When I first made Shrimp Lo Mein at home, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to recreate this flavorful dish. The combination of tender shrimp, colorful vegetables, and savory sauce over perfectly cooked noodles was delightful.
What impressed me the most was how versatile and quick the recipe was, making it perfect for busy evenings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on making it over and over again. Let’s jump right in and learn how to prepare this delicious dish at home!
Credit: tonisrecipes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful Shrimp Lo Mein. Each ingredient plays a vital role, so don’t skip the details!
- 4 ounces egg noodles, uncooked (or 8 ounces fresh egg noodles): Egg noodles have a silky texture that pairs perfectly with the sauce. If unavailable, spaghetti works too.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying the ingredients to perfection. It resists high heat without imparting additional flavor.
- 8 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed: Fresh shrimp gives the best texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold water for even cooking.
- 4 cups coleslaw mix or finely sliced cabbage: Pre-shredded coleslaw saves time while adding a crunchy base to the dish.
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced thinly: Red peppers deliver subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the recipe.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warming spice that elevates the dish. Avoid using powdered ginger for this recipe.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Nothing beats the bold aroma of freshly minced garlic!
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the savory and salty foundation for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Packs a rich, slightly sweet flavor, balancing the saltiness from soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps thin the sauce, ensuring it coats the noodles evenly.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Complements the sauce with a nutty, robust aroma.
Note: This recipe serves four generously. Adjust accordingly if you’re doubling for a dinner party or halving for a solo meal.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ways you can customize Shrimp Lo Mein to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for tofu or double the vegetables like mushrooms and baby corn.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of egg noodles.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of sriracha or sprinkle red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use rice noodles instead of egg noodles.
- Additional Vegetables: Try snow peas, shredded carrots, or broccoli for added variety.
For a Mediterranean-inspired pairing, consider trying this Mediterranean baked fish alongside your soup.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick breakdown of how long this recipe will take to prepare:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Equipment You Need
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make this dish effortless:
- Large saucepan: Perfect for stir-frying shrimp and veggies.
- Pot for noodles: Cook noodles evenly without sticking.
- Tongs or spatula: For tossing noodles and mixing ingredients.
- Cutting board and knife: Slice the vegetables easily and uniformly.
- Microplane grater: Ideal for grating fresh ginger.
How to Make Shrimp Lo Mein?
Making Shrimp Lo Mein is all about timing and layering flavors. Let’s get started with easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Cook Noodles
Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to ensure the brown sugar dissolves, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful sauce. While the sauce rests, cook the noodles as per the package instructions. Drain the noodles but don’t rinse them! The starchy surface helps the sauce cling better.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook them for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn opaque and pink. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add the coleslaw mix and red bell peppers to the same pan. Stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes until they just start to soften. Toss in the ginger and garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds to unlock their robust aromas.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, followed by the sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly, allowing the shrimp to soak up the sauce’s flavors. Finally, add the cooked noodles, tossing until fully combined. Serve hot and enjoy!
Credit: stripedspatula
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, a few key tips make a noticeable difference in your Shrimp Lo Mein:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Keep your vegetables crisp by stir-frying them over medium-high heat for just a few minutes.
- If you’re prepping in advance, chop your veggies and mix the sauce beforehand to save time on busy evenings.
- Try using fresh noodles if you can find them; they absorb sauce better than their dried counterparts.
- For an extra nutty and rich finish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
How to Serve Shrimp Lo Mein?
Presentation matters, especially for a colorful dish like Shrimp Lo Mein. Serve it hot in a shallow bowl or plate to showcase the vibrant shrimp and vegetables. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds a pop of fresh flavor. For a party dish, garnish with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture. For a lighter option, you might enjoy this quinoa taco bowl as a side dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 248
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 7g
Make Ahead and Storage
Shrimp Lo Mein is fantastic for meal prep. Here’s what you need to know for storing leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers equally delicious.
- Freeze: While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze portions for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat to retain texture, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Shrimp Lo Mein recipe has something for everyone! Here’s why it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen:
- Quick to prepare: The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: It’s easy to adapt with different vegetables, proteins, or noodles to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Family-friendly: The savory and slightly sweet flavors appeal to both kids and adults.
- Nutritious: Balanced with protein, vegetables, and carbs for a wholesome meal.
- Budget-friendly: Skip takeout and recreate restaurant-quality lo mein at home for a fraction of the cost.
With its quick prep, endless customization options, and comforting flavors, Shrimp Lo Mein is bound to be a beloved dish in your cooking repertoire. Give it a try and discover just how simple and satisfying it can be to make restaurant-style dishes from the comfort of your kitchen!
For more creative recipes, check out our collection of Dinner Ideas.