Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dish
Lo mein is a beloved noodle dish, and this shrimp lo mein recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It's incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the vegetables and protein to your liking, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This guide will walk you through creating a restaurant-quality shrimp lo mein right in your own kitchen.
What You'll Need: Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Lo Mein
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs.
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces dried lo mein noodles (or other egg noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium to large size recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- ½ cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Shrimp Lo Mein
Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying shrimp lo mein dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Boil the lo mein noodles according to package directions until they are tender but still slightly firm.
- Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Toss the noodles with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Combine the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok.
- Add the broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic powder.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked noodles and shrimp to the wok with the vegetables.
- Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the noodles are heated through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade shrimp lo mein!
Tips and Variations for Your Shrimp Lo Mein
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, baby corn, or bean sprouts.
- Protein swap: Substitute the shrimp with chicken, pork, beef, or tofu.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of steamed rice or egg rolls.
- Prep ahead: You can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
This shrimp lo mein recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and variations to create your perfect dish! Remember to share your creations and tag us – we'd love to see your culinary masterpieces. Happy cooking!
