Shrimp Lo Mein with Noodles

Shrimp Lo Mein with Noodles is a classic Chinese-American stir-fry dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked noodles, and crisp vegetables are tossed together in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Lo Mein literally means “tossed noodles,” and this dish captures that spirit beautifully — silky noodles coated in a rich sauce that ties together the juicy shrimp and vibrant vegetables. Unlike takeout versions that can often be greasy or overly salty, this homemade version offers freshness and balance in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Shrimp Lo Mein recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels luxurious yet simple. The shrimp cook up quickly, adding a naturally sweet, briny flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory sauce. The noodles soak up all that umami goodness, creating a dish that’s rich without being heavy.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how customizable it is — you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins, and it always turns out delicious. Plus, it’s made in one pan, which means less cleanup but maximum flavor. It’s a dish that satisfies cravings while being quick enough for busy weeknights.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Shrimp Lo Mein is a must-try because it gives you that authentic restaurant-style taste right from your own kitchen — but fresher, healthier, and more budget-friendly. The combination of chewy noodles, tender shrimp, and crisp vegetables makes it a full, well-balanced meal. The sauce — a blend of soy, sesame, and garlic — is irresistible.

It’s also an excellent introduction to Asian cooking techniques since it uses simple ingredients and quick stir-frying methods. Once you make this at home, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-American

Ingredients

For the Lo Mein Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavor)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Lo Mein:

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti noodles)
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snow peas or snap peas
• 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes for heat
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar for tanginess

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the Noodles:
   Boil noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add onion, carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Everything:
   Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together to coat evenly. Add the shrimp back to the pan and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
6. Finish and Serve:
   Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil and Drain Noodles: Cook the noodles until just tender, rinse under cold water, and toss with oil.
2. Mix the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside for quick access during stir-frying.
3. Cook Shrimp: Sear shrimp briefly in hot oil until pink, then remove to avoid overcooking.
4. Stir-Fry Veggies: Sauté aromatics first, then add vegetables in order of cooking time — hard veggies first, tender ones last.
5. Add Noodles and Sauce: Toss noodles with the sauce and vegetables, then return shrimp to the pan.
6. Toss and Serve: Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even coating, garnish, and enjoy.

How to Serve

Serve Shrimp Lo Mein hot, straight from the wok, in individual bowls or plates. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Pair it with sides like egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or a light Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

1. Use Day-Old Noodles: Cold noodles stir-fry better without sticking or becoming mushy.
2. Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They only need a few minutes — once they turn pink, they’re done.
3. Prep Before Cooking: Have all ingredients ready (mise en place) since stir-frying moves quickly.
4. Use High Heat: Cooking over high heat gives that classic “wok flavor.”
5. Balance the Sauce: Adjust soy or hoisin sauce according to your salt and sweetness preference.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein: Add chili paste or sriracha for heat.
2. Garlic Butter Lo Mein: Replace sesame oil with butter for a rich, fusion-style flavor.
3. Vegetarian Lo Mein: Omit shrimp and add tofu, mushrooms, or edamame.
4. Chicken or Beef Lo Mein: Substitute shrimp with thinly sliced chicken or beef strips.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of wheat noodles.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled Lo Mein in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long, as the shrimp may become rubbery.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large non-stick skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula for tossing
• Sauce whisk or spoon
• Colander for draining noodles

Conclusion

Shrimp Lo Mein with Noodles is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a dish full of depth, flavor, and comfort. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can prepare at home in just 30 minutes, with endless opportunities for customization. The combination of tender shrimp, chewy noodles, and vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite for all occasions.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or craving takeout flavors without the guilt, this Shrimp Lo Mein is a dish you’ll want to make again and again — quick, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.