The BEST Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe – Quick & Delicious!
Shrimp Lo Mein is a takeout favorite that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Packed with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned noodles, this dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can recreate restaurant-quality lo mein in your own kitchen.
The key to great Shrimp Lo Mein is preparation. Having your ingredients prepped and ready ensures a quick and seamless stir-fry, keeping the shrimp juicy and the vegetables crisp. A well-balanced sauce with soy, oyster, and sesame oil enhances every bite, making this dish irresistibly savory.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or an impressive homemade alternative to takeout, this Shrimp Lo Mein delivers. With its vibrant mix of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Get ready to enjoy an authentic, mouthwatering stir-fry right from your own stove!
Shrimp Lo Mein Ingredients: A Harmony of Flavors
Shrimp – Succulent and tender, these delicate seafood bites soak up the savory sauce while adding a satisfying protein-rich bite.
Lo Mein Noodles – Soft yet chewy, these noodles create the perfect foundation, absorbing every layer of umami-packed sauce while delivering that signature slurp-worthy texture.
Soy Sauce Trio – A blend of light, dark, and oyster sauce enhances depth, balancing salty, sweet, and umami notes for a well-rounded, restaurant-quality taste.
Fresh Vegetables – Crisp napa cabbage, vibrant carrots, and snappy snow peas bring color, crunch, and natural sweetness, creating a perfect contrast to the rich sauce.
Aromatic Additions – Garlic, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine infuse the dish with bold fragrance and complexity, elevating the stir-fried flavors to perfection.
Shrimp Lo Mein: Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQs
Shrimp Lo Mein is a satisfying and flavorful dish that comes together quickly with a few simple techniques. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, these tips, serving ideas, and frequently asked questions will help you achieve the perfect plate of lo mein every time.
Recipe Tips
1. Perfectly Cooked Noodles
The key to great lo mein lies in properly handling the noodles. If using pre-cooked fresh noodles, warm them by soaking the unopened package in hot water for a few minutes—this keeps them soft without becoming mushy. If using dried noodles like linguini as a substitute, cook them just until al dente and toss them in a little oil to prevent sticking. Overcooked noodles will break down during stir-frying, so ensure they are firm but tender before adding them to the wok.
2. Mastering the Stir-Fry Technique
A successful lo mein relies on quick, high-heat cooking. Ensure all ingredients are prepped before you start cooking since the stir-fry process happens fast. Use a large wok or a deep skillet and allow it to get smoking hot before adding oil. Cook the shrimp first and remove them from the pan to prevent overcooking, then stir-fry the vegetables and noodles quickly to maintain their texture and vibrant color.
3. Balancing the Sauce
The combination of light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce gives this dish its deep, rich flavor. Light soy sauce provides saltiness, dark soy sauce adds a touch of sweetness and color, while oyster sauce enhances the umami factor. If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, you can add a pinch more sugar or a drizzle of hoisin sauce. For extra heat, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or sriracha.
What to Serve with Shrimp Lo Mein
1. Asian-Inspired Appetizers
Pair your lo mein with classic starters like spring rolls, dumplings, or crab rangoons for a full takeout-style meal at home. These crispy, flavorful bites complement the soft, saucy noodles while adding a contrast in texture.
2. Light and Refreshing Sides
A fresh cucumber salad with sesame dressing or a tangy Asian slaw brings a crisp, refreshing element to balance the richness of the lo mein. The crunchiness of raw vegetables contrasts beautifully with the soft noodles, making each bite more satisfying.
3. Warming Soups
For a cozy, complete meal, serve shrimp lo mein alongside a bowl of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup. These brothy, comforting soups add depth to the dining experience without overpowering the main dish.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture so they sear properly in the wok instead of steaming.
2. What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute dry sherry or mirin. If avoiding alcohol, try a splash of chicken broth with a pinch of sugar for depth of flavor.
3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the noodles’ texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the noodles soggy.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the shrimp for tofu or a medley of mushrooms for a plant-based version. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy for extra flavor and texture.
This Shrimp Lo Mein recipe is versatile, delicious, and perfect for home cooking. Follow these tips, pair it with the right sides, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from your own kitchen!
Shrimp Lo Mein
Ingredients
- Shrimp – Peeled deveined, and ready for quick cooking.
- Lo mein noodles – Fresh and pre-cooked for ease of preparation.
- Garlic – Minced for aromatic depth.
- Carrot – Julienned for a slight crunch and vibrant color.
- Napa cabbage – Shredded to add lightness and absorb flavors.
- Snow peas – Trimmed and crisp providing freshness.
- Mung bean sprouts – Contribute texture and a mild sweetness.
- Scallions – Cut into two-inch segments for a subtle onion note.
- Button or cremini mushrooms – Sliced for an earthy undertone.
- Bamboo shoots – Sliced for a distinct crunch.
- Water chestnuts – Crisp and refreshing.
- Shaoxing wine – Enhances the dish with a delicate depth of flavor.
- Neutral cooking oil – Such as vegetable or canola used in stages.
- Light soy sauce – Balances saltiness and umami.
- Dark soy sauce – Adds a rich deep color and slight sweetness.
- Oyster sauce – Intensifies umami complexity.
- Sesame oil – Imparts a nutty aroma.
- Ground white pepper – Offers a subtle warm spice.
- Sugar – A touch to harmonize flavors.
Instructions
- Remove both the shrimp and noodles from the refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature. To expedite the process, place the unopened noodle package in hot water for a few minutes—this warms them without making them overly soft.
- If fresh lo mein noodles are unavailable, substitute with dried linguini. Cook until al dente, drain, and immediately coat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, ensuring the strands remain separate. Prepare the noodles just before cooking to maintain the ideal texture and prevent drying.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ground white pepper, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Heat a large wok over high heat until it begins to smoke. Drizzle one tablespoon of oil along the perimeter, then spread the shrimp evenly in the wok. Sear for 10–15 seconds on each side, then promptly transfer to a plate.
- Return the wok to high heat and add the remaining oil along with the minced garlic. After a few seconds, introduce the mushrooms, carrots, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for approximately 30 seconds.
- Pour the Shaoxing wine around the edges of the wok, then incorporate the napa cabbage. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds before evenly distributing the noodles over the vegetables. Toss thoroughly for one minute to integrate the ingredients and ensure even heating.
- Once the noodles are soft, pour in the prepared sauce mixture, stirring continuously to coat all elements evenly. Continue stir-frying for an additional 30 seconds using a scooping motion to distribute the sauce.
- Add the shrimp back into the wok along with the snow peas, mung bean sprouts, and scallions. Mix well and stir-fry for approximately two minutes until everything is heated through. Serve immediately.
