The Key Ingredients That Make Up Authentic Shrimp Chow Mein
As a lover of Chinese cuisine, shrimp chow mein is one of my all-time favorite noodle dishes. The combination of tender shrimp, chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce is irresistible. But what exactly makes up an authentic, delicious shrimp chow mein? In this article, I’ll break down the key ingredients that go into this classic dish.
NoodlesThe foundation of shrimp chow mein is the noodles. Typically fresh Chinese egg noodles are used. These noodles have a wonderfully chewy texture and are able to hold up during stir-frying. Dried chow mein noodles can also be used. Look for thick round noodles rather than thin spaghetti-style ones. Soak them in hot water until pliable before adding to the wok. For best flavor and texture, I recommend seeking out authentic Chinese egg noodles, either fresh or dried.
Shrimp
Shrimp are, of course, an essential component in shrimp chow mein. Opt for large shrimp with the tail left on for the perfect bite. Medium sized shrimp also work well. Shrimp add plenty of protein as well as sweet, briny flavor to balance the other ingredients. Marinate the raw shrimp briefly in a bit of oil, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper before stir-frying for maximum flavor.
Vegetables
A variety of crisp, fresh vegetables are typically added to shrimp chow mein. Popular choices include bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, carrots, snow peas, bell peppers, onions, bok choy, baby corn, water chestnuts, and mushrooms. The vegetables provide crunch and great texture contrasts. Almost any veggie can be used based on what’s fresh and in season. Slice or shred them thinly so they cook quickly.
SauceThe sauce is what brings all the ingredients together and gives shrimp chow mein its signature flavor. It’s a savory, salty, slightly sweet sauce typically based on a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sugar Shaoxing wine adds complex flavor Hoisin, chili garlic sauce, or chili oil can also be stirred in for a kick of spice. The sauce thickens and lightly coats the noodles and veggies.
Aromatics
Classic Chinese aromatics like garlic, ginger, green onions, and sesame oil are used to add fragrance and flavor to shrimp chow mein. They’re often sautéed briefly at the start before the main ingredients are added. Minced garlic and ginger along with sliced green onions are most common. A drizzle of sesame oil at the end finishes it off.
Protein Alternatives
While shrimp is traditional, chicken, pork, or beef can also be used. For a vegetarian/vegan version, tofu, edamame, or cashews make excellent substitutions. The protein adds substance and ensures the dish is satisfyingly filling.
Garnishes
Garnishes like sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and Sriracha or chili oil are great ways to finish shrimp chow mein. They add color, crunch, and extra flavor. Cilantro, peanuts, lime wedges, and Fortune cookies also make fun garnishes to serve on the side.
The magic of shrimp chow mein lies in the combined textures and flavors of all the ingredients. The noodles, protein, vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and savory sauce work together to create a better-than-takeout noodle dish. With a wok and a few key ingredients, you can easily whip up restaurant-worthy shrimp chow mein at home. Adjust any vegetables or seasonings to suit your tastes. Enjoy this classic any night of the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Easy Shrimp Chow Mein At Home
The sauce for chow mein is the main attraction of this dish. It needs certain pantry items that, once you have them, will help you make other Chinese dishes.
- Oyster sauce: This thick, syrupy sauce gives food a sweet umami taste. It’s also a big part of our Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles.
- If you only have one of these sauces in your kitchen, it’s probably soy sauce. Or at least the tiny soy sauce packets you’ve been keeping in your kitchen cabinet.
- Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, or dry sherry—Shaoxing wine is made from rice and gives many Chinese dishes a subtle flavor. It works the same way red wine does in Coq au Vin.
- Chili sauce—This dish is incomplete without the well-known chili sauce. This recipe calls for one to two teaspoons, but you can use more or less.
Make The Best Chow Mein In Your Own Kitchen
We love a bowl of saucy, spicy, sweet shrimp chow mein noodles any night of the week, and it helps us reach our goal of eating more vegetables all in one meal! It’s great by itself, but it’s even better with some of our other favorites, like Dry Fried Green Beans, Fried Rice, and Hot and Sour Cabbage. Chow mein is a classic Chinese takeout dish that is easy to make at home because it cooks very quickly.
Shrimp Chow Mein – Martha Stewart
What is shrimp chow mein?
Super tasty Shrimp Chow Mein is easy to make! This recipe uses fresh yakisoba noodles, shrimp, cabbage, onion, and celery with simple two-ingredient flavorful sauce. This is definitely a quick and easy dinner the entire family will love. Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Chowmein vs Lo mein: What is the difference?
Chowmein and lo Mein are the tossed noodles. But not stirred or fried. Chowmein has the difference of dry noodles where as lo Mein noodles are wet with addition of sauce which lacks in Chowmein.
How do you make shrimp chow mein?
This recipe for shrimp chow mein is a quick and easy one pot meal with plenty of stir fried shrimp and vegetables tossed with noodles and a simple sauce. Heat half of the oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the white onion and cook for 3 minutes or until onion has started to brown and soften.
What is Chinese chow mein?
Chow Mein, a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine, is a delightful combination of stir-fried noodles, protein (beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, you name it), and an assortment of vegetables, all harmoniously united by a dynamic, savory sauce. The term “chow mein” translates to “fried noodles”.