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Shrimp Lo Mein

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This homemade Shrimp Lo Mein brings the authentic flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen. We start with tender egg noodles (or spaghetti works too!) as the base. The magic comes from slowly caramelizing onions until they're sweet and golden, creating deep flavor throughout the dish. Plump shrimp are quickly cooked with garlic until just right, while fresh bok choy and carrots add color and crunch. Everything gets tossed in a perfectly balanced sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar that coats every noodle. The dish comes together in under an hour, and the result is a restaurant-worthy meal that's fresher and more satisfying than takeout. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll be surprised how quickly you can master this takeout favorite at home.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 18:35:42 GMT
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Shrimp Lo Mein | myhomemaderecipe.com

A homemade Shrimp Lo Mein brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen. This satisfying noodle dish combines succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and tender noodles in a savory sauce that captures the perfect balance of authentic Asian flavors.

During my culinary adventures, I discovered that the secret to perfect lo mein lies in the timing of each component. The way the noodles absorb the sauce while maintaining their texture creates that authentic takeout experience we all crave.

Essential Ingredients & Selection Tips

  • Shrimp: Look for translucent, firm shrimp without any off-odors
  • Lo Mein Noodles: Fresh ones provide the best texture and flavor
  • Oyster Sauce: Premium brands offer richer umami flavor
  • Bok Choy: Choose crisp stems and bright green leaves
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves provide the most vibrant flavor

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Master Your Mise en Place
Devein shrimp and pat dry thoroughly. Cut vegetables into uniform sizes. Mix sauce ingredients until sugar dissolves. Have everything ready before heating the wok.
Step 2: Perfect Your Noodles
Cook just until al dente. Rinse immediately with cold water. Toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking. Keep them separate until the last minute.
Step 3: Prepare Your Shrimp
Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook quickly over high heat. Remove as soon as they turn pink. Keep warm while preparing vegetables.
Step 4: Build Your Base
Caramelize onions slowly for sweetness. Add garlic just until fragrant. Layer vegetables according to cooking time. Maintain high heat throughout.
Step 5: Create the Final Dish
Return shrimp to pan. Add noodles in small batches. Toss continuously while adding sauce. Finish with fresh green onions.
Quick Shrimp Lo Mein with Fresh Vegetables pin it
Quick Shrimp Lo Mein with Fresh Vegetables | myhomemaderecipe.com

My most memorable experience with this dish came when teaching my niece to cook. Watching her face light up as the kitchen filled with aromatic flavors reminded me why simple, well-executed dishes bring such joy.

The Sauce Balance

Finding the perfect ratio of soy sauce to oyster sauce creates that elusive umami flavor that makes restaurant lo mein so addictive. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final taste.

The Noodle Knowledge

Understanding how noodles absorb sauce helps achieve that perfect texture where they're coated but not soggy.

Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe pin it
Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

After countless times making this dish, I've learned that success lies in respecting each ingredient's cooking time and letting the flavors build naturally. When everything comes together just right, this homemade version rivals any restaurant version.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other veggies you enjoy. Just adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.
→ What can I use instead of Lo Mein noodles?
Regular spaghetti works great as a substitute. You can also use other Asian-style noodles like chow mein or wheat noodles.
→ Can I make this with chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Slice chicken breast into thin strips and cook until no longer pink in the middle, about 5-6 minutes.
→ Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds authentic flavor, but you can substitute with extra soy sauce or hoisin sauce if needed. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
→ How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

A tasty homemade lo mein loaded with shrimp, noodles and fresh veggies in a perfect savory sauce - better than takeout!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the sauce

01 3 tablespoons soy sauce
02 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
03 1 tablespoon sugar, plus extra for caramelizing onions

→ Main ingredients

04 8 ounces Lo Mein noodles (or spaghetti)
05 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
06 1 onion, thinly sliced
07 1 garlic clove, minced
08 4 baby bok choy, cut into 1-inch pieces and rinsed well
09 2 small carrots, cut into matchsticks
10 4 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Additional ingredients

11 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
12 1 cup vegetable broth
13 ¼ teaspoon salt, plus extra for pasta water
14 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in a bowl until well combined. Set aside for later.

Step 02

Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions with salt and a pinch of sugar. Cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn deeply golden brown.

Step 03

While onions cook, boil noodles in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 04

In the same wok, cook shrimp and garlic together for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and curl up. Move the onion, shrimp, and garlic mixture to a plate.

Step 05

Add remaining oil to the wok and stir-fry bok choy and carrots for 2 minutes. Pour in vegetable broth, cover, and cook 2 more minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.

Step 06

Add the noodles, shrimp mixture, prepared sauce, and black pepper to the wok. Stir-fry everything together for 2 minutes until the noodles soak up some sauce. Top with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  1. You can substitute spaghetti if Lo Mein noodles aren't available
  2. The key to great flavor is caramelizing the onions until deeply golden
  3. Make sure to rinse bok choy thoroughly as it can hide dirt between its leaves

Tools You'll Need

  • Large wok or skillet
  • Large pot for noodles
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains soy (soy sauce, oyster sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 279
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 21 g