Shrimp Lo Mein

There’s something irresistible about a big bowl of glossy noodles tossed with tender shrimp and crisp vegetables. Shrimp Lo Mein is one of those dishes that feels like a takeout treat — comforting, flavorful, and just indulgent enough — but it’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

If you’ve ever craved that savory, slightly sweet, garlicky sauce coating every strand of noodle, this recipe delivers exactly that. The shrimp are juicy and lightly seared, the vegetables stay vibrant and crisp, and the noodles soak up all the umami-rich sauce. Best of all? It comes together in under 30 minutes.

Homemade Shrimp Lo Mein might just replace your favorite takeout order.


What Is Lo Mein?

Lo mein means “tossed noodles.” Unlike chow mein, which is often stir-fried until crisp, lo mein noodles are boiled first and then tossed with sauce and stir-fried ingredients at the end. The focus is on silky noodles coated in sauce rather than crunchy texture.

Shrimp Lo Mein is a seafood variation that adds tender shrimp to the mix, creating a satisfying protein-packed meal that feels complete in one bowl.


Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

  • Ready in 30 minutes
  • Better than takeout
  • Packed with vegetables
  • Customizable to your taste
  • Perfect for busy weeknights

It’s the ultimate quick shrimp stir fry noodles recipe for when you want bold flavor without complicated steps.


Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ cup chicken broth

For the Noodles & Vegetables

  • 12 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss shrimp with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  6. Add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add carrots, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan.
  9. Add cooked noodles and pour sauce over everything.
  10. Toss thoroughly until noodles are evenly coated and heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
  11. Stir in green onions and remove from heat.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Shrimp Lo Mein

Quick and flavorful shrimp lo mein with tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
Sauce & Noodles
  • 12 oz lo mein noodles
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Cook noodles and set aside.
  2. Season and cook shrimp until pink; remove.
  3. Stir-fry vegetables until crisp-tender.
  4. Combine noodles, shrimp, and sauce; toss until coated.

Notes

Use fresh noodles for best texture.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Shrimp Lo Mein

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture.

2. Prep Everything First

Stir-frying moves fast. Have all ingredients chopped and sauce mixed before turning on the heat.

3. High Heat Is Key

A hot pan ensures vegetables stay crisp and shrimp sear properly.

4. Use Fresh Noodles If Available

Fresh lo mein noodles provide the best texture, but dried noodles or spaghetti work well too.


Variations

Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein

Add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.

Garlic Butter Twist

Stir in a small pat of butter at the end for richness.

Extra Veggie Boost

Add cabbage, mushrooms, or bean sprouts.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free tamari and rice noodles.


Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Lo Mein is a complete meal, but you can pair it with:

  • Egg rolls
  • Steamed dumplings
  • Simple cucumber salad
  • Hot and sour soup

Serve family-style in a large bowl for a cozy dinner vibe.


Storage & Reheating

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

To reheat:

  • Add a splash of broth or water.
  • Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Avoid microwaving too long, as shrimp can become tough.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I substitute chicken?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced chicken breast works well.

Is this authentic?
This is a homemade version inspired by classic Chinese-American takeout flavors.


Why Make Shrimp Lo Mein at Home?

Making Shrimp Lo Mein from scratch gives you control over:

  • Salt levels
  • Vegetable freshness
  • Sauce balance
  • Portion size

Plus, it’s often faster than waiting for delivery.

The combination of juicy shrimp, savory sauce, and tender noodles makes this easy shrimp lo mein recipe one you’ll come back to again and again.

Once you realize how simple homemade lo mein noodles are, takeout might just become a backup plan.

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