Lo Mein Shrimp is a delightful dish packed with tender shrimp and colorful veggies tossed in savory noodles. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavor!
Making this dish always reminds me of my favorite takeout, but I can whip it up at home in no time. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing friends—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: Fresh or dried lo mein noodles are ideal for this dish. If you can’t find them, spaghetti or even rice noodles will work. I’ve used spaghetti before, and it turned out tasty!
Shrimp: Large shrimp makes the dish feel hearty. If you’re not a shrimp fan, feel free to substitute with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Bok Choy or Napa Cabbage: These greens are perfect for adding nutrition and crunch. If they’re unavailable, other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or snap peas would be great substitutes. Honestly, I love adding more colorful veggies for a hearty dish.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce adds a deep umami flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use mushroom sauce or soy sauce combined with a bit of honey for sweetness.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be a bit tricky! Overcooking makes them rubbery, and nobody wants that. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your skillet well before adding oil. This helps to sear the shrimp quickly.
- Cook them in a single layer without crowding the pan, so they cook evenly.
- Watch for the color change. They should turn pink and opaque in just 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them as soon as they’re cooked.
How to Make Lo Mein Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles and Shrimp:
- 8 oz fresh or dried lo mein noodles (or spaghetti as substitute)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup bok choy or Napa cabbage, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lo Mein Shrimp dish takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for a busy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Now, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process—this helps keep them from getting mushy. Set the noodles aside for now.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. This mixture will be your flavorful sauce that brings everything together. Set this aside as well.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once they are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Quickly add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This will give a lovely flavor to your dish!
5. Add More Ingredients:
Now, add your chopped bok choy (or Napa cabbage), sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp and colorful.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the veggies and toss in the cooked noodles. Pour your prepared sauce over everything. Gently toss the mixture to combine, letting it heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
7. Final Touches:
Give it a taste! You can adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if you’d like. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or stir in chili paste to spice things up!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from the heat and serve your Lo Mein Shrimp hot. Feel free to garnish with extra green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Your homemade Lo Mein Shrimp is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw shrimp quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This dish is super versatile! You can easily add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even baby corn. Just keep the cooking time in mind—you want your veggies to be tender-crisp for the best texture!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the shrimp and replace it with tofu or tempeh for protein! You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or extra bell peppers. Use soy sauce and vegetable broth for the sauce to enhance the flavor further.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive the noodles if they seem dry.
