Shrimp Chow Mein Recipe

I absolutely love this shrimp chow mein recipe because it’s a perfect blend of savory and fresh flavors, with succulent shrimp and crisp vegetables that make every bite exciting. Plus, it’s super satisfying to whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home, impressing both myself and anyone lucky enough to join me for dinner!

My chow mein with shrimp is a delicious and colorful dish harmonizing textures and flavors. I use 8 ounces of chow mein noodles, which perfectly absorb the savory blend of soy and oyster sauces.

I also use 1 pound of shrimp, which is perfectly lean and friendly protein. I mix in some vibrant carrots, sugar snap peas, and red bell pepper, which adds a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Shrimp:
Packed with protein and light on calories.

Mouthwateringly tasty, yet temptingly light, seafood.

Chow Mein Noodles:
Rich in carbohydrates and supplying energy.

A highly flexible foundation for flavor.

Garlic:
Provides a deliciously rich flavor.

The antibacterial benefits provide a whole spectrum of health advantages.

Ginger:
Pungent and fragrant.

Renowned for its anti-inflammatory and digestive advantages.

Red Bell Pepper:
Loaded with Vitamin C.

Contributes a fresh, sweet crunch to the dish.

Soy Sauce:
Intensely savory taste.

Contributes brininess and intricacy to the flavor profile of the dish.

Sesame Oil:
Pungent and nutty.

Boosts flavor with a toasty quality.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preparation of the chow mein noodles involves following the package directions, so they are cooked correctly. After cooking, they need to be drained, of course, but it is equally important that they be set aside.

2. In a large skillet or wok, medium-high heat is used to warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Shrimp are added and stir-fried in the wok until they turn pink and are cooked all the way through, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp are then removed from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add the last tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then, add the minced garlic and the grated ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until they’re exuding a lovely scent.

4. Add the sliced red bell pepper, the sugar snap peas, and the julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

5. Put the shrimp that have been cooked back into the skillet with the vegetables.

6. In a tiny bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.

7. The shrimp and vegetables in the skillet should have the sauce mixture poured over them. Stir to coat everything evenly.

8. Add the skillet to the cooked chow mein noodles and toss everything together to combine.

9. Scattering the sliced green onions across the top. Seasoning with salt and pepper to the desired taste, and tossing again.

10. Before serving, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Now sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor with this incredible product of your kitchen. Chow mein made with shrimp is an ancient dish that Asian cultures have enjoyed for centuries.

Equipment Needed

1. Pot
2. Strainer
3. Large skillet or wok
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Small bowl
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Grater
9. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?You can substitute with other Asian noodles, such as lo mein, or use rice noodles, if you prefer.
• Q: How can I make this dish spicier?A: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste or some sliced fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
• Q: Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?You can achieve a similar effect with soy sauce, a dash of sugar, and hoisin sauce.
• Q: Can I add more vegetables?B: Definitely! Include broccoli, bok choy, or mushrooms in the medley.
• Q: How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?Shrimp, when cooked, result in a pink and opaque dish, achieved after 2-3 minutes of cooking on each side.
• Q: Is there a vegetarian option?A: Yes, shrimp can be substituted with tofu or tempeh and vegetarian oyster sauce used instead.
• Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?Freshness is optimal for serving this dish, but the individual components can be prepared ahead of time. The vegetables can be cut and the sauce can be made, waiting in the fridge until it’s time to reheat and serve.

Substitutions and Variations

Noodles chow mein – Use spaghetti or lo mein instead.
Shrimp – Substitute with strips of chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Cooking oil – Use canola or olive oil in place of this.
Red bell pepper – Swap with yellow or green bell pepper.
Oyster sauce – For a different flavor, substitute with fish sauce. For a plant-based alternative, try vegetarian oyster sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Noodle Preparation After draining the cooked chow mein noodles, rinse them under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together, ensuring they remain springy and perfect for stir-frying.

2. High Heat Stir-Fry Make sure your skillet or wok is properly heated before adding the shrimp and vegetables. High heat is crucial for a good stir-fry, allowing ingredients to cook quickly and retain their crispness and vibrant color.

3. Ginger-Garlic Balance When cooking the minced garlic and grated ginger, monitor them closely to prevent burning. If they start browning too quickly, lower the heat momentarily or add the vegetables sooner to prevent a bitter taste.

4. Sauce Integration Before adding the sauce mixture to the skillet, give it a quick stir to ensure that the hoisin, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil are well combined. This ensures even flavor distribution when poured over the shrimp and vegetables.

5. Green Onion Freshness Reserve some of the green onions to sprinkle on top right before serving. This adds a fresh and vibrant flavor, enhancing the overall presentation and taste of the dish.