Shrimp Chow Mein – This classic Asian-inspired dish with the perfect combination of tender shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and savory noodles, offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
What is Shrimp Chow Mein?
Shrimp Chow Mein is a Chinese stir-fry dish made with shrimp, vegetables, and noodles that are stir-fried in a savory sauce. “Chow Mein” translates to “stir-fried noodles” in Cantonese, and it’s a popular takeout dish with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The noodles, shrimp, and vegetables are typically coated in a soy-based sauce, and the dish can be customized with different vegetables and proteins depending on your preferences.
Key Ingredients
Optional toppings: Green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for heat
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
Chow Mein noodles: Thin egg noodles, but you can also use lo mein or even spaghetti in a pinch
Vegetables: Common options include bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts
Sauce: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of sugar for a balanced taste
Garlic and Ginger: Essential aromatics that add depth of flavor
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Chow Mein
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh, deveined shrimp work best for this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from ruining the stir-fry.
- Pre-cook noodles: Always cook your noodles separately before adding them to the stir-fry. This prevents the noodles from turning mushy or clumping together.
- High heat is key: Stir-fry dishes like Shrimp Chow Mein cook best on high heat. This ensures that the vegetables retain their crunch and the shrimp stay tender without overcooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the wok: To keep the stir-fry crisp, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the shrimp and vegetables in batches if needed to give them enough space to cook evenly.
Variations of Shrimp Chow Mein
Low-Carb Chow Mein: For a healthier twist, you can use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles in place of traditional chow mein noodles.
Vegetarian Chow Mein: Skip the shrimp and double up on vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
Chicken Chow Mein: Swap the shrimp for thinly sliced chicken breast for a chicken chow mein variation.
Spicy Chow Mein: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
How to Serve Shrimp Chow Mein
It is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving ideas:
- With a side of steamed rice: Though noodles are the star, serving the chow mein alongside some steamed jasmine rice can make for an extra-filling meal.
- Pair with egg rolls or spring rolls: For an authentic takeout-inspired feast, serve Shrimp Chow Mein with crispy egg rolls or spring rolls on the side.
- As a part of a larger stir-fry spread: Combine your Shrimp Chow Mein with other popular dishes like Kung Pao Chicken or Sweet and Sour Pork for a multi-course meal.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Chow Mein
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil to bring back the crispiness of the vegetables and noodles. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the noodles soggy. If microwaving is your only option, sprinkle some water over the dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for?
A: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess water in the stir-fry.
Q: What noodles work best for Chow Mein?
A: Chow mein noodles are the ideal choice, but you can also use lo mein or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook the noodles al dente to avoid sogginess.
Q: Can I make Shrimp Chow Mein gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your oyster sauce and noodles are also gluten-free. Many Asian grocery stores carry gluten-free alternatives.
Q: Can I substitute the oyster sauce?
A: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or fish sauce. Just note that each brings a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
Shrimp Chow Mein
Shrimp Chow Mein - This classic Asian-inspired dish with the perfect combination of tender shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and savory noodles, offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- ¼ cup sliced green onion tops
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- 2 packages refrigerated yakisoba noodles (11 oz total)
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 2 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 tsp minced fresh garlic
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ cup thinly sliced white or yellow onion
- ¼ cup thinly sliced celery
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the onions: Heat half the oil in a large pan over high heat. Add sliced white onion and cook for 3 minutes until it starts to brown and soften.
- Cook the veggies: Add carrots and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they soften. Toss in the cabbage with 2 tablespoons of water, stir until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Remove veggies from the pan.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the remaining oil and add shrimp to the pan.
- Season with salt and pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Combine noodles and veggies: Run the yakisoba noodles under hot water for 1-2 minutes to separate them. Add the noodles and cooked veggies back to the pan with the shrimp.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture, tossing to coat everything evenly.
- Final touch: Sprinkle in the green onions, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 428Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 249mgSodium 2459mgCarbohydrates 44gFiber 5gSugar 11gProtein 37g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Chow Mein is the perfect blend of savory, crispy, and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is bound to impress. With its endless variations and easy preparation, it’s a meal that you’ll want to return to time and time again. Plus, it’s a great way to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your own kitchen.
Next time you’re craving something satisfying and flavorful, give this Shrimp Chow Mein recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your variations!
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