Delicious Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Zippy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe: Dinner Ready in a Flash

Tantalizing aromas of soy and sesame fill the kitchen when you whip up this fast & easy shrimp lo mein recipe that comes together in mere minutes.

Tender shrimp dance among silky noodles, creating a vibrant meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Colorful vegetables add crunch and nutrition to every delightful bite.

The sauce coats each ingredient with rich, savory flavors that sing of authentic Asian cuisine.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this restaurant-quality meal without breaking a sweat.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this lo mein becomes an instant favorite at the dinner table.

Preparing Shrimp Lo Mein With Minimal Fuss

  • Noodle Preparation

Grab your favorite noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. Once done, give them a quick cold water rinse to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

  • Shrimp Sizzle

Heat up a pan with a splash of oil and quickly cook the shrimp until they start turning golden. These ocean gems should look partially cooked, then set them aside for later.

  • Veggie Harmony

In the same pan, dance some chopped onions, broccoli, and minced garlic around until they become crisp and fragrant. A tiny splash of water helps steam and soften the vegetables.

  • Final Fusion

Bring everything together by mixing the partially cooked shrimp, tender noodles, and sautéed vegetables. Pour in a zesty sauce that ties all the flavors together. Cook until the shrimp are perfectly done and everything is beautifully coated. For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top before serving.

Flavor Tips for Sweet-Savory Shrimp Lo Mein

  • Rinse noodles in cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy, ensuring perfect al dente texture every time.
  • Replace shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu for a versatile meal that keeps your taste buds excited and dinner routine fresh and interesting.
  • Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors to your lo mein.
  • Adjust heat by adding sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of chili oil for those who love a spicy kick without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor.
  • Prepare extra sauce and pre-chop vegetables in advance, allowing you to whip up this delicious lo mein in under 20 minutes on busy weeknights.

Serving Shrimp Lo Mein for Weeknight Dinners

  • Cozy Family Feast: Gather the whole family around the table and enjoy this delicious lo mein together. Pair with chopsticks for a fun, interactive dining experience that brings everyone closer.
  • Quick Lunch Power Bowl: Pack this shrimp lo mein in a portable container for a satisfying midday meal. It's perfect for work lunches or school meal prep, providing a balanced and tasty option that keeps you energized.
  • Asian-Inspired Dinner Party: Impress your guests by serving this colorful and flavorful dish as a centerpiece. Add some crispy spring rolls or dumplings on the side to create a complete and memorable Asian-inspired spread that will wow your friends.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh scallions or cilantro on top just before serving to add a bright, zesty flavor and beautiful green pop to the dish. The fresh herbs will elevate the overall taste and presentation of your shrimp lo mein.

Tips for Leftover Lo Mein That Still Tastes Great

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover lo mein in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm up noodles in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring the shrimp and vegetables remain tender.
  • Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Prepare shrimp and chop vegetables in advance, keeping them separately sealed in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, which saves time during busy weeknights.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze uncooked seasoned shrimp and pre-chopped vegetables in labeled freezer bags for convenient future meals, keeping ingredients fresh for up to 3 months.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Powers Fast & Easy Shrimp Lo Mein

For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami, choose low-sodium for less salt.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances savory notes with subtle sweetness, light or dark works perfectly.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Provides nutty aroma, use sparingly for intense flavor.
  • Kosher Salt: Seasons and elevates overall taste, adjust to personal preference.
For Protein and Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized seafood that cooks quickly, ensure they're peeled and deveined.
  • Lo Mein or Udon Noodles: Hearty base for the dish, look for fresh or dried varieties with good texture.
For Fresh Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, slice thinly for even cooking.
  • Broccoli Crown: Provides crunch and nutrition, choose bright green and firm florets.
  • Garlic: Infuses bold flavor, crush or mince for maximum taste release.
  • Scallion: Optional but recommended for fresh, mild onion flavor and color garnish.
For Cooking Liquids:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for stir-frying, ensures even heat distribution.
  • Water: Helps create sauce and steam vegetables, use room temperature.

Tools That Make Lo Mein Quick and Delicious

  • Large pot: For boiling noodles and draining efficiently.
  • Colander: To rinse noodles under cold water quickly.
  • Wok or large skillet: Essential for stir-frying shrimp, vegetables, and combining ingredients.
  • Cutting board: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: To slice onions, garlic, and scallions neatly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately portioning sauce ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and tossing ingredients while cooking.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Delicious Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Delicious Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Quick Chinese-inspired shrimp lo mein delivers savory noodle satisfaction in mere minutes. Home cooks can master this simple stir-fry technique for a delicious weeknight dinner that satisfies hunger and craving.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) shrimp, medium raw, peeled and deveined (21 to 25 per pound)
  • 8 oz (226 g) lo mein or udon noodles, dried
  • 1 large broccoli crown (about 12 oz or 340 g)
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) vegetable oil, divided
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) soy sauce
  • ½ medium yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt, plus more for boiling noodles
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
  • 1 medium scallion (optional)

Instructions

  1. Noodle Preparation: Cook lo mein or udon noodles to al dente perfection, then rapidly cool under cold water to halt cooking and prevent clumping.
  2. Protein Searing: Generously season shrimp with salt and pepper. Flash-cook in a scorching hot wok with vegetable oil, achieving a golden exterior within 1-2 minutes per side. Temporarily remove and reserve.
  3. Vegetable Infusion: Using the same wok, rapidly sauté onions, broccoli, and garlic. Introduce a splash of water to intensify vegetable vibrancy and create a tender-crisp texture in 3-4 minutes.
  4. Sauce Integration: Blend soy sauce, sesame oil, and complementary sauce ingredients. Combine noodles, vegetables, sauce, and previously seared shrimp, ensuring thorough heat distribution and final shrimp cooking.
  5. Final Composition: Continue heating for 2-3 minutes until sauce uniformly envelops all components and shrimp transform to a fully opaque pink. Garnish with delicate green onion slivers and serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Sear Shrimp Quickly: Remove shrimp immediately after golden color develops to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
  • Steam Vegetables Strategically: Adding a splash of water creates instant steam, preserving vibrant colors and crisp-tender vegetable texture without losing nutrients.
  • Sauce Coating Technique: Toss noodles and ingredients thoroughly to ensure even sauce distribution, creating balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Serve Immediately: Lo mein tastes best when served hot, so plate and enjoy right after final cooking to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star