Lo Mein Shrimp is a yummy dish filled with tender shrimp and colorful veggies tossed in a tasty sauce. It’s quick to make and great for a cozy dinner at home!
Honestly, you can never go wrong with shrimp and noodles! I love how everything comes together in just one pot. It makes cleaning up a breeze—winning!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: While traditional lo mein uses specific noodles, spaghetti can work in a pinch. You can also use udon noodles or rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp is a convenient choice too. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. If you prefer, you can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Bok Choy: This greens adds a lovely crunch. You can substitute it with spinach or kale if bok choy isn’t available. Adding broccoli or snap peas can also enhance the dish.
Sauces: If you don’t have oyster sauce, soy sauce can be doubled instead. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce for that umami flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Noodles Don’t Stick Together?
Cooking lo mein noodles can sometimes lead to a mess if they stick. Here are my tips to avoid that:
- Follow the package instructions for cooking times closely to prevent overcooking.
- After draining, rinse the noodles under cold water briefly to stop the cooking process and to wash away excess starch.
- When combining with other ingredients in the skillet, ensure to toss them frequently, letting the oil help separate the strands.
How to Make Lo Mein Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced (red or your choice)
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 green onion, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lo Mein Shrimp dish will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the lo mein noodles or spaghetti and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re just tender. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside. This will make sure they’re ready to mix in later!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sugar, and black pepper. This flavorful sauce will bring everything together, so mix it well and set it aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for about 2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are just opaque. Once they’re done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. You’re almost there!
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. Smell that? It’s going to be delicious!
5. Add the Vegetables:
Now, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and chopped bok choy to the skillet. Stir-fry these colorful veggies until they’re just tender, which should take around 3-4 minutes. You want them to maintain a bit of their crunch!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss it all together. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until everything is heated through and evenly coated in that yummy sauce!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is mixed and delicious, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions for that extra burst of flavor, and serve it hot! Enjoy your homemade Lo Mein Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Bok Choy?
If bok choy isn’t available, feel free to substitute it with spinach, kale, or even broccoli. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may slightly vary based on the veggie you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use a microwave or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of soy sauce if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can swap the shrimp for tofu or extra veggies such as mushrooms and carrots. Make sure to use a vegetarian oyster sauce or just stick with soy sauce for a deliciously plant-based dish!
