Shrimp Lo Mein Noodles

Introduction

Shrimp Lo Mein Noodles is a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying stir-fry dish that perfectly combines tender shrimp, colorful vegetables, and bouncy noodles tossed in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. This Chinese-inspired recipe is a favorite in takeout menus worldwide — but making it at home is even better! You get to control the ingredients, balance the flavors, and enjoy it fresh off the pan.

Each bite bursts with umami flavor from soy sauce and oyster sauce, subtle sweetness from hoisin, a touch of garlic and ginger warmth, and the delightful crunch of vegetables. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with restaurant-quality taste that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love Shrimp Lo Mein because it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. It combines protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl, meaning you don’t need to fuss with side dishes. The shrimp cooks up quickly, staying juicy and tender, while the noodles soak up all that luscious sauce.

What makes this dish truly special is how versatile it is — you can toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand, adjust the sauce to your liking, and it still tastes amazing every single time. Plus, it’s far healthier (and more flavorful!) than most takeout options.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Shrimp Lo Mein is a must-try because it delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort. It’s:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Works with chicken, beef, tofu, or just vegetables.
• Deliciously Balanced: Sweet, savory, garlicky, and just the right touch of spice.
• Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies.

Once you try it, you’ll never crave takeout lo mein again — this homemade version tastes fresher and cleaner, yet every bit as satisfying.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Chinese / Asian-inspired
• Course: Main Course / Dinner / One-Pan Meal

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker sauce)
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 8 oz (225 g) lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles)
• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup snow peas (or snap peas)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook noodles and drain.
2. Sear shrimp and set aside.
3. Stir-fry vegetables and aromatics.
4. Add noodles, shrimp, and sauce.
5. Toss until well combined and glossy.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and water. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil noodles according to package instructions until just tender (al dente). Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add remaining oil. Add garlic and ginger, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell pepper, carrots, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles and shrimp back into the pan. Pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with green onions. Toss once more and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve Shrimp Lo Mein immediately while hot and glossy.
Garnish with:

• Extra green onions or sesame seeds
• A drizzle of chili oil or sriracha (if you like it spicy)
• A wedge of lime for brightness

Pairs perfectly with:

• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Hot and sour soup
• Steamed dumplings

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Do not overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly!
• Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking — stir-frying moves fast.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a tablespoon of warm water.
• For authentic flavor, cook over high heat in a wok.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Lo Mein: Replace shrimp with sliced chicken breast.
2. Vegetable Lo Mein: Skip the shrimp and load up with mushrooms, broccoli, and baby corn.
3. Spicy Lo Mein: Add 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste or sriracha to the sauce.
4. Beef Lo Mein: Substitute shrimp for thinly sliced flank steak.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 2 months (though texture may slightly change).
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warm. Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long to prevent toughness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large nonstick skillet
• Tongs or chopsticks for tossing
• Mixing bowls
• Colander for draining noodles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What noodles work best for Lo Mein?
Traditional Lo Mein noodles or egg noodles are ideal, but spaghetti works well too.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for best texture, store sauce separately and combine before serving.

Q4: Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default — adjust spice with chili flakes or sriracha as desired.

Q5: Can I skip the oyster sauce?
Yes, substitute with extra soy sauce and a bit of sugar for balance.

Conclusion

Shrimp Lo Mein Noodles is the ultimate quick and delicious stir-fry — bursting with bold Asian flavors, juicy shrimp, and crisp-tender vegetables. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal you can make at home in minutes, with everyday pantry ingredients.

Perfectly saucy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight dinners. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to takeout again — homemade Lo Mein just tastes so much better!