Chinese Takeout, Griddle Style!
You guys know I'm obsessed with my griddle, but the learning never stops! I decided to make Shrimp Lo Mein tonight.
I finally learned the difference between Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein lol. I've been calling every noodle dish "chow mein" my whole life!
Chow Mein means fried noodles (crispy!), and Lo Mein means tossed noodles (soft). This plate is definitely in the Lo Mein. 😅 It's definitely close enough to the Chinese restaurant’s.
What's your favorite Chinese dish to cook at home? 🔥
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail on)
- 12 oz Chow Mein (pre cooked
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets
- 1 Medium Red Bell Peppers
- 1/2 Medium Red Onion
- 2 cups Shredded Cabbage/Carrots
- 2 Stalks Green Onions
- Cooking Oil (as needed
Shrimp Marinade:
- 1 tsp Oyster Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 Baking Soda
- 1/4 Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
Stir Fry Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing Wine or (Dry Sherry)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder
- 1/4 cup Water
Directions:
1. Heat your griddle or a large pan to medium-high heat and add a little cooking oil.
2. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are nicely seared. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Add a little more oil. Stir fry the red onion, broccoli, and red bell peppers for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly soft.
4. Push the cooked veggies to one side. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the empty space and stir fry for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Mix all the vegetables together, then push the entire vegetable mix back to one side.
6. Add the pre cooked noodles to the empty space. Pour the Stir Fry Sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
7. Mix and toss the noodles, vegetables, and sauce until everything is fully coated and hot.
8. Toss everything together one last time until the shrimp are mixed in and the sauce looks glossy.
9. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with green onions, and serve right away!
If you're a fan of Chinese takeout classics but want to try making them at home with a healthier and fresher approach, this shrimp Lo Mein recipe cooked on a griddle is a fantastic option. Using a griddle allows for even heat distribution and a great sear on the shrimp, enhancing the flavors significantly. One key tip is to marinate the shrimp with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil to infuse rich umami flavors before cooking. Understanding the difference between Chow Mein and Lo Mein can help you choose your preferred texture when cooking. Chow Mein noodles are typically fried until crispy, offering a crunchy texture, while Lo Mein noodles are boiled and then tossed with sauce and ingredients, resulting in a softer, more tender noodle dish. This recipe sticks to the classic Lo Mein style by tossing pre-cooked noodles with fresh vegetables and shrimp, coated with a flavorful stir fry sauce that balances savory oyster sauce and the subtle sweetness of Shaoxing wine. Including a variety of vegetables like broccoli, red bell peppers, shredded cabbage, and carrots not only adds color and nutrition but also a lovely crunch that complements the soft noodles. For home cooks wanting to customize their dish, adding mushrooms, snap peas, or water chestnuts can offer exciting variations. Using Shaoxing wine, a traditional Chinese cooking wine, can seem daunting if you don’t have it on hand—dry sherry is a suitable substitute that still provides that signature depth. Serving this Lo Mein immediately once off the heat ensures the noodles remain tender and the shrimp juicy without becoming overcooked. Sprinkling green onions at the end adds a fresh and aromatic finish. For those who want to explore more homemade Chinese takeout alternatives, cooking on a griddle is a versatile method for dishes like fried rice, stir fry chicken, or vegetable medleys. Remember, seasoning is essential—adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste and consider a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick if you enjoy heat in your meals. In summary, making shrimp Lo Mein at home on a griddle brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen with fresh ingredients, controllable flavors, and the satisfying process of cooking your favorite Chinese noodles. Whether you're new to Asian cooking or looking for a quick but impressive dinner idea, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a beloved comfort food while expanding your culinary skills.
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