Craving a restaurant-quality meal that's both quick and mind-blowingly delicious? Look no further than this Hot and Sour Shrimp Lo Mein that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, spicy, and utterly irresistible Chinese-inspired dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked noodles, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tantalizing sauce that balances heat and tanginess – this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snow peas)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili paste
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Slice green onions, mince garlic, and ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook lo mein noodles according to package instructions, typically 4-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sesame oil to create the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat a large wok or wide skillet over high heat. Add sesame oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they turn pink and are almost cooked through.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add cooked lo mein noodles to the wok and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- Toss and stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, ensuring noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot immediately, ensuring each serving has a good mix of shrimp, vegetables, and noodles.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, so mise en place is crucial!
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a wok or large skillet on high heat to achieve that coveted restaurant-style wok hei (breath of the wok) flavor.
- Don't Overcook Shrimp: They cook fast! Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender and juicy.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or use what's in season for variety.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the chili paste to control the heat level. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier.
- Noodle Tip: Rinse noodles with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together and to stop the cooking process.
- Serve Immediately: Lo mein is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your cooking to serve right away for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 268kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 144mg
