Easy Shrimp lo mein Recipe

Craving delicious takeout but want to stay home? This easy shrimp lo mein recipe brings all your favorite flavors straight to your kitchen! In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a steaming bowl of perfectly cooked noodles, tender shrimp, and crisp vegetables that taste even better than your local Chinese restaurant.

Making lo mein at home might seem tricky, but this recipe breaks it down into simple steps anyone can follow. You don’t need special skills or fancy equipment – just a few basic ingredients and one pan to create this amazing meal.

What Makes This Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe Special?

This easy shrimp lo mein recipe stands out from other noodle dishes for several great reasons. First, the quick 20-minute cook time means you can have dinner ready faster than most delivery orders arrive. No more waiting around when hunger strikes!

The one-pan preparation method keeps cleanup simple and stress-free. You’ll use just one large skillet or wok to cook everything, which means fewer dishes to wash later. This approach also helps all the flavors blend together perfectly.

Despite being homemade, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that will impress your family and friends. The secret lies in using the right cooking techniques and ingredient combinations that professional chefs use.

Finally, this easy shrimp lo mein recipe offers a budget-friendly alternative to takeout. You can make four generous servings for less than the cost of one restaurant order, and you’ll know exactly what ingredients go into your food.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Ingredient Category	Items Needed	Amount	Notes
Shrimp	Large shrimp (peeled)	1 lb	Fresh or frozen
	Salt	1/2 tsp	For seasoning
	Black pepper	1/4 tsp	Freshly ground preferred
	Garlic powder	1/4 tsp	Optional but recommended
Noodles	Lo mein noodles	12 oz	Fresh preferred, dried works
Vegetables	Bell peppers	1 large	Any color
	Carrots	2 medium	Julienned
	Green onions	4 stalks	Chopped
	Bean sprouts	1 cup	Optional
Sauce	Soy sauce	3 tbsp	Low-sodium option available
	Oyster sauce	2 tbsp	Key for authentic flavor
	Sesame oil	1 tbsp	Pure sesame oil
	Sugar	1 tsp	Balances saltiness
	Fresh garlic	3 cloves	Minced
	Fresh ginger	1 tbsp	Grated
Cooking	Vegetable oil	2 tbsp	For stir-frying

For the Shrimp

You’ll need about one pound of shrimp for this recipe. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work great – just make sure frozen shrimp are completely thawed before cooking. Medium to large shrimp work best because they stay tender and don’t overcook as easily.

For seasoning, you’ll want salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. These simple seasonings let the shrimp’s natural flavor shine through while adding just enough extra taste.

For the Lo Mein Noodles

The best noodles for this easy shrimp lo mein recipe are fresh lo mein noodles from the refrigerated section of your grocery store. If you can’t find them, dried linguine or spaghetti work as good substitutes.

Fresh noodles cook faster and have a better texture, but dried noodles are more available and still taste delicious. Cook them according to package directions, but stop about one minute early since they’ll finish cooking in the pan.

For the Vegetables

Essential vegetables include bell peppers, carrots, and green onions. These create the perfect mix of colors, textures, and flavors. You can also add bean sprouts, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra variety.

Keep vegetables crisp by not overcooking them. They should be tender but still have a slight crunch when you bite into them.

For the Sauce

The sauce combines soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Fresh garlic and ginger add amazing flavor depth. You can adjust the saltiness by using low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.

Mix all sauce ingredients together before you start cooking. This saves time and ensures everything blends smoothly when you add it to the pan.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Prep Work (5 minutes)

Quick Prep Checklist:

1. Clean and season shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
2. Chop vegetables into uniform pieces
3. Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl
4. Set up your cooking station with all ingredients within reach

Start by cleaning and seasoning your shrimp. Remove shells and tails if needed, then pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then set aside.

Next, chop all your vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Cut bell peppers into strips, slice carrots thin, and chop green onions into one-inch pieces.

Finally, mix your sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely. Having your sauce ready makes the cooking process much smoother.

Cooking the Shrimp (3-4 minutes)

Shrimp Cooking Steps:

1. Heat pan over medium-high heat
2. Add oil and let it shimmer
3. Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side
4. Remove when pink and slightly curled

Heat your pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and let it get hot. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly.

Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly. Don’t overcook them – shrimp continue cooking even after you remove them from heat.

Remove cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside. They’ll go back in later, so don’t worry about keeping them warm.

Preparing the Noodles (8-10 minutes)

Noodle Cooking Process:

1. Bring large pot of water to boil
2. Add noodles and cook 1 minute less than package directions
3. Drain well and rinse briefly with cold water
4. Shake off excess water

While cooking the shrimp, start boiling water for your noodles in a separate pot. Use plenty of water so the noodles have room to move around freely.

Cook noodles according to package directions, but stop about one minute early. They should be almost tender but still have a slight bite. This prevents them from getting mushy when you stir-fry everything together.

Drain the noodles well and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water before adding them to your stir-fry.

Stir-Frying Everything Together (3-5 minutes)

Final Assembly Steps:

1. Add more oil to pan if needed
2. Stir-fry harder vegetables first (2 minutes)
3. Add noodles and toss gently
4. Pour sauce over everything
5. Add shrimp back and toss for 1-2 minutes

Add a bit more oil to your pan if needed. Add the harder vegetables first – carrots and bell peppers need more cooking time than green onions.

Stir-fry vegetables for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. Then add your cooked noodles to the pan. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss everything together.

Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan. Toss everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats everything evenly and the shrimp are heated through.

Pro Tips for Mastering This Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Essential Cooking Tips:

• Noodle Success: Undercook noodles by 1 minute when boiling – they finish cooking in the stir-fry
• Perfect Shrimp: Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed for best texture
• Sauce Balance: Add noodle cooking water if sauce is too thick or salty
• Ingredient Flexibility: Substitute based on what you have – this recipe is very forgiving
• Temperature Control: Keep heat at medium-high to prevent burning while ensuring proper cooking

Preventing mushy noodles is crucial for great lo mein. Always undercook them slightly when boiling, and don’t let them sit in water after draining. The stir-frying process will finish cooking them perfectly.

For perfect shrimp texture, don’t crowd them in the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowded shrimp steam instead of searing, which makes them tough and rubbery.

If your sauce seems too thick or salty, add a splash of the noodle cooking water. The starchy water helps thin the sauce while making it stick better to the noodles.

Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have available. This easy shrimp lo mein recipe is very forgiving and works well with many different vegetables and proteins.

Nutritional Benefits of This Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Shrimp provides excellent lean protein – about 25 grams per serving. This helps keep you full and satisfied without adding too many calories. Shrimp also contains important nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.

The vegetables in this recipe add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Bell peppers provide vitamin C, carrots offer beta-carotene, and green onions add flavor plus small amounts of various nutrients.

This homemade version is much healthier than takeout alternatives. You control the amount of oil, sodium, and other ingredients. Most restaurant lo mein contains much more oil and sodium than this recipe.

Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a reasonable dinner option that won’t derail healthy eating goals.

Storage and Reheating Your Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover lo mein in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Glass containers work best because they don’t absorb flavors or odors. Properly stored lo mein stays fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Let the lo mein cool completely before refrigerating. Hot food can raise your refrigerator temperature and affect other foods’ safety and quality.

Reheating Methods

The stovetop method works best for reheating. Add a splash of water or broth to a pan, then add the cold lo mein. Stir gently over medium heat until warmed through.

For microwave reheating, add a tablespoon of water to the container and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

Both methods help restore moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out during reheating.

Variations and Customizations for Your Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Protein Alternatives

This easy shrimp lo mein recipe adapts well to different proteins. Use sliced chicken breast, cooking it the same way as the shrimp but for a few minutes longer until fully cooked.

For vegetarian options, try firm tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms. These alternatives provide protein while keeping the dish plant-based.

Thinly sliced beef also works wonderfully. Cook it quickly over high heat to keep it tender, just like the shrimp.

Vegetable Variations

Seasonal vegetables keep this recipe interesting year-round. Try asparagus and peas in spring, zucchini and corn in summer, or Brussels sprouts and cabbage in fall and winter.

Frozen vegetables work in a pinch, but add them directly to the pan without thawing first. They’ll release some water as they cook, so you might need to cook a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture.

Sauce Modifications

Adjust spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce. Start with small amounts and taste as you go – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

For low-sodium versions, use reduced-sodium soy sauce and add extra garlic, ginger, or herbs for flavor. You can also dilute regular soy sauce with a bit of water or broth.

Make this gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of wheat-based lo mein noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Can I use different types of noodles? Yes! While lo mein noodles work best, you can substitute with linguine, spaghetti, or rice noodles. Just adjust cooking times according to package directions.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking? Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and start to curl. Remove them from heat immediately and add them back at the very end just to warm through.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Use the stovetop method with a splash of water or broth. This prevents the noodles from drying out and helps restore the original texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? The components can be prepped ahead, but it’s best to cook everything fresh. Cooked lo mein doesn’t hold well for more than a few hours before the noodles get mushy.

How do I adjust the recipe for different serving sizes? This recipe serves 4 people. Simply multiply or divide all ingredients by the same number to adjust for your needs.

Cost Comparison: Homemade vs. Restaurant Lo Mein

Cost Breakdown	Homemade (4 servings)	Restaurant (per serving)	Monthly Savings*
Shrimp	$8.00	Included in price	–
Noodles & Vegetables	$3.00	Included in price	–
Sauce Ingredients	$2.00	Included in price	–
Total Cost	$13.00 total	$15-20 each	$200-300
Cost Per Serving	$3.25	$15-20	–
Family of 4 Meal	$13.00	$60-80	–

*Based on making lo mein twice per week instead of ordering out

Additional Benefits of Homemade:

• Portion Control: Larger servings than most restaurants
• Health Benefits: Less sodium and oil than takeout versions
• Customization: Adjust ingredients to family preferences
• Quality Control: Fresh ingredients and proper cooking techniques
• Convenience: No waiting for delivery or pickup

Making this easy shrimp lo mein recipe at home costs about $12-15 for four servings, while restaurant orders typically cost $15-20 per serving. That’s a savings of $45-65 per meal for a family of four!

The ingredient cost breaks down to roughly $8 for shrimp, $3 for noodles and vegetables, and $2 for sauce ingredients. Compare this to restaurant prices of $15-20 per serving, and the savings become clear.

Over a month, families who make lo mein at home instead of ordering out can save $200-300. That’s money that can go toward other groceries or family activities.

Beyond cost savings, homemade lo mein tastes fresher and contains less sodium and oil than most restaurant versions. You also get larger portions and can customize the ingredients to your family’s preferences.

Ready to skip the takeout menu and create your own delicious lo mein at home? This easy shrimp lo mein recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals are totally achievable in your own kitchen. Gather your ingredients, heat up that pan, and get ready to impress everyone with your amazing cooking skills!