The faint aroma of sizzling garlic and ginger takes me back to bustling streets filled with tantalizing food stalls, each promising a dish more delicious than the last. Today, I’m excited to share my Quick Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein with you, a vibrant recipe bursting with tender shrimp, soft noodles, and crisp veggies, all enveloped in a savory sauce. This dish isn’t just quick; it’s also incredibly satisfying, delivering restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something homemade. Plus, you can easily adapt it to fit your dietary needs, making it gluten-free with just a few simple substitutions. So why not brighten up your dinner routine with this delightful dish? What flavors or ingredients will you add to make it your own? Why is Shrimp Lo Mein So Loved? Flavorful and versatile, this Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein is a delightful take on a timeless classic. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights. Nutritious veggies mingle beautifully with tender shrimp and chewy noodles, making each bite satisfying. Easily customizable, feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients or make it gluten-free as needed. Plus, crowd-pleaser status means everyone at the table will be asking for seconds! Be sure to explore ideas for enhancing or serving this dish in ways that make it uniquely yours. Shrimp Lo Mein Ingredients For the Noodles • Noodles – Use traditional egg noodles or spaghetti for a familiar taste, or choose gluten-free options to keep it adaptable. For the Shrimp • Shrimp – Opt for peeled, deveined shrimp for quick preparation; frozen shrimp works too, just remember to thaw and drain. For the Vegetables • Bell Peppers – Add vibrant color and sweetness; feel free to substitute with seasonal vegetables you have on hand. • Broccoli – Brings a crunchy texture and is packed with nutrients; fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch. • Carrots – Sweet and crunchy, thinly sliced for quick cooking; try swapping with snow peas for a different crunch. For the Sauce • Soy Sauce – Infuses the dish with umami flavor; use gluten-free tamari if you’re watching for gluten. • Sesame Oil – Adds a rich, nutty essence to the dish; if unavailable, a light olive oil can serve as a substitute. For the Aromatics • Minced Garlic – Freshly minced for the best aroma; avoid garlic powder for a more robust flavor. • Grated Ginger – Enhances the dish with its fresh zing; always use fresh ginger for optimal taste. For Cooking Liquid • Vegetable Broth – Imparts a deep flavor to the noodles; can be swapped with water, but broth enriches your dish greatly. For Garnishing • Green Onions – Chopped for crunch and a fresh taste, adding color just before serving. • Sesame Seeds – Sprinkled for a lovely finish and added nutty flavor; consider using toasted sesame seeds for an extra depth of flavor. This vibrant Shrimp Lo Mein is a bowl of comfort that encourages creativity while staying true to its roots! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Quick Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Start by washing and chopping your bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. In the meantime, ensure your shrimp is peeled and deveined, ready for the pot. Prepare your noodles by soaking them if needed, as this will help them cook evenly through the Instant Pot for your delicious Shrimp Lo Mein. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add a generous drizzle of sesame oil. As the oil heats up, add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring frequently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. This aromatic base sets the stage for your flavorful Quick Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein. Step 3: Add Vegetables and Broth Once your aromatics are ready, toss in the chopped bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir them well to combine, allowing them to sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Afterward, pour in the vegetable broth over the veggies, ensuring everything is well coated, which will serve as the cooking liquid for those tasty noodles. Step 4: Layer Noodles Carefully place your soaked noodles on top of the vegetable and broth mixture without stirring. This layering helps the noodles cook uniformly while absorbing all those wonderful flavors. Securely seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on “Manual” for 3-4 minutes, allowing the magic of pressure cooking to happen. Step 5: Release Pressure When the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting. Stand clear from the steam as it releases, ensuring to do this safely. You’ll know it’s ready when the steam has diminished, and you can safely open the lid, revealing perfectly cooked noodles and veggies for your Shrimp Lo Mein. Step 6: Add Shrimp and Sauce Gently layer the raw shrimp over the noodle mixture, then drizzle soy sauce atop. Select the “Sauté” function again and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn opaque and curl, indicating they are fully cooked. This step enhances the flavor while ensuring everything melds beautifully in your Shrimp Lo Mein. Step 7: Toss and Serve Once the shrimp is perfectly cooked, use tongs or a spatula to gently toss the noodles, veggies, and shrimp together until well combined. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. This colorful dish is now ready to be enjoyed—delight in every satisfying bite of your Quick Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein! Shrimp Lo Mein Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity flow and transform this dish with your personal touch! Vegetarian Swap: Replace shrimp with tofu, using firm, cubed tofu for a satisfying plant-based option. Extra Veggies: Boost nutrition and color by adding snap peas or bok choy; they provide an excellent crunch and flavor contrast. Gluten-Free Choice: Use gluten-free noodles instead of traditional ones to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Saucy Twist: Incorporate oyster sauce or hoisin for a different depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness in your sauce. Heat It Up: For those craving some spice, add a splash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving. Noodle Alternatives: Experiment with rice noodles or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a fun twist and lighter meal. Savory Boost: For a deeper umami, consider adding a dash of fish sauce or mushroom seasoning to the broth. Flavorful Herbs: Fresh cilantro or basil can be sprinkled on top for a fragrant and flavorful garnish, enhancing every bite. With all these exciting variations, your Shrimp Lo Mein can become a canvas for delicious culinary experimentation! Be sure to explore how these additions can elevate your meal even more. And if you’re looking for more heartwarming home-cooked inspirations, check out my Servings Suggestions to pair perfectly with this delectable dish! What to Serve with Quick Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein Imagine a vibrant dinner table, bursting with color and flavors, where each dish invites you in for a delightful experience. Steamed Dumplings: These delicious little bites add a savory complement, perfect for dipping in soy sauce and balancing the dish’s flavors. Together, they create an enjoyable Asian-inspired feast. Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing salad with crisp cucumbers and a tangy dressing helps to cut through the richness of the shrimp lo mein, offering a delightful crunch to every meal. Egg Rolls: Crispy and savory, egg rolls provide a wonderful textural contrast to the soft noodles, making every bite exciting. Their burst of flavors enhances the overall dining experience. Sesame Broccoli: Tender, sautéed broccoli tossed with sesame seeds amplifies the nuttiness of the sauce while adding a healthy, vibrant green element to your plate. Orange Slices: Fresh citrus slices give a sweet, juicy contrast that brightens the meal. Their natural sweetness can perfectly balance the savory flavors of the lo mein. Fruit-Infused Iced Tea: A cool beverage with hints of fruit keeps your palate fresh and pairs beautifully with the hearty noodle dish. It’s a refreshing addition to your dining experience. Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, this classic dessert delivers a luscious combination of flavors that brings a satisfying conclusion to a fulfilling meal. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, these rolls are often packed with crunchy veggies, providing a fresh bite alongside the warmth of your lo mein. Whether you opt for sides to share or a dessert to indulge in, each pairing carries an exciting new flavor, ensuring a memorable dinner experience without stepping foot in a restaurant! Make Ahead Options Preparing your Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein in advance is a fantastic way to save time on busy weeknights! You can chop your vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots) and even assemble the noodle and broth layers up to 24 hours beforehand, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain quality, keep your shrimp separate until you are ready to cook; this ensures they stay fresh and plump. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply follow the cooking instructions as outlined, adding your prepped ingredients to the Instant Pot, and cooking them as directed. You’ll savor a delicious, homemade meal that’s just as satisfying as freshly made! How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Lo Mein Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring moisture is sealed in to keep the noodles from drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Shrimp Lo Mein in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to maintain the noodles’ texture and prevent drying. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving cooked Shrimp Lo Mein out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Expert Tips for Shrimp Lo Mein Perfect Noodle Texture: Avoid stirring the noodles before cooking to prevent clumping; this leads to a much better texture in your Shrimp Lo Mein. Flavor Boost: Enhance the dish with chili flakes or sriracha for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Just a pinch can make a delightful difference! Coat the Noodles: Let the noodles sit in the sauce after cooking to ensure they are well coated and flavorful; this elevates the entire dish. Proper Storage: If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe FAQs What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe? For the best results, I recommend using peeled and deveined shrimp, as they save time and offer convenience. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp; if you choose frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking so your dish maintains the right texture. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover Shrimp Lo Mein in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps retain moisture and flavor. Just reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth or water to avoid drying out the noodles. Can I freeze Shrimp Lo Mein? Absolutely! To freeze your Shrimp Lo Mein, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop with a little liquid for best results. What if my noodles come out clumped together? If you notice your noodles are clumped, it may be due to stirring them before cooking or crowding the pot. To prevent this, avoid stirring before the pressure cooking step and ensure you layer the noodles on top of the broth and vegetables without mixing. Allowing the noodles to cook undisturbed can give you that perfect, chewy texture! Is there a gluten-free alternative for this dish? Yes! You can easily make this Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce. Always check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well, and feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies. Can I add extra vegetables to my Shrimp Lo Mein? Very! This recipe is highly adaptable. To boost nutrition and flavor, consider adding snap peas, bok choy, or mushrooms. Just chop them into small pieces and add them in with the other vegetables—it’s a great way to use what’s on hand! Satisfying Shrimp Lo Mein in Just 30 Minutes Quick Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein is a flavorful and customizable dish that brings restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ChineseCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Noodles8 oz Noodles Traditional egg noodles or gluten-free optionsFor the Shrimp1 lb Shrimp Peeled and deveinedFor the Vegetables1 cup Bell Peppers Chopped1 cup Broccoli Chopped into florets1 cup Carrots Thinly slicedFor the Sauce¼ cup Soy Sauce Use gluten-free tamari if needed2 tbsp Sesame Oil Or light olive oil as a substituteFor the Aromatics2 cloves Minced Garlic1 tbsp Grated GingerFor Cooking Liquid1 cup Vegetable Broth Can substitute with waterFor Garnishing2 tbsp Green Onions Chopped1 tbsp Sesame Seeds Toasted for extra flavor Equipment Instant Pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsStart by washing and chopping your bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. In the meantime, ensure your shrimp is peeled and deveined, ready for the pot. Prepare your noodles by soaking them if needed.Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function and add a drizzle of sesame oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.Once your aromatics are ready, toss in the chopped bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, then pour in the vegetable broth.Carefully place your soaked noodles on top of the vegetable and broth mixture without stirring. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on 'Manual' for 3-4 minutes.After cooking, perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting. Once the steam has released, open the lid to reveal your noodles and veggies.Layer the raw shrimp over the noodle mixture and drizzle soy sauce on top. Cook on 'Sauté' for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque.Gently toss the noodles, veggies, and shrimp together until well combined. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesAvoid stirring the noodles before cooking to prevent clumping and enhance texture. Consider adding chili flakes for a spicy kick. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
