Prawn Chow Mein or Shrimp Chow Mein is one of my favourite take out dishes, made with Shrimp/Prawns, Veg and Noodles coated in a delicious sauce. The great thing? It is ready to eat in 15 minutes.
Why I love Shrimp Chow Mein
I love a Chow Mein, not only because it is delicious and satisfies all kinds of cravings but also because:
- Loaded with Veggies – It is the one way I can get my son to eat a load of veggies. He avoids them at all costs but not when I make a chow mein!
- I can cook it quicker then I can get it delivered – and there is hardly any clean up required!
- You can adapt it according to your tastes – switch the protein and veg as you like!
Shrimp Chow Mein/Prawn Chow Mein Sauce
What goes in a great Chow Mein Sauce –
Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, a touch of Sugar and Cornflour for thickening.
Anything else can be played around with, the noodles, the protein and even the veg but the sauce needs to be spot on. It is what makes the dish so delicious!
Difference between Shrimp Chow Mein and Lo Mein?
The dishes are very similar and in a lot of cases you may be eating Lo Mein when you think you are eating Chow Mein and vice versa.
Both dishes include similar ingredients but Shrimp Chow Mein uses Chow Mein Noodles. There are 2 types of Chow mien noodles. One type can be soaked in boiling water then added to the sauce and the other type are fried and the sauce is served on top of the noodles.
Lo Mein Noodles are boiled and are oily. They are boiled and sealed before adding to the sauce. Lo Mein is usually more of a slippery dish with more sauce too.
What if I can’t find Chow Mein Noodles?
If you cannot find the noodles you need, use Ramen Noodles or Egg Noodles.
What goes in Chow Mein
Chow Mein includes a load of veggies such as carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts.
There is also always a protein such as Shrimp, Chicken, Beef.
More Veggies that can be added to Shrimp Chow Mein
- Mushrooms
- Spring Onions
- Mixed Peppers
- Bamboo Shoots
- Water Chestnuts
- Broccoli
- Bok Choy
How to make Shrimp Chow Mein
This is a quick and easy recipe, so having everything ready to go is recommended!
Make the sauce by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl and mixing together.
Prepare the Noodles according to the pack instructions then drain.
Remove from heat, stir everything through and serve immediately.
Do I need a Wok to make Chow Mein?
A wok makes life easier because of the sheer quantity of veg and noodles to begin with but you can absolutely use a large flat frying pan or saute pan instead.
Tips for making the BEST Prawn Chow Mein
Veggie Alternative – You can use firm tofu instead. I have even seen Paneer versions. Yet to try it myself but I can imagine that the flavours work well.
Noodles – If you cannot find Chow Mein Noodles, use Egg Noodles.
Heat – Keep the heat high, this recipe is cooked high and fast!
Flavourings – Feel free to add other flavours such as crushed or slivered Ginger or a squeeze of Sriracha.
Soy Sauce – This recipe calls for Light Soy Sauce. Tamari works well if you are Gluten Free.
Ingredients – Have everything prepped and ready to go and the noodles cooking away.
Protein – This recipe also works with Beef and Chicken. You will have to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Stock – In Chow Mein recipes there is usually some Shoaling wine, I replace that with Fish or Chicken Stock in this recipe.
Veggies – You can buy stir fry veg packs and use those to make life easier as I often do.
Prawns – It is very easy to overcook prawns. The total combined time should be no longer then 5 minutes depending on the Prawns you are using.
How long does Shrimp Chow Mein last?
Shrimp chow mein lasts in fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a couple of tablespoons of water on the stove or in the microwave.
more prawn recipes you’ll love:
**if you make something from tiffin and tea, i would love to see your creations! don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below! we love to hear from you. safira x
Prawn Chow Mein
Prawn Chow Mein or Shrimp Chow Mein is one of my favourite take out dishes, made with Shrimp/Prawns, Veg and Noodles coated in a delicious sauce. The great thing? It is ready to eat in 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 3 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce or sub Hoisin or Dark Soy Sauce
- 3 tsp Sugar
- 45 ml Stock Fish or Chicken
- 4 tsp Cornflour
- White Pepper or Black
Prawns and Noodles
- 225 g Chow Mein Noodles or Egg Noodles
- 3 tbsp Peanut Oil
- 2 Garlic Cloves Sliced finely
- 240 g Raw King Prawns Cleaned
- 320 g Stir Fry Veggies Such as Cabbage, Carrots, Spring Onions, Mushrooms, Beansprouts - Finely Shredded/Sliced
- 130 ml Stock Fish or Chicken
Instructions
-
Combine ingredients for sauce in a bowl and stir together.
-
Prepare the noodles according to the packet instructions and drain.
-
Heat oil in a large pan or wok.
-
Add the Garlic and stir fry for 10 seconds.
-
Add Prawns and stir fry for 2 minutes until coloured on both sides.
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Add the Stir fry Veggies and cook for 1 - 2 minutes till wilted.
-
Add the noodles, Sauce and Stock.
-
Stir fry for 1 minute, tossing constantly over high heat.
-
Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Do I need a Wok to make Chow Mein?
A wok makes life easier because of the sheer quantity of veg and noodles to begin with but you can absolutely use a large flat frying pan or saute pan instead.
Tips for making the BEST Prawn Chow Mein
Prawns - It is very easy to over cook Prawns. Over cooked Prawns are tough and rubbery so 4 - 5 minutes is usually the right amount of time.
Veggie Alternative - You can use firm tofu instead. I have even seen Paneer versions. Yet to try it myself but I can imagine that the flavours work well.
Noodles - If you cannot find Chow Mein Noodles, use Egg Noodles.
Heat - Keep the heat high, this recipe is cooked high and fast!
Flavourings - Feel free to add other flavours such as crushed or slivered Ginger or a squeeze of Sriracha.
Soy Sauce - This recipe calls for Light Soy Sauce. Tamari works well if you are Gluten Free.
Ingredients - Have everything prepped and ready to go and the noodles cooking away.
Protein - This recipe also works with Beef and Chicken. You will have to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Stock - In Chow Mein recipes there is usually some Shoaling wine, I replace that with Fish or Chicken Stock in this recipe.
How long does Shrimp Chow Mein last?
Shrimp chow mein lasts in fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a couple of tablespoons of water on the stove or in the microwave.
What if I can't find Chow Mein Noodles?
If you cannot find the noodles you need, use Ramen Noodles or Egg Noodles.
More Veggies that can be added to Shrimp Chow Mein
- Mushrooms
- Spring Onions
- Mixed Peppers
- Bamboo Shoots
- Water Chestnuts
- Broccoli
- Bok Choy
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