Speedy Shrimp Chow Mein Wok This Way
Speedy Shrimp Chow Mein Wok This Way
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some amazing shrimp chow mein ? Honestly, who doesn't? This recipe will rock your world. It's got that savory, slightly sweet flavour you love.
Brief Overview
Chow mein means "stir fried noodles" in Cantonese, BTW. This easy shrimp chow mein recipe is quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner . It takes about 35 minutes and serves 4 hungry folks.
Main Benefits
This stir fry is packed with protein thanks to the shrimp . Plus, it's a brilliant way to sneak in loads of vegetables .
This Chinese inspired dish is bound to be a crowd pleaser.
Ready to get cooking? You'll need these ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 1 pound (450g) fresh or dried chow mein noodles
- Sauce : Soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and more yummy stuff.
- Stir Fry : Veg oil, garlic, ginger, onion, peppers and cabbage.
Wok This Way: Making Shrimp Chow Mein Super Simple
This isn't your average, boring chow mein recipe . This is Speedy Shrimp Chow Mein , designed for busy lives. Think of those nights when you are too buggered to cook after getting back from a hard day.
Why order takeout? Especially when you can whip up something way tastier and healthier at home? Plus, you know exactly what's going into it!
I reckon the best bit is how adaptable it is. Don't have red bell peppers? Chuck in some carrots! Not a fan of shrimp ? Chicken works a treat too.
Honestly, get creative with it.
The secret? A super hot wok and prepping everything beforehand. Seriously, get your vegetables chopped, your sauce mixed, and your noodles cooked.
Trust me, it makes all the difference. It keeps the wok cooking hot as it stir fries, which is key.
It's also bloody easy . If you can chop vegetables and stir stuff in a pan, you can make this. Let's face it, if I can do it, anyone can! Even the fussiest eaters will be clamoring for seconds.
And even better, the clean-up is a doddle.
So, ditch the takeout menus and give this shrimp chow mein a go. You won't regret it.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, fancy a crack at making some proper shrimp chow mein ? This bit breaks down what you'll need. Trust me, it's easier than putting up a shelf.
Main Ingredients for Your Shrimp Chow Mein
Let's get down to brass tacks. Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy Chinese delight.
- Shrimp: 1 pound (450g), peeled and deveined. Go for the ones labelled US Size 26/30, they're a good shout. Fresh shrimp should smell, well, like the sea and be firm to the touch. Avoid anything that smells a bit off .
- Noodles: 1 pound (450g) of fresh or dried chow mein noodles. If you can’t find them, egg noodles will do in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) of low-sodium soy sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Veggie mushroom sauce works wonders if you're keeping it meat free, mate .
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for that touch of sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) gives it a bit of a tang.
- Sesame Oil: 2 teaspoons ( 10ml total), divided use.
- Ground Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml).
- White Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) - a subtle kick.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced don't be shy with it.
- Ginger: 1 inch (2.5cm) piece, minced same as the garlic.
- Onion: 1 medium , thinly sliced.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 , thinly sliced adds a bit of color, doesn't it?
- Cabbage: 1 cup (100g), shredded (Napa cabbage if you can get it).
- Bean Sprouts: 1 cup (100g).
- Scallions: 2 , chopped, for garnish.
Seasoning Notes
For that Asian stir fry flavor, a dash of ginger and garlic is essential, innit? Don't skip the sesame oil; it adds a nutty depth.
Can't find rice vinegar? A splash of apple cider vinegar will do. Honestly, experiment and see what you like!
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets to make this quick dinner .
- Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir frying, but a large skillet works just fine. Get it screaming hot!
- Large Pot: For boiling the noodles.
- Mixing Bowls: For prepping the sauce and marinating the shrimp .
Right, with all that sorted, you're halfway to making some blinding shrimp chow mein . Now go forth and cook!
Speedy Shrimp Chow Mein: Wok This Way!
Fancy a cracking Shrimp Chow Mein for dinner ? This recipe is proper easy and quicker than ordering a takeaway! This Chinese inspired dish is a total winner.
Prep Like a Pro
First, you've got your mise en place . Honestly, this is the secret weapon. Chop all your vegetables , like onions, peppers and cabbage beforehand.
Whisk together all sauce ingredients in advance. Marinate your shrimp . Having everything ready saves time. It also keeps the stir fry process nice and smooth.
Oh, and be careful with those knives, yeah? Safety first!
Wok This Way: Step-by-Step
Right, here's how you nail this Shrimp Chow Mein stir fry :
- Chuck your shrimp in a bowl with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it sit.
- Cook those noodles ! Follow the packet instructions. Drain them and drizzle with sesame oil. This stops them sticking together.
- Whisk your sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper.
- Get your wok proper hot. Add oil, then garlic and ginger. Stir fry 'til fragrant. Add onions and peppers, then cabbage and bean sprouts.
- Shove the vegetables to one side. Add the shrimp and stir fry until they're lovely and pink.
- Tip the noodles into the wok. Pour over the sauce . Stir fry until everything is combined.
Serve immediately with scallions for garnish! It's a healthy and quick lunch or weeknight dinner.
Pro Tips from Yours Truly
Here's a few secrets to make your Shrimp Chow Mein extra special. First, a screaming hot wok is essential. This gives it that authentic stir fry flavor.
A common mistake is overcrowding the wok, which causes steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if needed. Plus, you can totally make the sauce ahead of time.
How good is that?
Honestly, this shrimp chow mein recipe is a game changer.
Recipe Notes for Your Speedy Shrimp Chow Mein
Alright, let's talk Shrimp Chow Mein deets. This recipe is proper easy , but a few notes will make it even better.
Honestly, even I messed up the first time I tried to make proper chow mein . You live and learn, innit?
Plating Like a Pro and Perfect Pairings
Presentation matters, even for a quick dinner . Pile your shrimp chow mein high in a bowl. Top with extra scallions. Serve with spring rolls for a full Asian experience.
A nice cold glass of Chinese beer goes down a treat too. Don't forget the fortune cookies for afters!
Storing Your Leftovers
Got leftovers? No worries! Chow mein keeps well. Stick it in the fridge in an airtight container. It will be good for up to three days, tops.
Freezing isn't the best option. The noodles can get a bit mushy. But if you must, portion it out first.
Reheat it gently in a pan or microwave. Just add a splash of water so it don't dry out.
Variations on a Theme, Like
Want to mix it up? Go for healthy and swap the noodles for courgetti noodles . It's great for a low-carb lunch .
You can also add more vegetables like broccoli or pak choi.
During autumn, butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness. For a dietary adaptation, you could easily skip the shrimp and add crispy tofu. Making it proper veggie chow mein !
Nutrition Basics : The Good Bits!
This Shrimp Chow Mein is surprisingly good for you. It's packed with protein from the shrimp . Plus you are getting loads of vegetables for vitamins.
Not to mention the sauce isn't swimming in fat.
It’s a decent source of fiber. Just watch the sodium if you're being careful. This makes it a decent candidate for weeknight dinner !
Right then, that's all the goss on this shrimp chow mein stir fry . Get in the kitchen and have a go. You'll smash it, I promise. It's easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make shrimp chow mein ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
You can, but it's best enjoyed fresh, like a good cuppa. The noodles can get a bit soggy if stored with the sauce for too long. If you're prepping ahead, cook the noodles and stir fry the vegetables separately, then combine with the sauce and shrimp just before serving.
It will be nearly as good as if served immediately.
What's the best way to store leftover shrimp chow mein, and how long will it last?
Pop any leftover Shrimp Chow Mein in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It'll keep for about 2-3 days, much like leftovers from your favourite chippy. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out.
A quick zap in the microwave or a stir fry in a pan works well.
I can't find chow mein noodles anywhere! What else can I use?
No worries, mate! If you're struggling to find chow mein noodles, egg noodles are a great substitute, like when you can't get proper Yorkshire pudding flour. You could also use spaghetti or linguine in a pinch. Just cook them according to the package directions and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Is there a vegetarian version of shrimp chow mein? My mate's gone veggie!
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe. Simply omit the shrimp and replace it with tofu, mushrooms, or more vegetables. For a truly authentic flavour, swap out the oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce or simply use extra soy sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy a good Shrimp Chow Mein style feast!
What's the best way to get that authentic stir fry flavour when making shrimp chow mein at home?
A few key things will help you achieve that proper takeaway taste. First, make sure your wok (or largest frying pan) is screaming hot before adding any ingredients like a proper summer's day! Secondly, don't overcrowd the pan; stir fry in batches if necessary.
Finally, use high quality soy sauce and don't be afraid to experiment with other Asian sauces like hoisin or black bean sauce.
How can I make my shrimp chow mein healthier? Are there any nutritional benefits?
To make your Shrimp Chow Mein healthier, use whole wheat noodles and load up on the veggies! Reduce the amount of oil and soy sauce to lower the fat and sodium content. Nutritionally, this dish provides protein from the shrimp, fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates for energy.
You can consider adding peanuts or cashews for increased nutritional value as well!
