Shrimp Lo Mein is a tasty Chinese-American dish featuring shrimp, veggies, and noodles in a savory sauce. It's a fusion of Chinese and American flavors, offering a satisfying combination of textures and tastes. This dish is quick to make and perfect for takeout or a homemade meal.
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What is Shrimp lo mein?
Shrimp Lo Mein is a Chinese dish with tender and flavorful shrimp, stir-fried vegetables, and noodles. The dish typically features a combination of aromatics, such as garlic, ginger, and scallions, along with various vegetables, such as red onions, carrots, and poblano peppers. The dish is seasoned with a blend of sauces and spices such as oyster sauce, soy sauce, and chili powder, which gives it its signature umami flavor.
This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking a comforting and satisfying meal. It can be enjoyed independently or paired with other Chinese dishes, such as potstickers or egg rolls.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined: This is the main protein in the dish and adds a savory seafood flavor.
For the Shrimp Lo Mein Marinade:
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: This adds depth of flavor to the shrimp.
- Kosher salt: This enhances the overall flavor of the shrimp.
- Ground black pepper: This adds subtle heat and complexity to the marinade.
- Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the marinade and coat the shrimp for a more flavorful and tender texture.
- Granulated garlic: This adds a hint of garlic flavor to the shrimp.
For the Shrimp Lo Mein Sauce:
- Oyster sauce: This ingredient adds a rich, savory, and umami flavor to the dish.
- Dark soy sauce: It adds a salty and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: This helps balance the dish's saltiness.
- Indian red chili powder or ground cayenne pepper: This ingredient adds mild heat to the dish.
- Knorr Shrimp Flavor Bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup of hot water: This boosts the shrimp flavor to the dish.
- Shaoxing wine: This adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Granulated sugar: This helps balance the dish's saltiness and spiciness.
- Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the sauce.
For the Stir Fry:
- Whole wheat Linguine or lo Mein noodles: These are the base of the dish and provide a satisfying texture.
- Peanut oil, as needed: This is used for stir-frying the vegetables and shrimp.
- Cloves of garlic, sliced: This adds a fragrant and slightly pungent flavor.
- Large red onion, sliced: This adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
- Carrot, shredded: This adds a crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor.
- Poblano, cut in half, seeded, and sliced into strips: This adds mild heat and a fresh pepper flavor to the dish.
- Ginger, grated: This adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
- Small bunch of scallions, white and green parts, sliced: This adds a fresh and slightly pungent flavor to the dish.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Shrimp Lo Mein
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Combine the shrimp and the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Stir to mix well. Set aside for 10 minutes. Combine the bouillon, oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, pepper, sesame oil, sugar, and Shaoxing wine in a large glass measuring cup or small bowl and set aside. Bring an inch of water to a boil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the noodles and cook according to the packaging. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to stop cooking.
Transfer to a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil, toss, and set aside. Heat a 14-inch wok over high heat. When hot, add 3 tablespoons of peanut oil, add the shrimp, and cook until they turn pink and curl up for about 2 minutes. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and reserve. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of peanut oil in the same pan and add the garlic, ginger, and scallions. Saute for 30 seconds, then add the poblano, carrots, and onions. Saute the veggies until they brown and caramelize, for 4 to 5 minutes.
Whisk the cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of cold water. Once dissolved, add to the sauce. Add the sauce to the pan with the vegetables and simmer. Toss in the reserved shrimp, aromatics, and noodles, and serve. Enjoy! Pair with our Hot Chili Oil and Easy Chinese Cucumber Salad.
Substitutions
- Shrimp: If you prefer a different type of seafood, you can substitute the shrimp with other seafood such as scallops, crabmeat, or squid. You could also use chicken or beef if you prefer a non-seafood option.
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: If you don't have Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, you can substitute it with rice wine, white wine, or apple cider vinegar.
- Oyster sauce: If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and sugar.
- Dark soy sauce: If you don't have dark soy sauce, you can substitute it with regular soy sauce and molasses or brown sugar.
- Indian red chili powder or ground cayenne pepper: If you don't have these spices, you can substitute them with chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Knorr Shrimp Flavor Bouillon cube: If you don't have this ingredient, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes or stock.
- Whole wheat Linguine or lo Mein noodles: You can use regular lo mein or egg noodles instead of whole wheat, or even substitute them with spaghetti or fettuccine if you still need Chinese noodles.
- Peanut oil: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute peanut oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or sesame oil.
- Red onion: You can use white or yellow onions instead of red onions.
- Poblano pepper: If you can't find poblano peppers, you can substitute them with bell or Anaheim peppers.
Variations
- Vegetable Lo Mein: You can omit the shrimp and make a vegetable lo mein by adding more vegetables, such as broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, or bok choy. You can also add some tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein: Add more chili powder or hot sauce if you like spicy food. You can also add some sliced jalapenos or Thai chilies for an extra kick.
- Garlic Shrimp Lo Mein: Add more sliced garlic to the dish if you love garlic. Add roasted garlic paste or oil for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Curry Shrimp Lo Mein: Add some curry powder or paste to the dish if you like curry. You can add coconut milk or cream for a creamy and aromatic flavor.
- Sesame Shrimp Lo Mein: Add some toasted sesame oil or seeds to the dish if you like the sesame flavor. You can add honey or brown sugar for a sweet and nutty flavor.
- Teriyaki Shrimp Lo Mein: If you like teriyaki sauce, you can substitute the oyster and soy sauce with teriyaki sauce. You can also add some mirin or rice vinegar for a tangy flavor.
How to Serve
Shrimp Lo Mein is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. You can do it as a main course for lunch or dinner or as a side dish to complement other Chinese dishes such as fried rice, dumplings, or spring rolls. You can also garnish it with chopped cilantro, peanuts, or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. You can serve it with steamed vegetables or a simple salad to make it a complete meal. Shrimp Lo Mein can be enjoyed hot or cold, so pack it for lunch or picnics or enjoy it as a leftover the next day.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3-4 days. Cooling the dish completely before storing it to prevent bacteria growth is essential.
To reheat: Microwave the dish for 1-2 minutes, or heat it in a pan on the stove over medium heat until it is heated. If the noodles dry during the reheating process, you can add a splash of water or broth to moisten them. Avoid overcooking the shrimp and vegetables, as they can become mushy and lose their texture. To preserve the freshness and flavor of the dish, it is best to reheat only the portion you plan to eat and not reheat it multiple times. You can enjoy delicious Shrimp Lo Mein anytime with proper storage and reheating techniques.
Make-Ahead
Shrimp Lo Mein can be made and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To make it ahead, you can cook the noodles and shrimp separately and store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. You can also prepare the sauce, chop the vegetables ahead of time, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you are ready to serve, reheat the noodles and shrimp in a pan with oil or broth, and add the vegetables and sauce.
Stir-fry everything together until it is heated through and the sauce is evenly distributed. You can also assemble the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day or in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you are ready to serve, reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated.
How to Freeze
Let the dish cool to room temperature to freeze the shrimp lo mein. Then transfer the Shrimp Lo Mein to an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag, and press out as much air as possible. Make sure to label the container with the date and contents. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the Shrimp Lo Mein in the refrigerator overnight or place the container or bag in a bowl of cold water to defrost it more quickly.
Once thawed, reheat the Shrimp Lo Mein on the stovetop or microwave, adding water or broth to prevent drying. Note that freezing can slightly alter the texture of the noodles and vegetables, so it's best to freeze the Shrimp Lo Mein as soon as possible after cooking it to minimize the texture changes.
Tips for Making The Best Shrimp lo mein
- Use fresh shrimp: Make sure to use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy wild-caught or sustainably farmed shrimp.
- Make sure to cook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Cook the noodles al dente: To prevent them from becoming mushy, cook them until they are al dente and then rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prep all the ingredients ahead of time: Shrimp Lo Mein is a stir-fry dish that cooks quickly, so it's essential to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- Use a wok or a large skillet: A wok or a large skillet will allow you to cook the dish evenly and quickly. Ensure to heat the pan until it's very hot before adding the ingredients.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Make sure to stir-fry the ingredients quickly and continuously to prevent burning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Adding too many ingredients at once will release moisture and steam instead of stir-frying, resulting in a soggy dish.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Shrimp Lo Mein is a versatile dish, so feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices to your liking. Add more or less salt, sugar, or chili powder, depending on your preference.
FAQ
Can I use other types of noodles for Shrimp Lo Mein?
You can use different noodles, such as egg noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles. However, the cooking time and texture may vary depending on the type of noodle.
Can I substitute the shrimp with other proteins?
You can substitute the shrimp with other proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, tofu, or tempeh. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent the noodles from sticking together, cook them in a large pot of boiling water with oil or salt. After cooking, rinse the noodles with cold water and toss them with oil to prevent them from clumping.
Is Shrimp Lo Mein a healthy dish?
Shrimp Lo Mein can be a healthy dish with whole grain noodles, fresh vegetables, and lean protein such as shrimp. However, some recipes may contain high amounts of sodium, fat, and sugar, so choosing the ingredients wisely and watching the portion size is essential.
How do I customize the spiciness level of Shrimp Lo Mein?
To customize the spiciness level of Shrimp Lo Mein, you can adjust the amount of chili powder or hot sauce in the recipe. Add sliced jalapenos or Thai chilies for extra heat, or omit them for a milder flavor. You can also serve the dish with chili flakes or hot sauce on the side for those who prefer more heat.
Related Recipes:
- Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Vegetable Lo Mein
- Asian Pulled Pork
- Asian Dipping Sauce
- Sichuan Mala Chicken
- Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs
Recipe
Easy Shrimp Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 2 lb (908 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Shrimp Lo Mein Marinade:
- 4 teaspoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 teaspoons tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
For the Shrimp Lo Mein Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Indian red chili powder or ground cayenne pepper
- 1 Knorr Shrimp Flavor Bouillon cube dissolve in 1 cup of hot water
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir Fry:
- 16 oz (454g) whole wheat Linguineor lo Mein noodles
- 7 tablespoons peanut oil , as needed
- 4 cloves garlic , sliced
- 1 large red onion , sliced
- 1 carrot , shredded
- 1 poblano , cut in half, seeded and sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon ginger , grated
- 1 small bunch of scallions , white and green parts, sliced
Instructions
- For the marinade: Combine the shrimp and the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Stir to mix well. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- For the Sauce: Combine the bouillon, oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, pepper, sesame oil, sugar, and Shaoxing wine in a large glass measuring cup or small bowl and set aside. In a large pot, bring an inch of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the noodles and cook according to the packaging. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil, toss, and set aside.
- For the Stir Fry: Heat a 14-inch wok over high heat. When hot, add 3 tablespoons of peanut oil, add in the shrimp and cook until they start to turn pink and curl up for about 2 minutes. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and reserve. In the same pan, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of peanut oil and add the garlic, ginger, and scallions.
- Saute for 30 seconds, and then add in the poblano, carrots, and onions. Saute the veggies until they begin to brown and caramelize, 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk the cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of cold water. Once dissolved, add to the sauce. Add the sauce to the pan with the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Toss in the reserved shrimp, aromatics, and noodles, and serve. Enjoy! Pair with our Hot Chili Oil and Easy Chinese Cucumber Salad.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.