Easy Shrimp Pad Thai

If you're feeling like you just can't fully tackle the kitchen today...

via GIPHY

and maybe you're in need of a hug....

I have found the recipe for you...because that's exactly what this dish feels like- a warm hug. Today I am reviewing Easy Lo Mein by damndelicious. I was curious about whether or not the dish could actually be made in 15 minutes. It turns out that it can. It's comforting, quick and easy. I added shrimp to it, and substituted the lo mein for pad thai noodles, but really, you could add or substitute a lot of ingredients with this recipe. Add this one to your weeknight rotation. 

I felt great after eating Easy Lo Mein because it's full of veggies, including snow peas, which I found out are actually quite beneficial! Read about them here. 

I gathered together one bag (8 oz.) of paid thai noodles (or use lo mein, whatever you can find), 1 Tbs. of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 2 cups cremini mushrooms, minced, 1 red bell pepper and 1 peeled carrot- both julienned, 1/2 cup snow peas, and 3 cups of baby spinach, and 1 bag deveined, peeled shrimp. For the sauce: 2 Tbs. reduced sodium soy sauce, or more if needed, 2 tsp. sugar, 1 tsp. sesame oil, 1/2 tsp. ground ginger, 1/2 tsp. Sriracha 

You come here for pics of boiling water, don't you...just giving the people what they want.

I started the water for the noodles first. I guess I should have wiped the stove after making Skillet Chicken Parmesan. They say the sign of a good cook is a messy stove. I don't know if that's an actual quote or not, I just made it up to make myself feel better about my messy stove.

If you're going to add shrimp to this like I did, now is the time to thaw it if needed (take it out of the bag, put it in a strainer and run cold water over it for approximately 10 minutes.) The shrimp I used was already peeled and deveined. 

It's time to dance! Today's challenge: See if you can do the twist while you make the sauce in a small bowl. 

Veggie prep: I julienned the bell pepper. I simply chopped the carrot. (Don't forget to wash and peel it first). If you're feeling ambitious, Martha is here to show you how to properly julienne your carrot. I would show you myself if I knew how. I buy my mushrooms pre-sliced but use what you have. 

I cooked up the pasta and drained it while thinking "Deep Thoughts" like Jack Handey. Do you remember those old Saturday Night Live clips? 

I heated up the oil in a large pan over medium heat and threw in the garlic and veggies, cooking them for 3-4 minutes while stirring. I then added the shrimp and let them cook with the veggies for 3-5 minutes (or until done). This is another opportunity to dance while you stir and sip on your favorite beverage. Check out this white sangria recipe. You can use whatever fruit you have on hand for it. Perfect for summer. 

I then added the snow peas and spinach and stirred for about 2-3 minutes while I waited for the spinach to wilt. Look at the colors in this dish. They make my soul sing. 

I threw in the noodles and poured the sauce from the bowl on top, stirring. It was then ready to serve. 

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this dish. And I love that just about anything you have in your fridge can be added to it. 

Please visit damndelicious for a recipe card. Check out the site if you haven't before- the food photos are just beautiful.  

In the comments, tell me how you're doing. I'd love to hear from you! What do you think could be added to this dish? Happy Cooking!