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🔥 Quick & Easy Better Than Takeout Recipe

Shrimp Chow Mein

This shrimp chow mein is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Juicy marinated shrimp, fresh chow mein noodles, napa cabbage, carrots, onions, bean sprouts, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and stir fry sauce come together for a homemade noodle dinner that tastes better than takeout.

Shrimp Chow Mein Easy Dinner Noodle Recipe BeSureToCook
Shrimp Chow Mein Recipe by BeSureToCook

Homemade Shrimp Chow Mein Recipe

This homemade shrimp chow mein is the perfect quick dinner when you want something savory, filling, and full of fresh flavor. The shrimp is seasoned with BeSureToCook Seasoning Blend, white pepper, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, baking soda, and cornstarch to help it cook tender and flavorful.

The noodles are tossed with garlic, carrots, napa cabbage, bean sprouts, white onion, green onions, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and stir fry sauce. Everything comes together in a hot wok or pan for a glossy noodle dish that is easy enough for a weeknight but good enough to feel restaurant-style.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4 servings
Best served hot right out of the pan with extra green onions on top.

Ingredients

For The Shrimp Marinade

  • 1 lb shrimp, cleaned and rinsed
  • 1 tsp BeSureToCook Seasoning Blend
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

For The Chow Mein

  • Fresh chow mein or lo mein noodles
  • Carrots, julienned
  • Napa cabbage, chopped
  • White onion, sliced
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Bean sprouts
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp stir fry original sauce

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, add the shrimp, BeSureToCook Seasoning Blend, salt, sugar, white pepper, baking soda, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, vegetable oil, and cornstarch.
  2. Mix the shrimp well until coated, then marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Prep the vegetables by julienning the carrots, slicing the onion, chopping the napa cabbage, chopping the green onions, and rinsing the bean sprouts.
  4. Bring water to a boil and cook the fresh chow mein noodles according to the package directions.
  5. Heat a hot wok or large pan with vegetable oil and toast the minced garlic.
  6. Add the shrimp and cook until almost fully done.
  7. Add chopped green onions and a splash of dark soy sauce, then stir well.
  8. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set it aside.
  9. Add more oil to the pan, then cook the onions, carrots, bean sprouts, and napa cabbage.
  10. Add the cooked noodles to the pan with light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and stir fry sauce.
  11. Add the shrimp back into the pan and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and heated through.
  12. Serve hot and enjoy.

Why This Recipe Works

Tender shrimp The quick marinade helps the shrimp stay juicy and flavorful.
Glossy noodles Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and stir fry sauce coat the noodles beautifully.
Fresh vegetables Carrots, napa cabbage, onions, and bean sprouts add crunch, color, and flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • Do not overcook the shrimp because shrimp cooks very fast.
  • Use fresh chow mein or lo mein noodles for the best texture.
  • Drain noodles well before adding them to the pan.
  • Use a hot pan so the noodles and vegetables stir fry instead of steaming.
  • Add sauce slowly and taste as you go so the noodles do not get too salty.

Video Timestamps

  • 0:00 Intro
  • 0:16 Marinating the shrimp
  • 1:04 Preparing vegetables
  • 1:38 Cooking the shrimp
  • 2:02 Cooking vegetables
  • 2:21 Boiling chow mein noodles
  • 2:44 Adding napa cabbage
  • 2:53 Adding sauces and noodles
  • 3:12 Combining everything together
  • 3:32 Final shrimp chow mein

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lo mein noodles instead of chow mein noodles?

Yes. Fresh lo mein noodles work well for this shrimp chow mein recipe.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely, rinse, and pat dry before marinating.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes. Bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, snow peas, and extra cabbage all work well.

What gives chow mein noodles flavor?

Garlic, sesame oil, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and stir fry sauce give chow mein its savory flavor.