Shrimp Lo Mein: A Delicious and Easy Homemade Chinese Stir-Fry Recipe

If you're craving an authentic and flavorful dish from Chinese cuisine, Shrimp Lo Mein is the perfect choice. This savory, stir-fried noodle dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles all tossed together in a rich, tangy sauce. The best part? You can make it at home in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal dinner option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to prepare Shrimp Lo Mein, tips for making it extra flavorful, and answers to some common questions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients:

For this Shrimp Lo Mein, you’ll need:

• For the Lo Mein Noodles:

  • 8 oz lo mein noodles (or Chinese egg noodles, or spaghetti as a substitute)

• For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking the shrimp)

• For the Vegetables:

  • 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (use red, green, or yellow peppers)
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned (or thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

• For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium for a healthier option)
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

• For Garnish:

  • Chopped green onions (scallions)
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure not to overcook them; they should be al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent them from sticking. Set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the onions, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4–5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. The vegetables should retain some crunch for the best texture.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. This sauce is what brings all the flavors together, so make sure it’s well-mixed.

Step 5: Combine the Shrimp, Noodles, and Sauce

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce, and the shrimp and vegetables are well-distributed throughout.

Step 6: Serve

Once the noodles are heated through and everything is well-combined, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Shrimp Lo Mein hot, garnished with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Lo Mein:

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor and texture of the dish. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, so make sure you only cook them until they turn pink and opaque.
• Vegetable variety: While this recipe uses bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, feel free to get creative. Mushrooms, snow peas, bok choy, or baby corn are also excellent additions to your lo mein.
• Customize the sauce: If you like it spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more hoisin sauce or sugar.
• Noodle alternatives: If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can substitute with spaghetti or another type of Asian noodle such as chow mein noodles or udon. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the noodle type you use.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance to save time when making this dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 400-450 (depending on specific ingredients used)
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes! Frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 20-30 minutes.

2. Can I substitute the lo mein noodles with something else? Absolutely! If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can use other types of noodles like spaghetti, chow mein noodles, or even rice noodles. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to the noodle you choose.

3. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together? To prevent the noodles from sticking, rinse them under cold water right after draining them. This removes excess starch and helps keep them from clumping. Additionally, tossing the noodles in a little sesame oil before adding them to the stir-fry can help prevent sticking.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make a gluten-free version of Shrimp Lo Mein, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure that all other ingredients (like oyster sauce and hoisin sauce) are also gluten-free or substitute them with suitable alternatives.

5. Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp? Definitely! This recipe works well with other proteins such as chicken, beef, or even tofu. If using chicken or beef, make sure to slice them thinly so they cook quickly and evenly.

6. Can I make Shrimp Lo Mein ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance, but the noodles might become a little softer when stored. If you’re planning to make it ahead, store the noodles, shrimp, and vegetables separately in airtight containers. Reheat in a skillet with a little extra sauce to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Shrimp Lo Mein is a flavorful, satisfying dish that can easily be recreated in your own kitchen. With tender shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce, this stir-fry is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or want to impress guests with your culinary skills, this homemade Shrimp Lo Mein recipe is sure to deliver. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and healthier alternative to takeout.

Happy cooking!