What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A quick and easy homemade dish like this shrimp chow mein with broccoli, cooked to perfection in a skillet with savory noodles. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal to try soon.

two pictures of shrimp chow mein with broccoli and noodles in a skillet

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the savory flavors of shrimp, the crunch of fresh broccoli, and the comforting warmth of noodles, all perfectly balanced in a skillet. This shrimp chow mein recipe is not only a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant colors and appealing texture, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and highly customizable. Using everyday ingredients, you can create a masterpiece that will impress both family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing you to focus on the quality of the ingredients and the joy of cooking, rather than complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of shrimp, broccoli, and noodles provides a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and filling meal. Moreover, the ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets, making it a practical choice for a weeknight dinner.
• Ease of preparation: The preparation of this dish is straightforward and quick. With some basic chopping and cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. The steps are simple, and the cooking time is relatively short, making it ideal for those with busy schedules.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation and flavor of this shrimp chow mein are impressive. The dish looks appealing, with the green of the broccoli, the pink of the shrimp, and the golden brown of the noodles, all combined in a harmonious balance. The flavors are deep and satisfying, with the savory taste of the shrimp, the slight bitterness of the broccoli balanced by the richness of the noodles and the sauce.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include shrimp, broccoli, noodles (preferably chow mein noodles), vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (optional). For the shrimp, you can use fresh or frozen, whichever is more convenient. Broccoli can be substituted with other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, though broccoli provides the best balance of texture and flavor. Chow mein noodles are ideal, but you can also use rice noodles or soba noodles as alternatives. Garlic and ginger add depth to the dish and can be adjusted according to taste. Soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) provide the umami flavor that defines the chow mein taste, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference for saltiness and depth of flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel and chop the garlic, slice the ginger, cut the broccoli into florets, and peel and de-vein the shrimp. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and set them aside.
2. Step 2: Heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic and sliced ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
3. Step 3: Add the broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to soften. Then, add the cooked noodles and stir-fry for another minute, combining well with the broccoli and the garlic-ginger mixture.
4. Step 4: Push the noodle and broccoli mixture to one side of the skillet. Add a bit more oil if necessary, then add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and are fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side. Mix the shrimp with the noodles and broccoli, and add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry everything together for another minute, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and the sauces are evenly distributed.

Handy Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh broccoli and decent quality shrimp will make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your dish.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked. Aim for cooking them until they just turn pink.
• Adjust the sauce to taste: If you prefer a stronger umami flavor, add more soy sauce or oyster sauce. For a lighter taste, use less.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the shrimp and stir-frying the vegetables. Medium-high heat is ideal for achieving a quick cook that preserves the texture of the ingredients. However, be cautious not to burn the garlic and ginger at the start, as this can give your dish a bitter taste. Adjust the heat as necessary, lowering it if you notice the ingredients cooking too quickly or burning.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in this dish comes from the broccoli and the texture of the noodles. To achieve the perfect crunch, cook the broccoli until it’s tender but still crisp. Overcooking can make it soft and unappealing. The noodles should also retain some of their texture; avoid over-stir-frying them, as this can make them mushy.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Prepare ingredients in advance: Chopping the garlic, ginger, and broccoli, and cooking the noodles ahead of time can save you a lot of stress during the cooking process.
• Use the right utensils: A wok or a large skillet with a non-stick surface is ideal for stir-frying, as it allows for quick and easy movement of the ingredients.
• Cook in batches if necessary: If your skillet is not large enough to cook all the ingredients at once, cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan with a little oil or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Avoid storing cooked noodles for too long, as they can become dry and unappetizing.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the dish after cooking. However, it’s best to freeze the components separately (noodles, broccoli, and shrimp) for better texture retention upon reheating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While shrimp chow mein is typically a dish served fresh, if you’re looking to share some as a gift, consider packaging the cooked noodles, broccoli, and shrimp separately in microwave-safe containers. Add a small bottle of soy sauce and some chopsticks for a complete gift. You could also include a recipe card with instructions on how to combine and reheat the ingredients for a quick and delicious meal.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or some curry powder for an Indian-inspired flavor.
• Creative toppings: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different protein source, or swap broccoli with bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your noodles are too mushy, it might be because they were overcooked. For the next attempt, cook them for less time. If the broccoli is too soft, try cooking it for a shorter time or adding it towards the end of the stir-frying process.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find chow mein noodles, look for other Asian-style noodles that can serve as a good substitute. For broccoli, other quick-cooking vegetables like carrots or snap peas can work well.
• Over/undercooking signs: Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and are no longer translucent. Noodles are done when they are tender but still retain some firmness. Broccoli is cooked when it’s tender but still crisp.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish, but it’s best to freeze the components separately for better texture retention.
• Is it gluten-free? This depends on the type of noodles and sauces used. Many chow mein noodles and soy sauces contain gluten, so be sure to choose gluten-free alternatives if necessary.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough skillet or wok to accommodate all the ingredients.

Conclusion

This shrimp chow mein recipe with broccoli and noodles in a skillet is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs. With its quick cooking time and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Feel free to experiment with different spices, toppings, and ingredient swaps to make the dish your own. Share your creations with friends and family, and enjoy the process of cooking and exploring the world of flavors that this recipe has to offer.