Easy Homemade Shrimp Lo Mein

Skip the takeout tonight and make this delicious Shrimp Lo Mein right at home! Tender lo mein noodles are tossed with juicy shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a rich garlic-soy sauce that coats every bite.

This homemade Chinese-American favorite is quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The shrimp cook in just minutes, while the combination of sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and savory sauce gives the noodles that classic restaurant-style flavor.

Whether you’re preparing a busy weeknight dinner or craving your favorite takeout meal, this Shrimp Lo Mein is sure to become a family favorite.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Noodles

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 ounces lo mein noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cabbage
½ cup snow peas
3 green onions, sliced

For the Lo Mein Sauce

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon sesame oil
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons water

For Garnishing

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Extra sliced green onions
Red pepper flakes, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to the package instructions until just tender.

Avoid overcooking because the noodles will be tossed in the skillet again.

Drain the noodles and rinse briefly with cool water if needed to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and water.

Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.

Set the sauce aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.

Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining vegetable oil and sesame oil to the same skillet.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the carrots, bell pepper, shredded cabbage, and snow peas.

Stir-fry for approximately 3–4 minutes. The vegetables should become slightly tender while retaining a little crunch.

Add the sliced green onions and stir briefly.

5. Add the Noodles

Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet with the vegetables.

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles.

Using tongs, gently toss everything together until the noodles are coated with the savory sauce.

Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.

6. Return the Shrimp

Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.

Toss gently to combine with the noodles and vegetables.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through.

Taste and adjust with a little extra soy sauce or black pepper if needed.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Sprinkle sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions over the top.

Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

Serve immediately while hot!

🔥 Tips for the Best Shrimp Lo Mein

Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook them just until tender so they don’t become mushy when stir-fried.

Use a hot skillet: Medium-high to high heat helps vegetables cook quickly while keeping their crunch.

Dry the shrimp: Patting them dry helps them sear instead of release excess water.

Cook shrimp separately: This prevents overcooking while you prepare the vegetables and noodles.

Prepare the sauce ahead: Mixing the sauce before cooking makes the entire recipe easier and faster.

Use low-sodium soy sauce: This gives you better control over the saltiness of the finished dish.

🍜 Easy Variations

Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein

Add 1–2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy takeout-style flavor.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Lo Mein

Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet when cooking the garlic for a richer, buttery finish.

Chicken and Shrimp Lo Mein

Add ½ pound thinly sliced chicken breast. Cook the chicken completely before preparing the shrimp.

Vegetable Lo Mein

Skip the shrimp and add extra mushrooms, broccoli, bok choy, and bell peppers.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Lo Mein

Add 1 tablespoon honey to the sauce for a slightly sweeter garlic-soy flavor.

🍽️ What to Serve With Shrimp Lo Mein

This noodle dish is satisfying on its own, but you can also serve it with:

Homemade egg rolls
Vegetable spring rolls
Steamed dumplings
Asian cucumber salad
Crispy wontons
Steamed broccoli
Hot and sour soup
Sweet chili dipping sauce

For a complete takeout-inspired dinner, serve the noodles with crispy vegetable spring rolls and a side of dumplings.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Shrimp Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, add the noodles to a skillet over medium heat with 1–2 tablespoons of water. Toss gently until warmed through.

You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each interval.

Avoid reheating shrimp multiple times, as this can make them tough.

📋 Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American Inspired
Difficulty: Easy

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Lo Mein

Ready in just 30 minutes
Juicy, tender shrimp
Delicious savory garlic-soy sauce
Colorful, crunchy vegetables
Perfectly coated lo mein noodles
Easy homemade takeout alternative
Simple ingredients
Great for busy weeknight dinners

This Easy Homemade Shrimp Lo Mein brings together everything you love about takeout noodles in one delicious skillet. The garlicky sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh vegetables make every forkful satisfying. Once you try this homemade version, you may never want to order takeout again!