Shrimp chow mein

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz chow mein noodles
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 2carrots, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp chili paste for heat
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• Green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp

• Cleaning and Deveining the Shrimp
• Rinse the shrimp under cold water.
• Peel the shells off and remove the tails.
• Make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp and remove the dark vein using the tip of your knife.

Marinating the Shrimp

• Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl.
• Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce.
• Stir thoroughly and allow it to soak for a minimum of 15minutes.

Preparing the Vegetables

• Choosing the Right Vegetables
  • Select a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, and onions.
• Cutting Techniques
  • Slice the bell peppers and onions thinly.
  • Julienne the carrots into matchstick-sized pieces.
  • Finely shred the cabbage to guarantee uniform cooking.

Preparing the Noodles

• Types of Noodles to Use
  • Use chow mein noodles. If unavailable, substitute with thin egg noodles or even spaghetti.
• Cooking the Noodles
  • Cook the noodles according to the package instructions(typically boiling for 3-5 minutes until tender).
  • Drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
  • Toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Making the Sauce

• Essential Sauce Ingredients
  • Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
• Mixing the Sauce
  • Whisk the sauce ingredients together until well blended.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Cooking the Shrimp

• Sautéing the Shrimp
  • Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Place the shrimp in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they become pink and opaque.
  • Then, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

• Timing and Techniques
  • In the identical pan, introduce an additional tablespoon of oil.
  • Stir-fry the garlic and ginger (if using) until fragrant.
  • Begin by adding the onions and carrots since they require more time to cook. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the bell peppers and cabbage. Continue stir-frying until the vegetables are tender yet still retain their crispness.

Combining the Ingredients

• Mixing Shrimp, Vegetables, and Noodles
  • Reintroduce the cooked shrimp back into the pan along withthe vegetables.
  • Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over the top..
  • Toss everything together gently to combine.
• Ensuring Even Sauce Distribution
  • Use tongs or chopsticks to mix the ingredients, ensuring the sauce coats everything evenly.
  • Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through

Garnishing and Serving

• Adding Fresh Herbs and Spices
  • Top with sliced green onions and a dash of sesame seeds for garnish.
  • For a spicy kick, consider adding some chili flakes to your taste.
• Presentation Tips
  • Serve the Shrimp Chow Mein on a large platter.
  • The vibrant colors and mix of textures make it a visually appealing dish.