This recipe is not just about following steps but about embracing the joy of cooking. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the succulent shrimp, and the rich, flavorful sauce all come together to create a dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this Shrimp Lo Mein is a wonderful choice. Plus, it’s highly versatile, allowing for substitutions and variations to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
8 ounces package of lo mein noodles, prepared as directed on the box
470 grams of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 large green bell pepper, sliced
2 small carrots, julienned
2 cups of broccoli florets
2 medium onions, sliced
4 medium garlic cloves, minced
3 large spoons of sesame oil
2 tablespoons of Better Than Bullion
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1 cup of boiling water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lo Mein Sauce
Start by preparing the lo mein sauce. In a small bowl, mix the Better Than Bullion with brown sugar in the boiling water until fully dissolved. Add the soy sauce to the mixture and stir well. Set this sauce aside, allowing the flavors to meld together as you proceed with the rest of the preparation.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Shrimp
Begin by prepping your vegetables. Dice the carrots, bell pepper, onions, and broccoli into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and a balanced bite in every forkful. Mince the garlic cloves finely and set aside.
Next, heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, add the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turn golden brown and are just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Onions
In the same pan used for the shrimp, pour another tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become golden brown and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Once hot, add the julienned carrots, sliced bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still retaining a bit of their crunch and vibrant color.
Step 5: Combine Vegetables and Garlic
Return the onions to the skillet with the other vegetables. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are well combined.
Step 6: Add Shrimp and Sauce
Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Allow everything to simmer together for about 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat all the ingredients.
Step 7: Toss with Noodles
Finally, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauce and mixed evenly with the vegetables and shrimp. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pan from heat and serve your homemade Shrimp Lo Mein immediately. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous substitutions to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences:
Protein Options: Substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, tofu, or a medley of mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Vegetable Choices: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand or your preferences. Snow peas, baby corn, and bok choy are excellent additions.
Noodle Alternatives: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine can be a good substitute. For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles or zucchini noodles.
Sauce Variations: Add a bit of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a different flavor profile. For a spicy kick, include some Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
Shrimp Lo Mein is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that brings the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine to your home kitchen. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce tossed with noodles makes for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the ingredients can be prepped in advance, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this Shrimp Lo Mein is sure to delight your taste buds and become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delicious, homemade taste of this beloved dish. Happy cooking!
