Shrimp Lo Mein

Introduction

Shrimp Lo Mein is a flavorful and satisfying Chinese-American dish that combines tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and soft noodles tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors—sweet, salty, and slightly garlicky—making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or takeout cravings at home. I love this recipe because it’s fast, versatile, and restaurant-quality without the need for long prep or complicated techniques. Every bite delivers the perfect combination of tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and flavorful noodles.

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Flavor-Packed: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil delivers rich umami flavor.
3. Customizable: You can swap vegetables or noodles based on preference or pantry staples.
4. Healthy & Satisfying: Shrimp is lean, and the dish includes fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.

Why You Must Try This Dish

Shrimp Lo Mein is a must-try because it brings the classic restaurant dish home with simple ingredients and minimal effort. The tender noodles soak up a delicious sauce while the shrimp and vegetables provide texture and freshness. It’s a dish that impresses with its flavor, presentation, and versatility—perfect as a quick dinner or a dish to serve at gatherings.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Chinese / Asian-Inspired
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Lo Mein

• 8 oz (225 g) lo mein or spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 cup snow peas or snap peas
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2–3 tbsp water (optional, to thin sauce)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Remove from pan.
5. Stir-fry vegetables until tender-crisp.
6. Return shrimp and noodles to the pan; pour in sauce and toss to coat.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook Noodles

• Boil lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
• Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and water if needed. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

• Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and stir-fry 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

• In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp oil.
• Add bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Noodles

• Return shrimp to the pan with vegetables.
• Add cooked noodles and pour sauce over the top.
• Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

• Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions.
• Serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with egg rolls, dumplings, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or extra green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

1. Cook Shrimp Last: Avoid overcooking shrimp—they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
2. High Heat: Use high heat for quick stir-frying to preserve texture and flavor.
3. Prep Ingredients First: Stir-frying is fast; have everything ready before cooking.
4. Add Crunch: Include water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra texture.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use chicken, beef, tofu, or a mix of seafood instead of shrimp.
• Vegetable Mix: Add broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy.
• Spicy Version: Add chili paste or sriracha to the sauce.
• Noodle Swap: Use rice noodles or udon for a different texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for noodles, as they may become mushy when reheated. Best to store sauce and cooked shrimp/vegetables separately and combine with fresh noodles when serving.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Tongs or spatula
• Saucepan (for noodles)
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, omit shrimp and add tofu or extra vegetables.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
A: Yes, just stir-fry them with the vegetables and sauce to heat through.

Q4: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Q5: Can I adjust the flavor?
A: Yes, add more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or sesame oil for nuttiness.

Conclusion

Shrimp Lo Mein is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. With tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and perfectly coated noodles, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual entertaining. Its simplicity, balanced flavors, and flexibility make it a must-try dish for anyone who loves Chinese-inspired cuisine.