Involved in the biosynthesis of the chorismate, which leads to the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. Catalyzes the reversible NADPH linked reduction of 3-dehydroshikimate (DHSA) to yield shikimate (SA). NADP(+) + shikimate = 3-dehydroshikimate + H(+) + NADPH kcat is 55.5 sec(-1) for dehydrogenase activity (at pH 9 and 25 degrees Celsius). Metabolic intermediate biosynthesis; chorismate biosynthesis; chorismate from D-erythrose 4-phosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate: step 4/7. Homodimer. AroE is dependent on the hydrogen ion concentration of the environment. A low pH environment favors the formation of SA and NADP, whereas a high pH condition favors the formation of DHSA and NADPH. Belongs to the shikimate dehydrogenase family.