Why Everyone Loves This Recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a snap.
• Versatile: Feel free to include your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• Perfect for the Entire Family: Mild enough for kids while still offering enough flavor for adults makes it a great family-friendly option.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal clean-up is required as everything cooks in one pan, saving both time and effort.
• Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients, you can enjoy a delightful meal without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Full Recipe Below)

• Shrimp: Use 21/25 size, tail-off shrimp for this dish. You can opt for larger shrimp, just know they may take a little longer to cook.
• Spaghetti Noodles: I prefer spaghetti noodles for their accessibility, but lo mein noodles are great too if you can find them!
• Baking Soda: This ingredient helps tenderize the shrimp beautifully.
• Soy Sauce: I recommend using low sodium for a balanced flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a delightful nutty flavor. Vegetable oil is a suitable substitute, but I don’t recommend olive oil for Asian dishes.
• Dark Brown Sugar: This sweetens the sauce perfectly.
• Hoisin Sauce: An essential element for that umami flavor typical in Asian cuisine.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: This contributes a zesty kick to the overall taste.
• Cornstarch: A must for thickening the sauce and giving the shrimp a nice coating.
• Veggies: We use a variety of veggies, including carrots, ginger, broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and scallions, but feel free to customize your mixture!

How to Make Shrimp Lo Mein Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Noodles:

Start by following the package directions to cook the noodles. Once done, drain them and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar. Set aside for later.

3. Season the Shrimp:

Pat the shrimp dry and then season them with soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda. This will enhance their flavor and texture.

4. Sear the Shrimp:

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp until they’re almost cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

5. Sauté Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add diced onions, minced garlic, ginger, broccoli, peppers, and scallions. Sauté these ingredients until they’re fragrant and slightly tender.

6. Combine Noodles and Veggies:

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and mix them well.

7. Add Sauce:

Pour the prepared sauce over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together to ensure a delicious even coating.

8. Return Shrimp to Skillet:

Finally, add the seared shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed and heated through. Serve your delicious shrimp lo mein hot and enjoy!

Tips For The Best Shrimp Lo Mein

Here are a few foolproof tips to ensure juicy shrimp, a savory sauce, and perfectly tender vegetables:

• Rinse and Toss Your Noodles in Oil: After cooking, rinse the noodles with cold water to stop cooking. Drain well, then toss in a tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
• Undercook Your Noodles: Cook your noodles for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate, as they will finish cooking in the skillet without becoming soggy.
• Cut Vegetables Evenly: This ensures that they cook uniformly and become suitably tender.
• Use a Wok: If you have one, a wok is ideal for stir-frying! Otherwise, a large skillet will suffice.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure your pan has enough space or cook in batches to avoid steaming instead of stir-frying.

Frequently Asked Questions