Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe: A Savory Noodle Delight

Twirling forks into a classic Chinese stir-fry shrimp lo mein recipe brings pure comfort to any dinner table.

Tender noodles dance with plump, succulent shrimp in a savory sauce that sparks culinary excitement.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with this simple yet delectable dish.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of fresh vegetables and protein-packed seafood.

The wok sizzles with aromatic flavors that transport you straight to a bustling Asian kitchen.

Colorful bell peppers and crisp green onions add vibrant texture to this irresistible noodle creation.

Prepare to savor every delightful, flavor-packed forkful of this restaurant-quality meal.

Shrimp Lo Mein – The Noodle Lover’s Pick

  • This shrimp lo mein delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated cooking techniques, making it perfect for home chefs craving delicious Asian-inspired meals.
  • Swap ingredients like protein or vegetables based on what's in your kitchen, allowing ultimate flexibility for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • From start to finish, this recipe comes together rapidly, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that keeps hunger at bay without consuming your entire evening.
  • Packed with protein from shrimp, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and balanced carbohydrates, this dish offers a complete nutritional profile in a single convenient serving.

Everything in Shrimp Lo Mein

Primary Proteins:
  • Shrimp: A succulent seafood protein that provides a sweet and tender texture to the lo mein.
  • Garlic: A fragrant ingredient that enhances the savory flavor profile of the dish.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce, Sugar: A harmonious blend that creates a rich, sweet, and umami sauce for coating the noodles.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and slight spiciness to the overall dish.
Vegetables and Noodles:
  • Onions: Caramelized to bring a deep, sweet, and complex flavor to the lo mein.
  • Bok Choy, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that provide crispness, color, and nutritional balance.
  • Vegetable Broth: Helps steam and tenderize the vegetables while adding extra depth.
  • Noodles: The foundational carbohydrate that absorbs the sauce and ties all ingredients together.
  • Green Onions: A fresh, mild onion garnish that adds a bright finishing touch.
Cooking Fats:
  • Avocado Oil: A neutral, high-heat oil perfect for stir-frying and caramelizing ingredients.

Equipment Needed for Shrimp Lo Mein Night

  • Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for stir-frying and caramelizing ingredients with high heat and even cooking.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients and creating a smooth, well-blended mixture.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing onions, carrots, bok choy, and green onions with precision.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients quickly and safely.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring, flipping, and moving ingredients around the wok without scratching.
  • Colander: Helps drain noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring sauce ingredients like oyster sauce and sugar.

How to Cook Shrimp Lo Mein from Scratch

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Blend

Create a tantalizing sauce by whisking together:
  • Oyster sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Sugar

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Set this liquid gold aside while you work your culinary magic.

Step 2: Caramelize Sweet Onion Goodness

Grab a large wok or skillet and warm up some avocado oil over medium heat.

Toss in sliced onions with:
  • Salt
  • Pinch of sugar

Gently cook these beauties, stirring occasionally, until they transform into a rich, deep golden brown.

This process takes about 25 minutes and will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Prepare Perfect Noodles

While onions are working their magic, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook noodles according to package instructions.

Once done, drain and give them a quick rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and keep them perfectly tender.

Step 4: Sizzle the Seafood

In the same wok, create a quick seafood sensation by cooking:
  • Shrimp
  • Garlic

Sauté for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn a beautiful pink and curl up.

Transfer this delectable mixture to a separate plate.

Step 5: Veggie Extravaganza

Return the wok to the heat and add more oil.

Toss in:
  • Bok choy
  • Carrots

Stir-fry for 2 minutes, then pour in vegetable broth.

Cover and cook for another 2 minutes until vegetables reach that perfect crisp-tender state.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Time for the grand finale!

Add to the wok:
  • Cooked noodles
  • Shrimp mixture
  • Prepared sauce
  • Black pepper

Stir-fry everything together for 2 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up all those incredible flavors.

Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Chef’s Tips for Shrimp Lo Mein Perfection

  • Slowly cook onions over medium-low heat for deep, rich sweetness that adds incredible depth to the lo mein.
  • Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink to keep them tender and juicy, avoiding overcooking.
  • Rinse cooked noodles with cold water to stop cooking and prevent them from becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
  • Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, preserving maximum nutritional value.
  • Toss all ingredients thoroughly in the wok to ensure every bite is coated with the delicious, savory sauce blend.

Unique Ways to Customize Shrimp Lo Mein

  • Vegetarian Lo Mein: Replace shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried until golden. Use mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for added umami flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat noodles with rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to ensure gluten-free preparation.
  • Spicy Seafood Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the cooking process. Include additional seafood like scallops or crab meat for extra protein variety.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized vegetable noodles like zucchini or kelp noodles. Increase vegetable content and reduce noodle portion for a lighter meal option.

Bringing Shrimp Lo Mein to the Table

  • Party Platter Perfection: Create a colorful spread with this lo mein as the centerpiece, surrounded by crispy spring rolls, dumplings, and a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping.
  • Restaurant-Style Presentation: Serve in wide, shallow bowls garnished with sesame seeds, extra green onions, and a wedge of lime for a zesty squeeze.
  • Protein Power-Up: Pair with grilled chicken skewers or additional protein like tofu for a heartier meal that satisfies bigger appetites and adds more nutrition.
  • Quick Lunch Remix: Pack in a sealed container for a delicious work or school lunch, keeping sauce separate to maintain noodle texture and prevent sogginess.

Storing Shrimp Lo Mein

  • Store leftover shrimp lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm leftovers in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

  • Why use avocado oil for this recipe?

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it perfect for stir-frying without burning and allowing the other ingredients’ tastes to shine through.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy. Make sure to remove any excess moisture.

  • What if I can't find bok choy?

You can substitute with other leafy greens like napa cabbage or spinach. These alternatives will work well and maintain a similar texture and nutritional profile in the dish.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free, as traditional versions contain wheat.

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Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich and savory shrimp lo mein delivers a classic Chinese noodle dish packed with succulent seafood and crisp vegetables. Quick stir-frying creates a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes that satisfies your craving for authentic Asian cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Lo Mein Ingredients

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)

Vegetables:

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 baby bok choy, cut into 1-inch pieces and rinsed well
  • 2 small carrots, cut into matchsticks
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, plus extra for caramelizing onions
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus extra for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in a bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a harmonious sauce mixture for later use.
  2. In a large wok, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Introduce sliced onions with a sprinkle of salt and sugar, gently caramelizing for approximately 25 minutes until they develop a rich, golden-brown color.
  3. During onion cooking, prepare noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  4. Using the same wok, sauté shrimp and minced garlic together for 3-4 minutes, cooking until shrimp transform to a pink hue and curl slightly. Transfer the aromatic shrimp-garlic-onion mixture to a separate plate.
  5. Add remaining oil to the wok and quickly stir-fry bok choy and carrots for 2 minutes. Pour in vegetable broth, cover, and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to achieve crisp-tender vegetables.
  6. Reunite noodles, shrimp mixture, and prepared sauce in the wok. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes, allowing noodles to absorb the flavorful sauce. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Optimize caramelization by using a wide, heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
  • Swap shrimp for tofu or chicken to accommodate different dietary preferences and protein needs.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting salt quantity for health-conscious individuals.
  • Enhance vegetable variety by incorporating seasonal or alternative produce like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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