Shrimp Lo Mein

Better-Than-Takeout Noodles Ready in 30 Minutes

If you love ordering takeout but want to recreate that restaurant-quality flavor at home, this Shrimp Lo Mein is the perfect solution. Tender shrimp, perfectly cooked noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory garlic-soy sauce come together in one satisfying dish that tastes just like your favorite Chinese restaurant — maybe even better.

This easy shrimp lo mein recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. The secret? High heat, fresh ingredients, and a well-balanced sauce that coats every strand of noodle.

Let’s make the ultimate homemade lo mein noodles — packed with flavor, texture, and that irresistible glossy finish.

What Is Lo Mein?

“Lo mein” means “tossed noodles.” Unlike chow mein (which is often crispier and stir-fried longer), lo mein noodles are boiled first and then tossed with sauce and stir-fried ingredients.

Traditional lo mein typically includes:

• Egg noodles
• A savory soy-based sauce
• Protein (shrimp, chicken, beef, or tofu)
• Fresh vegetables

This shrimp stir fry noodles version keeps things simple, classic, and incredibly flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Lo Mein

• Ready in 30 minutes
• Better-than-takeout flavor
• Customizable vegetables
• One-pan meal
• Family-friendly

It’s comforting, savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

For the Noodles & Shrimp:

• 12 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

Vegetables:

• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Lo Mein Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth (or water)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook noodles according to package instructions until just al dente.
3. Drain and toss lightly with a small drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

4. Pat shrimp dry.
5. Toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
6. This helps create a light coating and better texture.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and broth.
8. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

9. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
10. Add shrimp in a single layer.
11. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
12. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables

13. Add remaining oil to the pan.
14. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
15. Add carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas.
16. Stir fry 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 6: Combine Everything

17. Return shrimp to the pan.
18. Add cooked noodles.
19. Pour sauce over everything.
20. Toss well using tongs until evenly coated and heated through (about 2 minutes).
21. Stir in green onions.

Step 7: Serve

22. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
23. Serve immediately while hot.

Shrimp Lo Mein

Quick and flavorful shrimp lo mein with tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese-American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lo Mein

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cooks fast. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery.

2. Use High Heat

Authentic flavor comes from quick stir-frying at high heat.

3. Prep Before Cooking

Have everything chopped and ready — stir frying moves quickly.

4. Undercook Noodles Slightly

They finish cooking in the pan.

Customization Ideas

Add More Veggies

• Bok choy
• Mushrooms
• Bean sprouts
• Snow peas

Make It Spicy

Add:

• Chili garlic sauce
• Red pepper flakes
• Sriracha

Swap the Protein

Not in the mood for shrimp? Try:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Tofu

What Makes This Sauce So Good?

The balance is key:

• Soy sauce → salty umami
• Oyster sauce → savory depth
• Hoisin → subtle sweetness
• Sesame oil → nutty aroma
• Sugar → balance

Together, they create that classic Chinese shrimp noodles flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Reheat in skillet with splash of water.
• Avoid microwaving too long to prevent rubbery shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — just thaw completely and pat dry.

What noodles work best?

Lo mein egg noodles are ideal, but spaghetti is a great substitute.

Is this authentic?

It’s a home-style version inspired by traditional Chinese-American takeout.

Why This Recipe Works

This shrimp lo mein combines:

• Tender shrimp
• Perfectly coated noodles
• Crisp vegetables
• Balanced savory sauce

It’s comforting yet fresh, quick yet impressive — and guaranteed to satisfy your takeout cravings at home.