This Lo Mein Shrimp dish is a quick and tasty meal! With soft noodles, fresh veggies, and juicy shrimp, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Add a splash of soy sauce, and you’ve got magic on a plate. I love how easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: These are typically wheat noodles that are soft and chewy. If you can’t find them, you can use thin egg noodles, spaghetti, or even rice noodles as an alternative. Just remember to cook them according to their package instructions.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp adds a nice touch, but frozen shrimp works just as well! Simply thaw them in cold water before cooking. For a vegetarian option, you could substitute shrimp with tofu or mushrooms for a hearty bite.
Vegetables: Napa cabbage is great for its crunch, but feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. If you don’t have bok choy, spinach is a nice swap, adding a boost of nutrients!
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential, but if you’re watching salt intake, low-sodium soy sauce works perfectly. Oyster sauce can be substituted with hoisin sauce for a vegetarian version, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
How Can I Get My Shrimp Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky—but follow these tips for success! Shrimp cook very quickly, so don’t walk away during this step.
- Start with a hot pan to ensure a good sear on the shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re thawed and patted dry.
- Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so watch the clock!
- Once cooked, remove shrimp from the pan. This keeps them tender and juicy, ready to be added back just before serving.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect shrimp texture every time!
How to Make Lo Mein Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or thin egg noodles)
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup Napa cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup bok choy or spinach, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
For Garnish:
- Green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Lo Mein Shrimp dish takes about 20-25 minutes total to prepare and cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and the cooking will take about 15 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Once done, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking further. Set those noodles aside for now!
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
Now, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and stir-fry them until they turn pink and are fully cooked, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once they’re cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This is when your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
4. Adding Vegetables:
Next, add the julienned carrots, chopped Napa cabbage, and bok choy (or spinach) to the pan. Stir-fry these for about 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp, ensuring you maintain their freshness.
5. Combining the Shrimp and Noodles:
Time to bring it all together! Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and add the noodles in as well.
6. Making the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper (if using), and chicken broth. Pour this saucy mixture all over the noodles, shrimp, and veggies. This will add all the amazing flavor!
7. Final Toss:
Toss everything together and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Make sure all the noodles and the other ingredients are well-combined and heated through.
8. Serving Up:
Once everything is well mixed, remove the pan from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and savory Lo Mein Shrimp!
This dish is sure to brighten your day with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can substitute them with thin egg noodles, spaghetti, or rice noodles. Just make sure to cook them according to their package instructions for the best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Lo Mein Shrimp gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and replace the regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that the oyster sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge. Cook the shrimp and the noodles, then keep them separate until you’re ready to stir-fry. This way, you can make the dish quickly when you’re ready to eat!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Enjoy your meal again!