Ingredients:
- 1 lb Fettucine Noodles ($0.98, bought 2)
- 1 lb Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables ($2.42)
- 1 lb Chicken, thinly sliced ($5.00)
- 1/2 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined ($6.00)
- 1 bottle Stir Fry Sauce ($2.87, bought 2)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Cook Fettucine Noodles:
- Boil the fettucine noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Protein:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the frozen stir fry vegetables. Cook until they are heated through but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine Protein and Vegetables:
- Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Sauce it Up:
- Pour the stir fry sauce over the mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are coated with the flavorful sauce.
6. Add Fettucine Noodles:
- Add the cooked fettucine noodles to the skillet. Gently toss until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and mixed with the protein and vegetables.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Serve hot and enjoy your quick and affordable Shrimp and Chicken Lo Mein!
Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding more vegetables or adjusting the sauce to your liking. This recipe provides a versatile base, and you can tailor it to suit your family’s preferences.
Here are some tips to make your Quick and Affordable Shrimp and Chicken Lo Mein even more delightful:
- Marinate the Proteins:
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken and shrimp in a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Fresh Vegetables:
- Consider adding fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a variety of textures and flavors. Sauté them along with the frozen stir-fry vegetables.
- Spice it Up:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat. Adjust the spice level according to your taste.
- Fresh Herbs and Citrus Zest:
- Before serving, toss in fresh cilantro, basil, or mint for a burst of fresh herb flavor. Additionally, a sprinkle of lime or lemon zest can add a zesty kick.
- Crunchy Toppings:
- For an extra crunch, top the lo mein with toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or crispy fried onions.
- Egg Swirl:
- If you enjoy egg in your lo mein, make a quick scrambled egg separately and fold it into the dish just before serving.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives:
- Experiment with different soy sauce varieties like low-sodium or dark soy sauce to adjust the saltiness and color of the dish.
- Nutty Flavors:
- Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the finished dish for a nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente:
- Cook the fettucine noodles al dente to ensure they don’t become mushy when combined with the other ingredients.
- Vegetarian Option:
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and shrimp and doubling up on colorful vegetables. Consider adding tofu for a protein boost.
- Garlic and Ginger Perfection:
- Increase the amount of minced garlic and fresh ginger for an extra aromatic and savory profile.
- Thinly Slice the Proteins:
- Thinly slicing the chicken and cutting the shrimp into bite-sized pieces ensures quicker cooking and a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Sauce Adjustment:
- Taste the sauce before adding it to the lo mein and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or acidity according to your preference.
- Cook in Batches:
- If your skillet or wok is not large enough, consider cooking the protein and vegetables in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Serve with Fresh Lime Wedges:
- Place fresh lime wedges on the side for individuals to squeeze over their portion just before eating.
Feel free to mix and match these tips based on your preferences, and enjoy your upgraded and even more delightful Shrimp and Chicken Lo Mein!
Popular Questions and Answers:
Here are some potential questions and answers that might arise regarding the Easy Quick and Affordable Shrimp and Chicken Lo Mein :
Q: Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe? A: Absolutely! While fettucine noodles work well, you can use egg noodles, rice noodles, or even ramen noodles for a different twist.
Q: Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh shrimp. Adjust the cooking time, and make sure to devein and peel them before cooking.
Q: How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together? A: After boiling the noodles, rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch and toss them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian? A: Certainly! Omit the chicken and shrimp, and add extra vegetables or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q: What other vegetables can I add to the lo mein? A: You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts for added color and texture.
Q: Can I use a different sauce or make my own? A: Absolutely! You can experiment with different stir-fry sauces or make your own using a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of sugar.
Q: How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp and chicken? A: Cook the proteins on high heat and stir-fry them briefly to prevent overcooking. Shrimp should turn pink, and chicken should be cooked through but still tender.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and quickly stir-fry them together just before serving.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level? A: To increase the spice level, add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili oil. To reduce the heat, use a milder stir-fry sauce and omit additional spicy ingredients.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and maintain their tenderness.
Q: How long does it take to make this recipe? A: The total cooking time is around 20-30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for a weeknight meal.
Q: Can I use a different type of protein, like beef or tofu? A: Certainly! Thinly sliced beef, pork, or tofu are excellent alternatives to chicken and shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use gluten-free noodles and ensure that the stir-fry sauce is gluten-free or make your own with gluten-free soy sauce.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Feel free to use these answers as a reference and adapt them based on your preferences!
Achieving the perfect Quick and Affordable Shrimp and Chicken Lo Mein involves attention to detail and some culinary secrets. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles:
- Cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when combined with other ingredients. Rinse them under cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process.
- High Heat Stir-Frying:
- Use a high heat setting when stir-frying the proteins and vegetables. This ensures a quick and vibrant cooking process, preserving the crisp texture of the vegetables and the tenderness of the proteins.
- Marinate for Flavor:
- Marinate the chicken and shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking. This infuses the proteins with additional flavor.
- Thin Slices for Even Cooking:
- Thinly slice the chicken to ensure quick and even cooking. Similarly, ensure that shrimp are deveined and peeled for a more enjoyable texture.
- Sauce Control:
- Be mindful of the amount of sauce you add initially. You can always add more, but it’s challenging to correct an overly saucy dish. Toss the ingredients well to evenly coat them.
- Fresh Vegetables for Color and Crunch:
- Add fresh vegetables to the frozen stir-fry mix for additional color and crunch. Consider bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a vibrant and texturally diverse dish.
- Multi-Sauce Blend:
- Combine different sauces for a more complex flavor. Mix soy sauce with oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a touch of sesame oil for a delicious blend.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
- Garnish the finished dish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or even Thai basil for a burst of freshness and added aroma.
- Citrus Zest Enhancement:
- Add a touch of citrus zest, such as lime or lemon, just before serving to brighten up the flavors and add a hint of freshness.
- Customize Spice Levels:
- Adjust the spice level to your liking. Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili oil for heat, or omit them for a milder dish.
- Quick Assembly:
- Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a fast process, and having everything at your fingertips helps ensure nothing gets overcooked.
- Experiment with Noodle Types:
- Try different noodle varieties for a unique twist. Udon, rice noodles, or even ramen noodles can be excellent alternatives.
- Crispy Toppings:
- Add a crunchy element by topping the dish with toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or crispy fried onions just before serving.
- Balance Flavors:
- Taste and adjust the flavors as you cook. If the dish feels too salty, you can balance it with a squeeze of lime juice or a touch of sweetness.
- Serve with Confidence:
- Serve the Quick and Affordable Shrimp and Chicken Lo Mein with confidence and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures you’ve created!
Feel free to adapt these secrets based on your taste preferences and enjoy your perfect Shrimp and Chicken Lo Mein!
