Shrimp Chow Mein

This Shrimp Chow Mein is a takeout favorite made easy at home. Packed with juicy shrimp, tender egg noodles, and crisp vegetables in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, it’s a 30-minute one-wok meal that’s better than your local Chinese restaurant. Quick, flavorful, and sure to satisfy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Chow Mein is the ultimate quick and easy meal that brings the flavor of your favorite Chinese takeout dish right into your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy nights, as it comes together in just 30 minutes using a single wok or skillet. The juicy shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and silky noodles are all tossed in a rich, slightly sweet sauce that packs a punch of umami. Plus, it’s customizable—add more veggies or spice it up with extra chili if you prefer! This dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite for its flavor and convenience.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 3 tablespoons canola oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

• 1 red chili, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced

• 6 oz baby portabella mushrooms, sliced

• 2–4 baby bok choy, quartered

• ¼ cup bamboo shoots

• 10 oz ready-to-use lo mein egg noodles

• ¼ cup fresh bean sprouts

• 3 green onions, cut lengthwise and into 2” pieces

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1½ tablespoons hoisin sauce

• ½ teaspoon minced garlic

• ½ teaspoon minced ginger

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sear the Shrimp

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and sear for 1 minute per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and sliced chili for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

3. Cook the Vegetables

Add the bell pepper, mushrooms, bok choy, and bamboo shoots to the pan. Stir fry for about 1 minute until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.

4. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.

5. Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the lo mein noodles to the pan along with the sauce. Stir fry for 1–2 minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is well combined.

6. Add Shrimp and Garnishes

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the bean sprouts and green onions. Toss everything together and cook for 1 more minute until heated through.

7. Serve

Transfer the Shrimp Chow Mein to a serving plate, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Spicy version: If you like your Chow Mein with a kick, increase the amount of red chili or add a spoonful of chili paste or hot sauce to the sauce.

• Vegetarian option: Skip the shrimp and add tofu or extra vegetables like snow peas, carrots, or broccoli for a plant-based version.

• Noodles swap: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can use other types of noodles, such as ramen or even spaghetti in a pinch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just keep in mind that the texture of the noodles may change when reheated.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

2. What kind of noodles should I use for Chow Mein?

Lo mein noodles are traditional, but you can use any type of Asian egg noodles, like chow mein noodles or even rice noodles, if you prefer.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, baby corn, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the dish is best served fresh, you can prep the vegetables, shrimp, and sauce ahead of time. Then, just stir fry everything together when you’re ready to eat.

5. How do I make this dish spicier?

To make it spicier, you can increase the amount of red chili, add chili paste, or even include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure that your noodles are gluten-free, like rice noodles, to make this dish gluten-free.

7. What can I serve with Shrimp Chow Mein?

Shrimp Chow Mein is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a simple cucumber salad.

8. How do I get the noodles to absorb the sauce?

Be sure to stir fry the noodles in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing them to soak up the flavorful liquid. If the noodles are too dry, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen them up.

9. Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a different twist on this dish.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan, adding a bit of water or soy sauce to help the noodles loosen up.

Conclusion

Shrimp Chow Mein is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings all the best flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout into your home kitchen. With tender shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests at a dinner party. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to serve—better than takeout, and made with fresh ingredients!

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