You know those evenings when all you crave is something warm, savory, and soul-satisfying—but you’re tired of the usual takeout routine? Maybe it’s been a long day, and you’re standing in your kitchen wondering how to bring comfort to your plate without spending hours doing it. That’s where this shrimp lo mein recipe comes in.
It’s not just a meal—it’s a moment. A little escape into the flavors you love, stirred up in your own skillet. You don’t need to be a chef or have a fancy wok. What you do need? Just a few fresh ingredients, ten minutes of prep, and a craving for something delicious.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, this dish delivers that perfect mix of tender shrimp, saucy noodles, and crisp veggies—all wrapped in a bold, umami-packed sauce you can tweak to your taste. You’re not just following a recipe here—you’re creating your own little tradition, one satisfying forkful at a time.
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What Is Shrimp Lo Mein?
Shrimp lo mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish made with stir-fried egg noodles, juicy shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. If you’ve ever ordered lo mein from your favorite takeout spot, you already know the appeal—it’s quick, filling, and bursting with bold, comforting flavors.
But when you make your own shrimp lo mein recipe at home, you’re in control. You get to choose the freshness of your ingredients, adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and skip the heavy oils or added sugar that often sneak into restaurant versions.
At its heart, shrimp lo mein is a flexible, satisfying meal that comes together fast—perfect for weeknights when you want something exciting without the fuss. It’s not just a dish; it’s your new go-to solution for turning a handful of pantry staples into something truly crave-worthy.
Shrimp is so versatile—if you’re craving something different, try our popular Shrimp Scampi without Wine for a quick, elegant twist.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe?
- Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes, even on your busiest nights.
- Better Than Takeout – You control the flavors, freshness, and ingredients.
- One-Pan Wonder – Less mess, fewer dishes, more time to relax.
- Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or spice it up just the way you like.
- Family Favorite – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- Comfort in a Bowl – It hits that savory, satisfying note you crave after a long day.
This shrimp lo mein recipe doesn’t just feed your hunger—it feeds your soul. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever dialed takeout in the first place. If you’re curious about the health benefits shrimp offers, this shrimp nutrition guide is a great place to start.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this shrimp lo mein recipe to life. Most items are pantry staples—making this an easy weeknight win.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 lb | Medium or large; tail-off preferred |
| Lo mein noodles | 8 oz | Or substitute with spaghetti noodles |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Low-sodium works best |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tbsp | Adds rich, savory depth |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp | For flavor and stir-frying |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Fresh for best flavor |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tsp | Optional but highly recommended |
| Bell pepper (sliced) | 1 medium | Any color; adds crunch & sweetness |
| Carrot (julienned) | 1 large | Thin strips work best |
| Green onions | 3 stalks | Sliced; for garnish and flavor |
| Cabbage (shredded) | 1 cup | Optional; adds texture |
| Olive oil or neutral oil | 1 tbsp | For cooking shrimp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | To taste | Optional; for a spicy kick |
💡 Tip: Feel free to toss in snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli if you’ve got them on hand.
How to Make Shrimp Lo Mein Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles as directed on the package. Once cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss in bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Set it aside—you’ll add it soon.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the noodles and shrimp to the pan.
Pour the sauce over everything and toss well using tongs until evenly coated and heated through—about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sliced green onions.
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade shrimp lo mein that rivals any restaurant!
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Pair with a Light Side
Balance the rich, savory flavors of your shrimp lo mein with something light and fresh.
A crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a simple miso soup works beautifully.
Step 2: Offer a Refreshing Drink
Serve with iced green tea, jasmine tea, or a citrus-infused sparkling water.
It cuts through the umami and refreshes the palate.
Step 3: Add a Sauce Station
Let everyone drizzle extra soy sauce, sriracha, or chili crisp to customize their bowl.
This gives the meal a fun, interactive feel.
Step 4: Serve in Noodle Bowls
Use wide, shallow bowls or traditional Asian noodle bowls to keep the noodles from clumping.
Garnish with extra scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that restaurant-style touch.
Step 5: Store Leftovers Right
If you’re meal-prepping or have leftovers, store them in airtight containers.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles—still delicious the next day!
Nutritional Information for Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
Making your own shrimp lo mein not only saves money, but it also gives you more control over what goes into your meal. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~410 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~42g |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Total Fat | ~15g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2.5g |
| Cholesterol | ~180mg |
| Sodium | ~850mg |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sugar | ~6g |
💡 Tip: You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and adding more vegetables instead of extra sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cook fast—just 1–2 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them rubbery. - Skipping the Sauce Prep
Mix your sauce ingredients before stir-frying. Scrambling mid-recipe can throw off the flavor. - Using the Wrong Noodles
Avoid rice noodles or overly thin varieties. Stick to lo mein noodles, yakisoba, or even spaghetti for the best texture. - Crowding the Pan
Too many ingredients at once can cause steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if needed. - Forgetting to Rinse Noodles
After boiling, rinse noodles under cold water. This stops cooking and keeps them from getting mushy or sticky. - Not Heating the Pan Enough
A hot skillet or wok is key to that signature stir-fry sear. Don’t rush the preheat! - Overloading on Soy Sauce
Too much soy can overpower the dish and make it salty. Taste before adding more.
Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe FAQs
What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?
Lo mein uses boiled noodles that are tossed with sauce, while chow mein is made with fried, crispy noodles. Your shrimp lo mein recipe is soft, saucy, and perfect for slurping!
Can I use frozen shrimp for lo mein?
Absolutely. Just make sure you thaw and pat them dry first to avoid extra water in the pan. It helps them sear better and keeps the dish flavorful, not soggy.
What kind of noodles should I use for shrimp lo mein?
Look for Chinese egg noodles labeled “lo mein” or use fresh yakisoba noodles. In a pinch, spaghetti or linguine works surprisingly well.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?
Rinse them under cold water after boiling and toss with a touch of sesame oil. This keeps them separate and adds flavor too.
Can I store and reheat shrimp lo mein?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring the noodles back to life.
Can I make shrimp lo mein spicy?
Of course! Add crushed red pepper, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce while stir-frying or at the table—custom heat levels are part of the fun.
Conclusion
Ready to Make Your Own Shrimp Lo Mein? You’ve got everything you need to whip up a shrimp lo mein recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and way better than takeout. It’s a meal that fits perfectly into your busy life, lets you customize every bite, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Why settle for bland or boring dinners when you can enjoy this satisfying, restaurant-quality dish anytime you want?
👉 Give it a try today! Whip up this shrimp lo mein, share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe so it’s always just a click away when hunger strikes.
Your new favorite meal is waiting—let’s get cooking!