Simple & Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

I just made this shrimp lo mein, and I have to say, it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It tastes just like my favorite takeout, but I love that I can control all the ingredients and make it a bit healthier. 

The whole process was so much faster than I expected, and the combination of juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and that savory sauce is just perfect. My family absolutely devoured it, and it’s already been requested again for next week. This recipe is definitely a keeper in my house.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the key ingredients that bring this delicious dish to life.

• 4 ounces egg noodles: Dry or fresh egg noodles work best for that classic lo mein texture; they are springy and hold the sauce well. Spaghetti can work in a pinch.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is essential for stir-frying without burning.
• 8 ounces medium shrimp: Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Fresh is great, but thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly too.
• 4 cups coleslaw mix: This is a great shortcut! It provides shredded cabbage and carrots without any extra prep work.
• ½ red bell pepper: Sliced thinly, it adds a sweet flavor and a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Freshly grated ginger offers a pungent, zesty kick that you just don’t get from the powdered kind.
• 2 cloves garlic: Always use fresh minced garlic for the best aromatic flavor.

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons less sodium soy sauce: Using a low-sodium version helps you control the saltiness of the final dish.
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: This adds a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that is essential for a good lo mein sauce.
• 1 tablespoon water: Helps to create the right consistency for the sauce, allowing it to coat everything evenly.
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar: A little bit of sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: This adds a rich, nutty aroma and flavor. A little goes a long way!

Note: The quantities above will make about four servings.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to switch things up.

• Protein Swap: Not a fan of shrimp? Try this recipe with thinly sliced chicken, beef, or pork. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or add extra vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles. Also, be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand. Sliced mushrooms, baby corn, snow peas, or chopped spinach would all be delicious additions.
• Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha, sambal oelek, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Equipment You Need

Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier to prepare.

• Large Saucepan or Wok: Ideal for stir-frying the ingredients quickly and evenly without overcrowding the pan.
• Pot: You will need a separate pot to cook the noodles according to package directions.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for slicing the bell pepper and mincing the garlic and ginger.
• Tongs or Large Spoon: Useful for tossing the noodles and other ingredients to ensure they are well combined with the sauce.

How to Make Perfect Shrimp Lo Mein?

This simple process will give you a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. You start by preparing the sauce and noodles, then quickly stir-fry the shrimp and vegetables before combining everything for a perfect finish. It’s a straightforward method that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

1. Prepare Sauce and Noodles

First, combine all the sauce ingredients—less sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil—in a small bowl. Whisk them together until the sugar is dissolved, and then set the sauce aside.

Next, cook your egg noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them well but do not rinse them. The leftover starch on the noodles will help the sauce cling better.

2. Cook the Shrimp

While the noodles are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan or wok over medium-high heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with a bit of salt and pepper.

Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to turn pink. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage. Once they are pink, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

If your pan looks dry, add a little more oil. Add the coleslaw mix and the sliced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften but still have a slight crunch.

Next, add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 30 seconds until they become fragrant.

4. Combine and Serve

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and cook until the shrimp is fully cooked through, which should take about two more minutes. Finally, add the drained noodles to the pan.

Use tongs to toss everything together well, making sure the noodles, shrimp, and veggies are evenly coated in the delicious sauce. Serve immediately.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks that really elevate the dish.

• I find that patting the shrimp completely dry before cooking helps them get a better sear instead of just steaming in the pan.
• To save time, I chop all my vegetables and mix the sauce before I even start cooking. This way, the stir-frying process goes smoothly without any rushing.
• I learned not to overcrowd the pan. If you’re doubling the recipe, it’s better to cook the shrimp and veggies in two separate batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.
• Don’t be afraid to double the sauce recipe if you’re like me and love extra sauce to coat every single noodle.

How to Serve Shrimp Lo Mein?

To serve, portion the lo mein into bowls and garnish with fresh toppings. Sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or chopped fresh cilantro can add a burst of freshness and visual appeal. For a bit of crunch, try adding some chopped peanuts or crispy fried onions on top. This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

• Calories: 248
• Protein: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 7g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is great for meal prep and stores well, making it perfect for next-day lunches.

Storing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp lo mein will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.

Freezing

I do not recommend freezing this dish. The noodles can become mushy and the texture of the shrimp and vegetables can change significantly upon thawing.

Reheating

You can easily reheat the leftovers in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems a bit dry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this shrimp lo mein recipe is sure to become a favorite.

• Quick and Easy: This entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Better Than Takeout: It has all the sweet and savory flavors you love from your favorite Chinese restaurant, but it’s made with fresh ingredients and is much healthier.
• Completely Customizable: You can easily swap the protein or add your favorite vegetables, making it a great way to use up whatever you have in your fridge. The possibilities for customization are endless.
• Packed with Flavor: The simple yet powerful sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil creates a rich and savory coating that perfectly complements the shrimp, noodles, and veggies.