Quick Shrimp Chow Mein

Quick Shrimp Chow Mein Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shrimp Chow Mein is a delicious and quick stir-fry dish that combines tender shrimp with crunchy vegetables in a savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner when you want something flavorful and satisfying on the table in no time.

History

Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish that has been adapted and enjoyed all over the world. The dish typically consists of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and protein, such as shrimp or chicken. This Quick Shrimp Chow Mein recipe puts a modern twist on the classic dish, making it easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

1.5 cups diagonally sliced celery
1 cup sliced onion
1 large green pepper, cut into slivers
12 oz (340 g) peeled, de-veined raw shrimp
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 x 16 oz (454 g) can fancy mixed chinese vegetables
1 x 10.75 oz (305 g) can condensed cream of chicken soup
3 tbsp soy sauce
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.33 cup sliced pimentos
3 cups hot cooked rice
1 x 3 oz (85 g) can rice noodles or chow mein noodles

How to prepare

In a pan, cook celery, onion, green pepper, and shrimp in oil until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the shrimp turn pink.
Add Chinese vegetables, soup, soy sauce, pepper, and pimientos. Heat until thoroughly hot.
Serve over fluffy rice and sprinkle with noodles.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp for a different protein option.
Add in your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, snow peas, or water chestnuts.
Spice it up with some red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the vegetables and shrimp until they are tender-crisp to maintain their texture and flavor.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein options.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Quick Shrimp Chow Mein with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key technique for this recipe, as it allows the ingredients to cook quickly while maintaining their texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, protein, or sauce options. You can also use fresh or frozen shrimp, depending on what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This will help save time when you are ready to make the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Quick Shrimp Chow Mein in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp) and soy.

Summary

This Quick Shrimp Chow Mein recipe is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a quick and easy dinner.

Summary

Quick Shrimp Chow Mein is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With a flavorful mix of shrimp, vegetables, and noodles in a savory sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Quick Shrimp Chow Mein. It was a cold winter day, and I was at my friend Helen's house for a dinner party. As we chatted in the kitchen, she suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelf and excitedly flipped through the pages.

"There it is!" she exclaimed, pointing to a recipe for Quick Shrimp Chow Mein. "I learned this from my aunt who lived in China for a few years. It's one of my favorite dishes to make."

I watched in awe as Helen effortlessly chopped vegetables, cooked the shrimp, and tossed everything together in a sizzling wok. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Quick Shrimp Chow Mein and was blown away by the flavors. The tender shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce all came together in perfect harmony. I immediately knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Over the next few weeks, I visited Helen's house several times to watch her make the Quick Shrimp Chow Mein. I took notes, asked questions, and even helped out in the kitchen. Helen was patient and kind, teaching me the techniques and tricks that she had learned from her aunt.

One day, Helen surprised me with a copy of the tattered old cookbook that held the recipe for Quick Shrimp Chow Mein. She told me that she had another copy and wanted me to have this one so that I could continue to make the dish at home.

I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to try making Quick Shrimp Chow Mein on my own. I gathered all the ingredients, set up my wok, and followed the recipe step by step. As I cooked, the familiar aroma filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of those dinner parties at Helen's house.

When I finally sat down to eat my own homemade Quick Shrimp Chow Mein, I was filled with pride. The dish tasted just as delicious as it had when Helen made it, and I knew that I had truly mastered the recipe.

From that day on, Quick Shrimp Chow Mein became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to Helen and her aunt, grateful for their generosity in sharing their recipe with me.

As the years passed, I continued to cook Quick Shrimp Chow Mein, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I added more garlic, swapped out the vegetables for ones that were in season, and experimented with different types of noodles.

But no matter how much I changed the recipe, the essence of Quick Shrimp Chow Mein remained the same. It was a dish that brought people together, filled their bellies with warmth and comfort, and created lasting memories that would be cherished for years to come.

And as I sit here now, flipping through the tattered old cookbook that started it all, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Quick Shrimp Chow Mein may have come from Helen's aunt in China, but it has become a part of my own culinary journey, a story that I will pass down to future generations, just as Helen did for me.