lo Mein:
- 8 ounces dried lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
Get started:
- Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Prepare the shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 10 minutes. This helps the shrimp stay tender and juicy.
Cook the Lo Mein:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the wok. Add the cooked lo mein noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through.
Serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Lo Mein:
- Don't overcook the noodles! Overcooked noodles will be mushy. Cook them according to package directions and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Use high heat for stir-frying. This helps to keep the vegetables crisp-tender.
- Feel free to add other vegetables. This recipe is easily customizable. Add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, snow peas, or bean sprouts.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce.
Variations:
- Chicken Lo Mein: Substitute cooked chicken breast for the shrimp.
- Vegetarian Lo Mein: Omit the shrimp and add firm tofu or extra vegetables.
- Spicy Lo Mein: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This shrimp lo mein recipe is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal the whole family will enjoy. It's the perfect example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!