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Shrimp Lo Mein with Sesame Ginger sauce

Shrimp Lo Mein with Sesame Ginger Sauce

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok A wok is traditional for Chinese cooking recipes and gives you the ability to stir-fry quickly over high heat. A deep nonstick skillet works great too.
  • Medium pot For boiling your noodles.
  • Tongs or a spatula To toss and stir-fry the ingredients evenly.
  • Grater or microplane For fresh ginger (makes a huge difference).
  • Mixing bowl To whisk up the sesame ginger sauce.

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar for a deeper sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinega
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken the sauce
  • ¼ cup water

For the Stir Fry

  • 8 oz lo mein noodles or ramen noodles if that’s what you have
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil like canola or vegetable
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 cup snow peas
  • 1 medium carrot julienned
  • ½ small red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions chopped (reserve green tops for garnish)
  • 1 cup shredded napa cabbage optional but adds great texture
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • Lime wedges optional, but adds brightness

Instructions
 

Prepare the Noodles

  1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. If using ramen noodles, follow the same approach (skip the seasoning packet). Set aside.

Make the Sesame Ginger Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. This blend will thicken as it cooks and coat your noodles with that iconic glossy sheen seen in your favorite lo mein recipes.

Cook the Shrimp

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Add a touch more oil if needed, then toss in the bell pepper, carrot, onion, and snow peas. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Add the cabbage and green onion (white parts), and cook for 1 more minute. If you're looking for something closer to a chow mein recipe vegetable mix, feel free to include broccoli, bean sprouts, or mushrooms.

Combine Everything

  1. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, then add in the cooked noodles. Pour the sesame ginger sauce over everything. Toss well to coat, letting the sauce thicken and cling to the noodles (about 1-2 minutes).

Garnish and Serve

  1. Top with green onion tops and toasted sesame seeds. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy the savory-sweet-spicy balance of this easy lo mein recipe.