Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

Lo mein, that wonderfully comforting and flavorful noodle dish, is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. While ordering takeout is convenient, making it at home is surprisingly easy, often healthier, and allows you to customize it to your exact liking. This recipe for Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli is a fantastic example – it’s quick, packed with protein and vegetables, and bursting with savory flavors.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it comes together in under 30 minutes. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender broccoli florets, and chewy lo mein noodles, all tossed in a delectable sauce, is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, you can easily adapt the recipe to include other vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Let’s dive into the details!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the vegetables and protein to your preferences.
* **Healthy and Flavorful:** A great way to incorporate protein and vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Making lo mein at home is often cheaper than ordering takeout.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

* **Lo Mein Noodles:** The foundation of our dish! You can find fresh or dried lo mein noodles in most Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine can be used as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different. Look for noodles that are thick and chewy.
* **Shrimp:** We’ll be using peeled and deveined shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Size doesn’t matter too much, but medium to large shrimp are ideal for this recipe.
* **Broccoli:** Fresh broccoli florets are the star vegetable in this dish. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and even cooking.
* **Soy Sauce:** A key ingredient in the lo mein sauce, providing umami and saltiness. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
* **Oyster Sauce:** Adds a rich, savory flavor and a hint of sweetness to the sauce. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute with a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
* **Sesame Oil:** A little goes a long way! Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor to the dish. Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the lo mein.
* **Ginger:** Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
* **Cornstarch:** Used as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating a glossy and appealing texture.
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors in the sauce. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
* **Vegetable Oil:** Used for stir-frying the shrimp and vegetables. You can use canola oil, peanut oil, or any other neutral-flavored oil.
* **Green Onions:** Used as a garnish, adding a fresh and vibrant flavor and visual appeal.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top of the finished dish.

Here’s the detailed ingredient list with quantities:

* 1 pound lo mein noodles
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot: For cooking the lo mein noodles.
* Large skillet or wok: For stir-frying the shrimp and vegetables.
* Mixing bowl: For preparing the sauce.
* Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
* Cutting board and knife: For chopping the vegetables and garlic.
* Colander: For draining the cooked noodles.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli.

**1. Cook the Lo Mein Noodles:**

* Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
* Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package directions, usually about 5-7 minutes, or until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy.
* Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also prevent them from sticking together.
* Set the noodles aside.

**2. Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli:**

* If using frozen shrimp, make sure it is completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them brown nicely in the skillet.
* Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Ensure they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

**3. Make the Sauce:**

* In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and brown sugar. Mix well until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, oyster sauce for umami, or brown sugar for sweetness. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

**4. Cook the Shrimp and Broccoli:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
* Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.
* Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
* Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You can add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid to help the broccoli steam and cook faster.

**5. Combine Everything:**

* Add the cooked noodles and shrimp back to the skillet with the broccoli.
* Pour the sauce over the noodles, shrimp, and broccoli.
* Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and everything is heated through. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli from the heat.
* Garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
* If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Lo Mein

* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked noodles will become mushy and unappetizing. Cook them al dente according to the package directions.
* **Dry the Shrimp:** Patting the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking will help them brown better and prevent them from steaming in the skillet.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and prevent the shrimp and broccoli from browning properly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, oyster sauce for umami, or brown sugar for sweetness.
* **Add a Splash of Water:** If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
* **Use a Wok if You Have One:** A wok is ideal for stir-frying because its sloped sides allow for even heat distribution and easy tossing.
* **Prepare the Ingredients in Advance:** Chop the vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and make the sauce ahead of time to save time during cooking.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor. Use fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables whenever possible.

## Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about lo mein is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

* **Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, or bok choy.
* **Protein:** You can substitute the shrimp with chicken, pork, beef, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Noodles:** If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even udon noodles.
* **Sauce:** Experiment with different sauces, such as hoisin sauce, black bean sauce, or chili garlic sauce.
* **Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil for a spicier dish.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Omit the shrimp and use tofu or tempeh. Substitute the oyster sauce with a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free noodles and tamari (gluten-free soy sauce).

Here are a few specific variation ideas:

* **Chicken Lo Mein with Broccoli:** Substitute the shrimp with cubed chicken breast. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for extra flavor.
* **Beef Lo Mein with Broccoli:** Use thinly sliced beef sirloin. Quickly stir-fry the beef until it is cooked through.
* **Tofu Lo Mein with Broccoli:** Use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water. Cut the tofu into cubes and stir-fry until golden brown.
* **Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli:** Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.

## Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a few side dishes to create a more elaborate dinner.

* **Egg Rolls:** Crispy egg rolls are a classic accompaniment to lo mein.
* **Spring Rolls:** Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce are a lighter option.
* **Wonton Soup:** A bowl of warm wonton soup is the perfect starter.
* **Dumplings:** Steamed or pan-fried dumplings are another delicious side dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will add freshness and balance to the meal.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time during cooking. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
* **Storage:** Leftover Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli, the texture of the noodles may change after thawing. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Recipe Card

**Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli**

A quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal featuring succulent shrimp, tender broccoli florets, and chewy lo mein noodles, all tossed in a savory sauce.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound lo mein noodles
* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and brown sugar.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
5. Add the cooked noodles and shrimp back to the skillet with the broccoli.
6. Pour the sauce over the noodles, shrimp, and broccoli. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
7. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and red pepper flakes (optional).
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Conclusion

Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing meal for family and friends, or a healthier alternative to takeout, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures, along with its ease of preparation, makes it a winner every time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and homemade version of this classic Chinese-American dish!

Enjoy experimenting with different variations and substitutions to create your perfect Shrimp Lo Mein with Broccoli. Bon appétit!