Shrimp Lo Mein – Better Than Takeout!
If you’re craving a flavorful, quick, and satisfying noodle dish, this shrimp lo mein recipe is going to be your new favorite! Originating from Chinese cuisine, lo mein literally means “tossed noodles.” Unlike chow mein (which is fried), lo mein noodles are soft, chewy, and coated in a savory sauce.
This version with shrimp is light, protein-packed, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s even better than takeout—fresh, customizable, and healthier too.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if unavailable)
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snow peas or snap peas
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional for spice)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken, optional)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Cook Noodles – Boil noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce. Set aside.
- Cook Shrimp – Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet. Add shrimp, season with black pepper, and stir-fry until pink and cooked through (about 3 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies – Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, carrots, peppers, snow peas, and cabbage for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Combine Everything – Add noodles, shrimp, and sauce to the pan. Toss well until everything is evenly coated. If using cornstarch slurry, stir it in now to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Finish & Serve – Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve hot!
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 portions
Tips & Variations
- Protein Swap: Use chicken, beef, tofu, or a mix of shrimp and scallops.
- Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, bok choy, mushrooms, or bean sprouts.
- Spice Level: Adjust with more chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
- Noodle Options: If lo mein noodles aren’t available, use egg noodles, ramen, or linguine.
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully—make extra for lunch the next day.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil: Use a non-stick pan and cut oil in half.
- Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with tamari and use rice noodles.
- Keto-Friendly: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of wheat noodles.
- Low-Sodium: Choose reduced-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- No-Sugar Option: Skip hoisin sauce or replace with a sugar-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your shrimp lo mein hot, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds. Pair it with:
- Egg rolls or spring rolls for a takeout-style meal.
- A light Asian cucumber salad for freshness.
- Hot jasmine tea or a sparkling drink for balance.
This dish is versatile enough for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep lunches. Once you try it, you’ll never crave greasy takeout again!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for lo mein?
Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the stir-fry.
Q2: How do I keep lo mein noodles from sticking?
Rinse cooked noodles with cold water and toss lightly with sesame oil before adding to the stir-fry.
Q3: Can I make shrimp lo mein ahead of time?
Yes. Cook everything and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of soy sauce.
Q4: What’s the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
Lo mein uses boiled, soft noodles tossed in sauce, while chow mein features fried, crispy noodles.
Q5: Can I make shrimp lo mein without oyster sauce?
Yes. Simply add more soy sauce or use fish sauce for umami flavor.
