Are you craving a flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this shrimp lo mein recipe! This dish is packed with fresh vegetables, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked noodles, all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is perfect for you. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this restaurant-quality dish made entirely from scratch!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dried lo mein noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking and set aside.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the garlic and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the wok and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the broccoli and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. Return the shrimp to the wok. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and shrimp and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok and toss to combine with the sauce and ingredients. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade shrimp lo mein!
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp Lo Mein:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will be mushy. Follow the package directions carefully and rinse them under cold water immediately after cooking.
- Prep your ingredients: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking will make the process much smoother and faster.
- High heat is key: Using medium-high heat will help to keep the vegetables crisp-tender and prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to your taste preferences.
Variations:
- Add protein: Chicken, pork, or tofu can be substituted for the shrimp.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier dish.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or snow peas.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This shrimp lo mein recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family. Enjoy!