How To Cook Shrimp Lo Mein

How to Cook Shrimp Lo Mein

What is Lo Mein Sauce Made Of?

How to Fry Shrimp for Noodles?

What is Shrimp Lo Mein Made Of?

Cooking shrimp lo mein is a delicious and satisfying meal option that can be easily prepared at home. This Chinese-inspired dish combines tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and flavorful noodles in a savory sauce. If you’re interested in learning how to cook shrimp lo mein, read on for a step-by-step guide.

To start, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– 8 ounces of lo mein noodles
– 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
– 1 cup of sliced vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1/4 cup of chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional garnishes: sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Now, let’s go through the cooking process step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are cooked al dente, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Shrimp

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced vegetables and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You can adjust the cooking time depending on your preference for the texture of the vegetables.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. This combination of sauces creates a rich and flavorful base for the lo mein.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked noodles and shrimp back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the ingredients and toss everything together until well-coated and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the shrimp lo mein to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Now you know how to cook shrimp lo mein! This delicious dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables or additional protein options like chicken or beef. Enjoy the savory flavors and satisfying textures of this classic Chinese-inspired meal.

Are you supposed to boil lo mein noodles?

Yes, lo mein noodles are typically boiled before adding them to the stir-fry dish. Boiling the noodles helps to soften them and make them easier to toss with the sauce and other ingredients. It also helps to remove any excess starch from the noodles.

What sauce do Chinese restaurants use?

Chinese restaurants often use a variety of sauces in their dishes, but one common sauce used in many Chinese dishes, including lo mein, is a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. This mixture provides a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

What kind of noodles do you use for lo mein?

Lo mein is typically made with wheat-based noodles. These noodles are similar to spaghetti noodles in texture and shape, but they are slightly thicker. They can be found in most Asian grocery stores and are often labeled as “lo mein noodles” or “Chinese egg noodles”.

Do you cook shrimp with oil or water?

When cooking shrimp, it is typically cooked with oil rather than water. Shrimp contains natural oils, and cooking them with oil helps to enhance their flavor and prevent them from drying out. The oil also helps to create a nice sear on the shrimp, adding a slightly crispy texture.

Do you boil or pan fry shrimp?

Shrimp can be cooked in a variety of ways, but pan frying is a popular method for cooking shrimp. Pan frying allows the shrimp to develop a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It also allows for the addition of flavorful seasonings and sauces during the cooking process.

Do you rinse shrimp before frying?

Yes, it is recommended to rinse shrimp before frying. Rinsing helps remove any impurities or dirt that may be present on the shrimp’s surface. It also helps to reduce the fishy odor that shrimp sometimes have. To rinse shrimp, simply place them in a colander and run cold water over them, gently rubbing them with your hands to ensure all surfaces are clean. After rinsing, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before frying.

Why does lo mein taste so good?

Lo mein is a popular Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles and a variety of vegetables and protein. It is known for its delicious taste due to several factors. Firstly, the noodles used in lo mein are typically cooked al dente, giving them a satisfying chewiness. Secondly, the dish is often seasoned with a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, which adds depth and richness to the taste. Finally, the combination of fresh vegetables and protein such as chicken, beef, or shrimp adds complexity and texture to the dish.

What is the best Chinese sauce?

The best Chinese sauce can vary depending on personal preferences and the dish it is being used for. However, one of the most popular and versatile Chinese sauces is soy sauce. Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and wheat, giving it a rich, savory flavor. It is commonly used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or seasoning in a wide range of Chinese dishes. Other popular Chinese sauces include oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and black bean sauce, each adding its own unique flavor profile to dishes.

What is lo mein supposed to taste like?

Lo mein is supposed to have a balanced and savory taste. The noodles should have a slightly chewy texture, while the vegetables should be tender-crisp. The sauce used in lo mein should be well-seasoned, offering a combination of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. The dish may also have a hint of smokiness from the stir-frying process. Ultimately, the taste of lo mein can vary depending on the specific ingredients and seasonings used, but it should be satisfying and flavorful.

What is hoisin sauce used for?

Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is made from a combination of soybeans, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. Hoisin sauce is known for its sweet and savory taste, with a hint of tanginess and umami flavor. It is often used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings, as a glaze for roasted meats such as Peking duck, and as a flavor enhancer in stir-fries and noodle dishes. The versatility and unique taste of hoisin sauce make it a popular condiment in Chinese cooking.

Summary

In Chinese cuisine, it is recommended to rinse shrimp before frying to remove impurities and reduce the fishy odor. Lo mein tastes so good due to its al dente noodles, flavorful sauce, and the combination of fresh vegetables and protein. The best Chinese sauce varies, but soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and black bean sauce are popular choices. Lo mein is supposed to have a balanced and savory taste with chewy noodles and tender-crisp vegetables. Hoisin sauce is used as a dipping sauce, glaze, or flavor enhancer in various Chinese dishes.