If you’ve been hunting for a dinner that is quick, packed with flavor, and feels like a restaurant indulgence, then this Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. With juicy shrimp perfectly cooked, noodles soaked in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, and fresh veggies adding crunch and color, it’s a dish that turns everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal you’ll want to make over and over again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for busy nights and special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two white plates are shown on a white marbled surface. The left plate is filled with raw shrimp that have a pale grayish color and shells partially on, arranged in a single layer covering the plate. The right plate shows cooked shrimp arranged in a similar way, with a bright orange-pink color and the shells removed, neatly placed all over the white plate. Both plates have shrimp evenly spread without overlapping much. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe shines because of its simple, essential ingredients that each bring something important to the table — from a balance of sweet and salty in the sauce to the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables.

  • Chicken broth (1 ½ cups): Forms the flavorful base of the sauce, adding depth without heaviness.
  • Soy sauce (¼ cup): A classic element that gives that unmistakable umami punch.
  • Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the saltiness.
  • Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings richness and extra layers of complexity.
  • Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): The magic thickener that gives the sauce its perfect consistency.
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
  • Sriracha sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of heat; swap with any hot sauce you prefer.
  • Sesame oil (¼ teaspoon): A fragrant finish that enhances Asian-inspired flavor profiles.
  • Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle, zesty spice that wakes up the palate.
  • Red pepper flakes (pinch, optional): For an extra kick, if you like it spicy.
  • Shrimp (1 lb. uncooked): The star protein element, tender and juicy when cooked right.
  • Peanut or olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): Perfect for sautéing to get that lightly crisp exterior on the shrimp and veggies.
  • Dry white wine (½ cup): Used to deglaze the pan and add brightness to the sauce.
  • White onion (1 small, chunked): Brings subtle sweetness and texture.
  • Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds vibrant color and crunch.
  • Carrots (½ cup, julienned): Sweet and crisp, balancing the richness.
  • Celery (2 stalks, diced): Provides a fresh and slightly peppery crunch.
  • Green cabbage (1 cup, shredded): Adds body and subtle earthiness to the mix.
  • Bean sprouts (1 ½ cups, rinsed): Bring lightness and that classic lo mein texture.
  • Lo mein noodles (6-8 oz.): The chewy, comforting foundation of the dish.
  • Green onions (¼ cup, sliced): For that fresh, zesty garnish that completes the dish.

How to Make Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by whisking together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a large measuring cup with a spout. It’s important the mixture is room temperature or cold to prevent the cornstarch from activating too soon. This sauce is where the magic happens, blending savory, sweet, and spicy notes all at once.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Thaw the shrimp fully if frozen, and pat them dry. You may want to remove shells and veins, but leaving shells on while cooking helps keep the shrimp tender and juicy. Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the shrimp, and cook about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side using a timer to avoid overcooking. Once cooked, transfer shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Turn off the heat briefly and pour in the white wine. Return heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up all those lovely browned bits stuck to the skillet. This step is key for layering flavor into your Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe. Let the wine reduce by half, about 4 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

While the wine is reducing, cook your lo mein noodles. Boil them according to package instructions but set the timer to take them out one minute earlier than al dente. This keeps them from going mushy later. Drain and, if you like, drizzle with a little oil and toss so they don’t stick.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

Increase the heat to medium-high and add onions, red bell pepper, carrots, celery, and cabbage to the skillet with the reduced wine. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies soften slightly but still have some crunch — this contrast in texture makes every bite exciting.

Step 6: Add the Sauce and Noodles

Give your sauce a quick stir and pour it into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil so the cornstarch thickens the sauce beautifully. Once thickened, reduce heat to low and gently toss in the bean sprouts. Add the cooked noodles gradually, tossing as you go to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated with that savory sauce.

Step 7: Combine Shrimp and Finish

Add the shrimp back to the skillet, giving everything a gentle toss so they warm through in the sauce without overcooking. Just 1 to 2 minutes is enough. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions to add a fresh, zingy finish, then serve piping hot and enjoy your homemade Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe!

How to Serve Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side photos of a round metal pan on a white marbled surface. In the left photo, the pan contains colorful cooked vegetables like orange carrots, green zucchini, and white onions, with a large pile of pale yellow noodles placed on top in the center. In the right photo, the noodles are mixed with the vegetables and topped with small pink cooked shrimp scattered evenly over the surface. The noodles look soft and slightly shiny, and the vegetables beneath add bright colors with their varied shapes and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of green onions adds that final burst of fresh, sharp flavor, while optional crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch. These simple additions elevate the dish, making it feel extra special whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

Side Dishes

For a truly balanced meal, consider pairing this Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe with light sides like steamed edamame, pickled cucumbers, or even a crisp Asian-inspired salad with ginger dressing. These sides complement the noodles without overpowering the main entrée.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving the Shrimp Lo Mein in individual bowls garnished with coriander leaves and a wedge of lime on the side for a fresh citrus pop. Alternatively, place it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Shrimp Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that the noodles continue to soak up sauce over time, so if you prefer a little extra moisture, sprinkle some broth or water on top before reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to three months. To freeze, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your Shrimp Lo Mein gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent the shrimp from turning rubbery and the noodles from becoming mushy. A makeshift double boiler works beautifully for even, gentle reheating without drying out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This step helps you avoid extra moisture that could sog the noodles and ensures the shrimp cook evenly.

What kind of noodles work best for Shrimp Lo Mein?

Traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, but if you don’t have them on hand, thin spaghetti noodles are a great substitute. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Is there a substitute for white wine in the recipe?

If you prefer to skip the wine, chicken broth works well as a substitute. It still helps deglaze the pan and adds savory depth without alcohol.

Can I add other vegetables to this Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe?

Definitely! Mushrooms, broccoli, snow peas, and water chestnuts all make excellent additions. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything stays crisp-tender and delicious.

How can I make this dish less salty?

Using low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth can reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go to keep it balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little extra joy and warmth to your dining table, blending bold flavors with fresh ingredients in every forkful. It’s the perfect balance of easy to make yet impressively delicious — a true crowd-pleaser that invites you back for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen staple.

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Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Description

This Shrimp Lo Mein is a quick and easy meal featuring juicy shrimp and savory lo mein noodles, tossed in a flavorful, restaurant-quality sauce. With a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and umami, this stir-fried dish delivers vibrant veggies and tender shrimp in every bite. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it comes together fast and is sure to become a repeat favorite.


Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (or substitute hot sauce)
  • ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir Fry

  • 1 lb. uncooked large shrimp (26/30 per pound), peeled and deveined with shells on if preferred
  • 12 tablespoons peanut oil (or olive oil)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio; alternatively Shaoxing wine or chicken broth)
  • 1 small white onion, cut into chunks (can substitute yellow onion)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup carrots, julienned
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups fresh bean sprouts, rinsed (canned and drained also okay)
  • 68 oz. lo mein noodles (or 10 oz. spaghetti noodles)

To Garnish

  • ¼ cup green onions, sliced


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a large measuring cup with a spout. Make sure the liquid is cold to prevent the cornstarch from activating prematurely. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp: Thaw shrimp if frozen, pat dry, and remove shell, tail, and veins as desired. Leaving the shell on while cooking helps prevent overcooking.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat peanut or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook about 1 minute plus 20 seconds per side, using a timer to avoid overcooking. Transfer shrimp to a clean plate; they will continue cooking slightly while resting.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Turn heat off briefly and add white wine to the skillet. Turn heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up browned bits from the skillet bottom and sides. Let wine reduce by half, about 4 minutes, concentrating flavor.
  5. Cook the Noodles: Boil lo mein noodles for 1 minute less than al dente according to package instructions to avoid mushiness. Drain and optionally toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook the Vegetables: While noodles cook, increase skillet heat to medium-high and add onions, bell peppers, carrots, celery, and cabbage. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened but still crisp.
  7. Add the Sauce: Stir the prepared sauce and pour into the skillet. Bring to a boil to activate cornstarch and thicken sauce. Reduce heat to low once thickened.
  8. Add Bean Sprouts: Stir in the rinsed bean sprouts to retain crispness.
  9. Toss in Noodles: Add cooked noodles gradually, tossing to coat evenly with sauce until the desired noodle-to-sauce ratio is achieved. The noodles will absorb sauce as it stands.
  10. Add Shrimp and Heat Through: Return shrimp to the skillet and gently mix for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Avoid overcooking shrimp.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Shrimp: Use large shrimp (26/30 count per pound). Keeping shells on while cooking helps prevent overcooking; remove shells before serving.
  • Lo Mein Noodles: Use fresh or packaged lo mein noodles that cook quickly (about 4 minutes). Spaghetti noodles can be a substitute.
  • White Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works well for deglazing. Shaoxing wine reduces faster (2 minutes). Use chicken broth as an alcohol-free alternative.
  • Bean Sprouts: Fresh bean sprouts add crispness; canned can be used if drained and rinsed, but contain added sodium.
  • Broth: Seafood broth can be substituted for chicken broth to enhance seafood flavor.
  • Adjust Sodium: Use low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to reduce salt content.
  • Additional Vegetables: Mushrooms, broccoli, snow peas, water chestnuts, green beans, or edamame can be added for variety.
  • Garnishes: Optional toppings include peanuts, cashews, sliced almonds, chow mein noodles, or crispy Chinese noodles.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or double boiler to avoid overcooked shrimp.

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