Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe: Easy Takeout-Style Noodles at Home

Introduction

If you've ever craved the comforting, savory flavors of Chinese takeout, you're not alone. One of the most popular dishes to order is Shrimp Lo Mein—a satisfying stir-fried noodle dish packed with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a rich umami sauce. But what if we told you that you could recreate this dish in your own kitchen in less than 30 minutes?

Homemade Shrimp Lo Mein isn’t just cost-effective—it’s customizable, healthier, and just as delicious as your favorite takeout. With just a few pantry staples, fresh shrimp, and noodles, you can whip up a flavorful dinner any night of the week.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about making Shrimp Lo Mein at home, including ingredient breakdowns, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and FAQs.

What Is Lo Mein?

Lo Mein (撈麵) is a Chinese noodle dish made by tossing boiled egg noodles with a savory sauce, vegetables, and protein. Unlike Chow Mein (which is stir-fried to a crisp), Lo Mein noodles remain soft and chewy. The word “lo” means “to toss” in Cantonese, emphasizing the mixing of sauce and noodles rather than frying them.

Shrimp Lo Mein features succulent shrimp as the main protein, paired with stir-fried vegetables and tossed in a flavorful soy-based sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lo Mein Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp sugar
¼ tsp ground white pepper (optional)

For the Noodles and Stir-Fry:

8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti/egg noodles)
1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp garlic (minced)
1 tsp ginger (grated or minced)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup snow peas or snap peas
3 green onions (sliced, whites and greens separated)
Optional garnish: sesame seeds, extra green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil your lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: If using spaghetti as a substitute, cook it al dente to maintain a firm texture.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked noodles and shrimp back to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the green parts of the onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately.

Why This Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The sauce combines salty, sweet, and nutty elements for an authentic taste.
Fast & Easy: It comes together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Swap veggies or proteins based on what you have in your fridge.
Family-Friendly: Mild heat and familiar flavors make it great for all ages.

Variations & Substitutions

Noodles: Can’t find lo mein noodles? Use ramen, spaghetti, or udon.
Vegetables: Try mushrooms, cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, or bean sprouts.
Protein Options: Substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, tofu, or a plant-based alternative.
Sauce Boost: Add a splash of chili oil or sriracha for extra heat.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Lo Mein

Use high heat: This helps stir-fry the ingredients quickly while keeping veggies crisp.
Prep ahead: Have all ingredients chopped and sauces mixed before you start cooking.
Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook fast and become rubbery if overdone.
Toss well: Ensure every noodle is coated with sauce for consistent flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with:

Steamed dumplings
Egg rolls or spring rolls
Hot and sour soup
Asian cucumber salad
A chilled glass of white wine or green tea

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals or stir-fry in a hot pan with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the noodles and shrimp can become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs About Shrimp Lo Mein

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your hoisin and oyster sauces are also gluten-free. Swap the noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or GF pasta.

2. What’s the difference between lo mien and chow mien?

Lo mien noodles are boiled and tossed in sauce, staying soft and chewy. Chow mien noodles are stir-fried until crispy.

3. Can I meal prep Shrimp Lo Mein?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat gently to preserve the texture of the shrimp and veggies.

4. How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or drizzle with chili oil before serving.

5. Are there low-carb alternatives?

Yes. Use zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Shrimp Lo Mein is a fast, flavorful dish that brings the magic of your favorite takeout into your own kitchen. With tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and chewy noodles tossed in a delicious savory sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings without the delivery wait.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep lunch, or even a weekend comfort meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable, making it a go-to recipe that fits into any cooking style or dietary need.

So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and stir-fry your way to a better bowl of noodles—Shrimp Lo Mein style!