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Shrimp Lo Mein With Red And Green Pepper is all about bold flavors and glorious textures tossed together in one fast-moving pan. The plump shrimp stay juicy, the peppers keep their bite, and every noodle gets slicked in a glossy, balanced sauce—an instant dinner upgrade that whips up quicker than it takes to wait for takeout. The results always remind me how impressively comforting a bowl of homemade lo mein can be after a busy weekday.
I first tried a homemade lo mein on a whim and never looked back—now I crave that chewy noodle and crunchy vegetable combo every time I want Chinese food fast.
Ingredients
- Lo mein noodles: The fresh kind gives you the best bouncy bite but dried noodles also work with careful cooking Try for noodles that feel sturdy when pressed
- Shrimp: Choose medium-sized peeled and deveined for best bite and fastest cooking Quality shrimp should smell briny and never fishy
- Soy sauce: Use low sodium to manage the saltiness in your final sauce A quality brand makes a big difference
- Teriyaki sauce: Brings subtle sweetness and extra umami to balance the soy Stick with well-made bottled versions with minimal additives
- Fresh garlic: Finely minced for vibrant real flavor Choose plump firm cloves without green sprouts
- Sesame oil: Just a small drizzle at the end adds deep roasted aroma and flavor Look for golden toasted types in the Asian section
- Red and green bell peppers: Bright color and satisfying crunch Find shiny skins and firm shapes for freshest results
- Snap peas: These add sweet snap and color Choose plump pods without soft spots
- Fresh ginger: Lively heat and fragrance Use a piece that feels heavy and taut with skin that is not dried out
- Green onions: For garnish and freshness Select vibrant green stalks without wilting or slime
- Oyster sauce and hoisin sauce: Both deepen umami and add body to the sauce Choose reputable Asian brands where possible
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Chop peppers and snap peas into even strips Peel and mince garlic and ginger Slice green onions Rinse shrimp then pat very dry with a paper towel to help them sear
- Cook the Noodles:
- Boil noodles in well-salted water just until al dente Taste them after three minutes and remove before fully soft since they finish cooking in the stir fry Rinse with cold water and drain well to prevent sticking
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high until just about smoking Add a little neutral oil Add shrimp in a single layer Let them sizzle untouched for one minute until they get a light golden edge Stir and cook only until just opaque then transfer to a plate
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add another drizzle of oil if needed Drop in garlic and ginger Stir for thirty seconds to release fragrance Add peppers and snap peas Stir-fry for two to three minutes to keep them crisp and bright
- Combine and Sauce:
- Return noodles to the pan along with shrimp and quickly toss to mix Whisk together soy sauce oyster sauce hoisin and a splash of water Pour over the stir fry Toss briskly with tongs so every noodle gets glazed
- Finish With Flavor:
- Drizzle a little sesame oil all over Give one last toss so the aroma hits every part Turn off the heat immediately
- Check and Serve:
- Taste and adjust with more soy or a splash of water for a looser sauce Test noodles for doneness—they should be slick and chewy Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds
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My favorite ingredient here is the toasted sesame oil—just a quick drizzle at the end lifts the whole dish and makes the kitchen smell incredible. This recipe always brings friends and family to the table fast especially when everyone is hungry and craving big flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The noodles stay pleasantly chewy and the veggies keep some bite Just reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce Avoid microwaving too long or the shrimp can toughen
Ingredient Substitutions
No lo mein noodles Use spaghetti or linguine in a pinch For the shrimp swap in chicken or tofu just cut into bite-size pieces and cook through Mix up the vegetables with carrots mushrooms broccoli or snow peas based on season and what you have on hand
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Serving Suggestions
Serve hot from the wok piled high as a main Just add egg drop soup or simple veggie spring rolls for a full meal For a crowd set out bowls with extra green onions sesame seeds and chili crisp so everyone can top their own
Cultural Context
Lo mein means tossed noodles in Cantonese and has been a favorite Chinese restaurant classic for decades It’s beloved for its adaptability and signature silky texture Home cooks can make authentic lo mein with simple pantry staples and a hot pan for authentic results
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of noodles works best?
Fresh lo mein noodles provide the best chewy texture, but dried noodles can be used if cooked carefully to avoid sogginess.
- → How can I avoid overcooking shrimp?
Pat shrimp dry before cooking and stir-fry on high heat briefly until just pink and opaque to keep them tender.
- → What sauce ingredients create the flavor?
A combination of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces delivers a balanced savory and slightly sweet profile that complements the shrimp and veggies.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely, snap peas, carrots, or bok choy make great additions to maintain crispness and add color.
- → When should sesame oil be added?
Introduce sesame oil at the end of cooking to preserve its fragrance and add a subtle nutty finish.