Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Say hello to your new weeknight favorite recipe! This Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein is a mouthwatering blend of tender noodles, vibrant veggies, and juicy shrimp—all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet, and lightly spicy sauce. This dish is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for those crazy busy evenings when you want a homemade meal but don’t have hours to spare. Ready in just under 20 minutes, it’s your one-pot ticket to a flavorful dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lightning-Fast to Prepare: Thanks to the Instant Pot, this dish comes together ridiculously quickly—just 15 minutes from start to finish! You don’t even have to pre-cook the noodles.
• Packed with Flavor: The soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic infuse the dish with bold, Asian-inspired tastes. The shrimp brings in that delicate seafood sweetness.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Loaded with fresh veggies like broccoli, snow peas, and carrots, this meal is as good for you as it tastes!
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot to prep, cook, and serve? Yes, please. Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein recipe—you can achieve incredible flavors with surprisingly simple ingredients:

• Garlic and Ginger: The ultimate aromatics that bring warmth and depth to the dish. Use fresh and minced for the best punch of flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Adds that irresistible nutty aroma. Don’t skip this—it’s a flavor powerhouse!
• Spaghetti Pasta: Classic spaghetti works wonderfully here, but you can swap it with linguine or even soba noodles if you prefer.
• Vegetables: Bright snow peas, tender-crisp broccoli florets, red peppers, and sweet carrots add both color and crunch.
• Chicken Broth: This keeps the pasta moist while infusing it with a subtle savory base.
• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, and Rice Wine: A trifecta of umami-packed ingredients that serve as the backbone of the flavorful sauce.
• Brown Sugar and Red Pepper Flakes: These balance the flavors with just the right touch of sweetness and heat.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp work well. For the best results, choose medium to large-sized shrimp. Clean and devein them for an easy eating experience.

Tip: If you’re in a pinch, feel free to add or swap other veggies you have on hand, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas.

Variations

Go Vegetarian

Skip the shrimp altogether or replace it with cubed tofu or scrambled eggs for an equally delicious version.

Add More Spice

If you’re a spice lover, consider adding a dollop of Sriracha or a sprinkle of chili oil right before serving.

Protein Swap

Don’t love shrimp? Swap it out for chicken, beef, or even pork. Just make sure you cook the meats in the Instant Pot first or use pre-cooked options.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free noodles and tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative) to make this dish dietary-friendly.

How to Make Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once it heats up, add sesame oil and minced garlic. Let the garlic cook until lightly golden—it only takes a minute but brings out a nutty, fragrant base for your dish.

Step 2: Layer Noodles and Veggies

Break your spaghetti pasta in half (trust me, it’s much easier to cook this way!) and layer them in your Instant Pot. Pile the carrots, broccoli, snow peas, and red pepper slices on top of the noodles.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour this magical sauce over the vegetable pile, letting it seep through to the noodles.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal your Instant Pot and set it to manual, high pressure, for 5 minutes. Easy peasy, right?

Step 5: Add the Shrimp

When the pressure cooking is finished, do a quick release. Remove the lid and stir the noodles gently. Add the shrimp and stir for a few minutes, letting the residual heat cook the shrimp while the sauce thickens. Let it sit for about 10 minutes—it gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle your finished dish with chives or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes before serving for a restaurant-style touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil: It’s the star of the show and sets the tone for an authentic flavor.
• Layering is Key: Always layer the sauce, noodles, and vegetables in the right order during pressure cooking. This ensures cooked noodles and crisp veggies!
• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensure a buttery texture. Frozen shrimp may release excess water and dilute the flavors.
• Quick Release = Perfect Noodles: Don’t let the dish sit in natural release too long, or the noodles might overcook.

How to Serve

This Shrimp Lo Mein is the ultimate standalone meal, but if you want to take things up a notch, here are some ideas:

• Pair with a Side: Serve with a light cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for extra variety.
• Keep it Classic: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. A splash of lime juice also brightens the flavors beautifully.
• Make it a Feast: Pair with egg drop soup or miso soup for a complete Asian-inspired dinner spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because the noodles may become soft, but if needed, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat your Shrimp Lo Mein in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp directly in the Instant Pot?
While it’s possible, I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Frozen shrimp might release extra liquid, potentially diluting the sauce and making the noodles mushy. Thaw them first for the best flavor and texture.

2. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce can work as an alternative, though it’s sweeter and less briny. You can also combine soy sauce with a tiny bit of fish sauce for a closer match!

3. My noodles are sticking—how can I fix this?
Be sure to stir thoroughly after pressure cooking. Adding an extra tablespoon of chicken broth or sesame oil can help loosen stuck noodles.

4. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes! Cook the noodles separately and stir-fry the veggies and shrimp with the sauce in a large wok or pan. Combine them at the end for a quicker stovetop version.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein is everything you need in a weeknight dinner—delicious, fast, and downright fun to make! The flavors are out of this world, the cleanup couldn’t be easier, and it’s versatile enough to fit your tastes. Give it a try this week, and I promise, you’ll be coming back to it again and again. Grab your Instant Pot, and let’s get cooking!

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