Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese has been a go-to dish in my kitchen for years, ever since I tried a truly authentic version at a small restaurant tucked away in Chinatown. The aroma of garlic and ginger hitting the hot wok, the sizzle of the shrimp, and the vibrant colors of the crisp vegetables stirred up such a craving! This authentic Chinese shrimp chow mein recipe is my way of recreating that magic at home, bringing the delicious flavors of a Chinese restaurant right to your table. Forget takeout – you can whip up this incredibly satisfying and flavorful noodle dish in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese
Get ready to fall in love with this incredible dish! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that will transport your taste buds straight to Asia.
- Flavor Explosion: Experience a symphony of savory, sweet, and umami notes that dance on your palate.
- Incredibly Versatile: Easily swap out vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Achieve that authentic Chinese takeout taste without leaving your kitchen.
- Quick & Easy: This easy shrimp chow mein Chinese dish comes together in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy-ish Option: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, it’s a satisfying meal you can feel good about.
- Fast Preparation: With a total time of just 20 minutes, this quick shrimp chow mein Chinese is a lifesaver.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your liking for a truly personalized experience.
- Impress Your Guests: Serve this delightful noodle dish and watch everyone rave about your cooking skills.
Ingredients for Authentic Chinese Shrimp Chow Mein Recipe
Gathering these Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese ingredients is the first step to creating an amazing noodle dish right in your own kitchen. I love how simple and fresh everything is!
- 200 g egg noodles – choose a good quality noodle for the best texture
- 300 g shrimp, peeled and deveined – medium-sized shrimp work perfectly
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil – or another high-heat oil like canola or peanut oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced – fresh garlic is key for that pungent aroma
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced – adds a subtle sweetness and depth
- 1 carrot, julienned – for a bit of crunch and beautiful color
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded – adds bulk and a nice crispness
- ½ cup snow peas or green beans – for a pop of green and fresh flavor
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – the base of our savory sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional) – adds a rich, umami depth that’s hard to beat
- 1 tsp sesame oil – for that unmistakable nutty aroma
- ½ tsp sugar – balances the saltiness of the soy sauce
- salt and pepper to taste – season at the end
- chopped scallions for garnish (optional) – adds a fresh oniony bite and visual appeal
How to Make Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese Takeout Style
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese dish that rivals your favorite takeout spot. It’s surprisingly straightforward, and the results are so rewarding!
- Step 1: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until they are perfectly al dente – you don’t want them mushy! Drain them well and set them aside. This is the base for our fantastic shrimp stir fry noodles Chinese.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for just 1-2 minutes, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Don’t overcook them! Remove the shrimp from the wok and set them aside.
- Step 3: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the minced garlic and thinly sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can really smell that wonderful garlic aroma.
- Step 4: Now, add the julienned carrot, shredded cabbage, and snow peas (or green beans) to the wok. Stir-fry these veggies for 2-3 minutes. You want them to be crisp-tender, still having a nice bite to them.
- Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the wok with the vegetables. Add the drained noodles. This is where it all starts coming together for our How to make Chinese shrimp chow mein.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it – it really adds a lovely depth!), sesame oil, and sugar. Pour this sauce mixture over the noodles and shrimp.
- Step 7: Gently toss everything together using tongs or two spatulas until the noodles, shrimp, and vegetables are evenly coated in the delicious sauce. Continue to stir-fry for another minute until everything is heated through.
- Step 8: Taste and season with a little salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh, oniony finish and a pop of color, if you like. Serve your homemade Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese hot immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make this dish truly shine. Follow these tips for restaurant-quality results every time!
- Prep everything before you start cooking! Stir-frying happens fast, so have your veggies chopped, shrimp ready, and sauce mixed before the wok heats up. This is key for a successful Chinese shrimp noodle stir fry.
- Don’t overcrowd the wok. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure they stir-fry nicely instead of steaming. This helps achieve that perfect tender texture for your Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese food.
- Use high heat for stir-frying. This is what gives the dish its characteristic slightly smoky flavor and keeps the vegetables crisp-tender. For more on the science of cooking, check out this resource.
- Cook noodles until al dente. They will continue to cook slightly in the wok, so slightly undercooking them prevents them from becoming mushy.
What’s the secret to perfect Chinese shrimp noodles recipe?
The secret to the best shrimp chow mein Chinese is high heat and proper preparation. Ensuring your ingredients are prepped and your wok is hot before you begin allows for quick cooking and that signature wok hei flavor.
Can I make Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese food ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep components ahead of time! Cook the noodles and sauce, and chop all your vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Stir-fry everything fresh for the best texture and flavor. For other make-ahead meal ideas, explore our latest recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese shrimp and noodle dish?
Avoid mushy noodles by cooking them al dente and rinsing with cold water. Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and tender. Finally, don’t overcrowd the wok, as this leads to steaming instead of stir-frying. Learn more about proper stir-frying techniques here.
Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese Restaurant Style
This delightful Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese food is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other classic dishes. For a truly authentic experience, consider serving it alongside some steamed bok choy or a light and refreshing cucumber salad. If you’re looking for more substantial sides, crispy spring rolls or some simple steamed dumplings make for a wonderful appetizer. This versatile Chinese noodles with shrimp recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a more elaborate spread when you want to impress.
Nutrition Facts for Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese
This Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese food recipe is a flavorful dish, and while exact nutritional values can vary, here are some general estimates per serving. Keep in mind that ingredient choices, like the type of oil or if oyster sauce is used, can slightly alter these numbers.
- Calories: Approximately 350-450
- Fat: 15-25g
- Saturated Fat: 3-5g
- Protein: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Sugar: 5-10g
- Sodium: 800-1200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese Food Recipe
Properly storing and reheating your delicious Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese food recipe ensures you can enjoy its amazing flavors even days later. Once your meal has cooled down to room temperature, which usually takes about an hour, it’s time to store it. I like to use airtight containers; they do a great job of keeping the noodles from drying out. This homemade Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese food recipe will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
If you find yourself with leftovers beyond that, don’t worry! This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, I highly recommend reheating them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce. This helps revive the noodles and shrimp, keeping them from getting dry. Avoid using the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the shrimp a bit rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese
What is shrimp chow mein Chinese?
Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese is a classic stir-fried noodle dish that’s a staple in Chinese cuisine, especially in takeout restaurants. It features tender shrimp and crisp vegetables tossed with noodles in a savory sauce. The “chow mein” part literally means “stir-fried noodles,” and this version highlights the delicious combination of seafood and noodles seasoned with traditional Chinese flavors.
Why is Chinese shrimp chow mein popular?
This dish is incredibly popular because it hits all the right notes: it’s flavorful, satisfying, and offers a wonderful balance of textures. The combination of savory shrimp, crisp-tender vegetables, and chewy noodles coated in a delicious sauce is universally appealing. It’s also relatively quick to make, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing takeout favorite. It really embodies the comforting and delicious nature of Chinese food.
Can I use different types of noodles for Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and provide a wonderful texture, you can certainly experiment. Lo mein noodles, ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet, of course), or even spaghetti can work in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them according to package directions until al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly in the wok with the other ingredients.
How do I get that authentic Chinese restaurant flavor in my homemade Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese?
Achieving that authentic flavor involves a few key elements. High heat is crucial for stir-frying, giving the noodles and ingredients a slightly smoky char. Using quality soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you like its umami depth) forms the base of the savory sauce. Don’t skip the sesame oil for its nutty aroma, and make sure to prep all your ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a fast process!
Variations of Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese, there are so many fun ways to switch things up! I love experimenting to find new favorites.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the shrimp and load up on extra veggies like broccoli florets, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add firm tofu or edamame for a protein boost, creating a hearty vegetarian noodle dish.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a teaspoon or two of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. This transforms your Chinese shrimp noodle stir fry into a fiery delight.
- Gluten-Free Version: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti instead of egg noodles. Opt for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in the sauce for a safe and delicious alternative.
- Chicken or Pork Swap: Not a fan of shrimp? Thinly sliced chicken breast or pork tenderloin work wonderfully. Just adjust the stir-frying time accordingly for your chosen protein. For a different chicken dish, try this Honey Lime Chicken Air Fryer Recipe.
Shrimp Chow Mein Chinese: 20 Min Flavor Blast
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese-style stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. This authentic Shrimp Chow Mein recipe brings takeout favorites home.
Ingredients
- 200 g egg noodles
- 300 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup snow peas or green beans
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry shrimp for 1-2 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the wok. Add minced garlic and sliced onion, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add julienned carrot, shredded cabbage, and snow peas (or green beans). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the wok along with the drained noodles.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and sugar. Toss everything to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for another minute until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Oyster sauce adds depth but can be skipped; use hoisin sauce or extra sesame oil for similar flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent drying. Avoid microwaving to maintain shrimp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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