If you love Chinese takeout but want a fresher, healthier version at home, this shrimp lo mein recipe is the answer. Packed with juicy shrimp, colorful vegetables, chewy noodles, and a savory sauce, it delivers restaurant-style flavor in under 30 minutes. Whether you’ve only ordered lo mein from your favorite restaurant or you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe will show you how to make shrimp lo mein step by step, with options to customize, make it healthier, and even compare it with its close cousin, chow mein.
What Is Shrimp Lo Mein? (Chinese Takeout Classic Explained)
Lo mein is one of the most popular dishes on any Chinese takeout menu, and for good reason: it’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. At its core, shrimp lo mein is a noodle dish stir-fried with shrimp, vegetables, and a savory sauce made from soy, sesame, and aromatics. Unlike rice-based stir-fries, lo mein highlights the unique texture of wheat noodles, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
Shrimp Lo Mein vs Chow Mein (Key Differences)
The question of shrimp lo mein vs chow mein comes up often. While both are noodle-based dishes, the preparation makes all the difference:
- Lo mein uses fully cooked noodles that are tossed in sauce and stir-fried briefly, resulting in a soft, chewy texture.
- Chow mein noodles are either pan-fried until crisp or deep-fried, creating a crunchy bite.
- Lo mein focuses on the glossy sauce coating the noodles, while chow mein emphasizes the contrast between crispy noodles and the stir-fry.
Shrimp Lo Mein Origins and Popularity in Chinese-American Cooking
Lo mein traces back to Cantonese cooking, where “lo” means “tossed” and “mein” means “noodles.” In China, it’s traditionally a simpler dish with broth and fresh noodles. The shrimp lo mein recipe familiar in the U.S. evolved through Chinese-American restaurants, adapting to local tastes with more sauce, larger portions, and extra proteins like shrimp, chicken, or beef.
What Does Lo Mein Have In It?
The ingredients in shrimp lo mein are simple but flexible:
- Shrimp (the star protein)
- Lo mein noodles (egg noodles or wheat noodles)
- Vegetables like carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, or snow peas
- Savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger
This makes lo mein both easy to adapt and perfect for using up fridge staples.
Shrimp Lo Mein Calories & Nutrition (Homemade vs Restaurant)
One of the most common questions people ask is: “How many calories are in shrimp lo mein?” The answer depends on whether you order it from a restaurant or prepare it at home.
Calories in Shrimp Lo Mein – What to Expect
- Restaurant shrimp lo mein: A typical serving (about 2 cups) from takeout restaurants can range from 600–900 calories, depending on the oil, noodles, and sauce used. Some versions also contain excess sodium, often more than half of your daily recommended intake.
- Homemade shrimp lo mein: By controlling the oil, type of noodles, and portion of shrimp and vegetables, you can bring that number closer to 400–500 calories per serving while boosting nutrition with extra vegetables.
Is Shrimp Lo Mein Healthy?
Shrimp lo mein can be a balanced meal if made at home with lean protein, lots of vegetables, and moderate oil. Restaurant versions are often higher in sodium and fat.
Tips to make it healthier at home:
- Use whole wheat or rice noodles for extra fiber.
- Swap soy sauce for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (great for gluten-free diets).
- Add vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers to increase vitamins and minerals.
- Cook shrimp with minimal oil and skip extra sugar in the sauce.
For a healthier pairing, try serving shrimp lo mein with a light side like our Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl or keep it protein-packed with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken.
Nutrition Breakdown (Homemade Version per Serving)
(Estimated values based on 1.5 cups portion made with shrimp, noodles, vegetables, and homemade sauce)
- CALORIES: ~450 kcal
- PROTEIN: 28 g
- CARBOHYDRATES: 52 g
- FAT: 12 g
- SATURATED FAT: 2 g
- SODIUM: 720 mg
- FIBER: 4 g
- VITAMIN A: 20% DV
- VITAMIN C: 45% DV
(Source: USDA FoodData Central)
Shrimp Lo Mein Ingredients (With Substitutions)
The beauty of this shrimp lo mein recipe is its flexibility. While the classic version calls for shrimp, noodles, vegetables, and sauce, there are endless ways to adapt it to what you have on hand.
Essential Ingredients for Shrimp Lo Mein
- Shrimp – Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed).
- Noodles – Traditional lo mein uses fresh egg noodles (wheat-based, chewy, and glossy). Sub: spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles if lo mein noodles aren’t available.
- Vegetables – Cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms. Use what’s seasonal or in your fridge.
- Sauce – The heart of the dish. A mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger creates the signature flavor.
- Aromatics – Garlic and ginger add depth. Green onions for garnish.
For noodle inspiration, see this Woks of Life guide to lo mein noodles.
Shrimp Lo Mein Sauce Recipe (Authentic from Scratch)
Homemade sauce makes all the difference compared to bottled shortcuts. Mix together:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (sub: hoisin for vegetarian)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp chicken broth or water to thin
This creates the glossy coating you’ll recognize from your favorite takeout.
If you like experimenting with sauces, don’t miss our Creamy Tahini Sauce or Tex-Mex Paste Guide, both versatile and packed with flavor.
Shrimp Lo Mein Noodles – Best Types & Substitutes
- Best choice: Fresh Chinese egg noodles (yellow, soft, sold in Asian markets).
- Good substitute: Dry lo mein or chow mein noodles, boiled just until al dente.
- In a pinch: Spaghetti or linguine tossed with sesame oil can work.
- For low-carb diets: Try zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
How to Make Shrimp Lo Mein (Step-By-Step Guide)
Making this shrimp lo mein recipe at home is easier than you think. With just a wok or a large skillet, you can recreate takeout-style noodles in under 30 minutes.
Prepping Shrimp & Vegetables
- Shrimp: Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. For extra tenderness, use the Chinese method of velveting: coat shrimp with a little cornstarch and soy sauce before cooking.
- Vegetables: Slice carrots into matchsticks, shred cabbage, and cut bell peppers into thin strips. Keep everything uniform so it cooks quickly and evenly.
For more wok-ready inspiration, see our Copycat Orange Chicken or Black Pepper Chicken recipes.
Cooking Lo Mein Noodles the Right Way
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add noodles, and cook just until al dente (slightly firm).
- Drain immediately and toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overcooking, since the noodles will finish cooking when stir-fried.
Stir-Frying and Combining with Sauce
- Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until pink, then remove.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry until crisp-tender.
- Return shrimp and noodles to the wok.
- Pour in the shrimp lo mein sauce (soy, sesame, oyster, garlic, ginger).
- Toss everything together until noodles are coated and glossy.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Lo Mein
- Cook shrimp separately first to avoid overcooking.
- Use high heat for that authentic wok flavor.
- Sauce should coat noodles lightly, avoid drowning the dish.
- For meal prep, store sauce separately and toss with noodles just before reheating.
Try pairing this lo mein with lighter sides like our Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl or with a sweet finish like Lemon Olive Oil Cake.
Variations of Shrimp Lo Mein
The classic shrimp lo mein recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it depending on what you have in your kitchen or the flavors you love. Here are some of the most popular variations that people search for, and how to make them at home.
Easy Shrimp Lo Mein (15-Minute Version)
Short on time? Use pre-cooked shrimp and quick-cooking noodles. Toss with your sauce and vegetables, and dinner is ready in 15 minutes. This is the ultimate easy shrimp lo mein recipe.
Shrimp and Chicken Lo Mein
For extra protein and flavor, combine shrimp with sliced chicken breast. Cook chicken first, then add shrimp halfway through to prevent overcooking.
Looking for more chicken inspiration? Try our Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf for a hearty dinner pairing.
Shrimp and Broccoli Lo Mein
A healthier, veggie-packed version. Steam broccoli florets lightly before tossing them into the wok. This makes the dish fiber-rich and a little lighter without losing flavor.
For another veggie-focused dish, see our Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl.
Trader Joe’s Inspired Shrimp Ginger Lo Mein
Trader Joe’s sells a frozen ginger shrimp lo mein that’s popular for quick meals. You can recreate it at home by adding extra fresh ginger to your sauce, along with a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.
Shrimp Lo Mein Restaurant Copycats (PF Chang’s, Woks of Life)
- PF Chang’s Shrimp Lo Mein: Their version is saucier and slightly sweeter, add a bit of hoisin to replicate it.
- Woks of Life Shrimp Lo Mein: A beloved food blog recipe that emphasizes authentic wok flavor. Their tip? Always cook noodles slightly underdone and finish them in the sauce.
FAQ About Shrimp Lo Mein
Lo mein is Chinese in origin, specifically Cantonese. The term “lo mein” means “tossed noodles” in Cantonese. Thai cuisine has its own noodle dishes like pad Thai, but lo mein belongs to Chinese and Chinese-American traditions.
It depends on how it’s prepared. Restaurant shrimp lo mein is often high in sodium and calories (600–900 per serving). Homemade shrimp lo mein can be much healthier (around 400–500 calories per serving) if you use lean shrimp, more vegetables, and less oil.
Shrimp Lo Mein uses fully boiled noodles tossed in sauce, creating a soft and chewy dish.
Shrimp Chow Mein features noodles that are stir-fried until crispy before being topped with stir-fry ingredients.
Classic shrimp lo mein ingredients include:
Shrimp (peeled, deveined)
Lo mein noodles (egg noodles or wheat-based noodles)
Vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, peppers, or broccoli
Sauce made with soy, sesame, garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce.
Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe (Better Than Takeout)
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or tongs
Ingredients
For the Noodles & Shrimp:
- 12 oz fresh lo mein noodles sub: spaghetti
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for velveting shrimp
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Vegetables:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot julienned
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin for vegetarian
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Toss with cornstarch and 1 tsp soy sauce if velveting.
- Cook noodles: Boil noodles until al dente. Drain and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Stir-fry shrimp: Heat oil in a wok. Cook shrimp until pink (2–3 min). Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables: In the same wok, add carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, and snap peas. Cook 3–4 min until crisp-tender.
- Add noodles and sauce: Return shrimp and noodles to the wok. Pour in sauce and toss until noodles are glossy and coated.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition (per serving, ~1.5 cups)
SERVING: 250 g | CALORIES: 450 kcal | CARBOHYDRATES: 52 g | PROTEIN: 28 g | FAT: 12 g | SATURATED FAT: 2 g | CHOLESTEROL: 170 mg | SODIUM: 720 mg | POTASSIUM: 420 mg | FIBER: 4 g | SUGAR: 6 g | VITAMIN A: 20% DV | VITAMIN C: 45% DV | CALCIUM: 12% DV | IRON: 18% DVRecipe Notes
- Variations: Add chicken or broccoli for extra protein/veggies. Use zoodles or shirataki for low-carb.
- Storage: Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days. Best reheated in a wok with 1 tbsp water.
- Substitutions: Oyster sauce → hoisin; soy sauce → tamari; noodles → spaghetti.
- Diet: Low Fat, Dairy-Free option
Price Estimate
Total cost: ~$12 for 4 servings ($3/serving).- Shrimp: $7
- Vegetables: $3
- Noodles & sauce: $2
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Did you try this shrimp lo mein recipe? Leave a star rating, comment with your favorite variation, and pin it for later!Final Thoughts – Why You’ll Love This Chinese Recipe
This shrimp lo mein recipe brings the best of both worlds: the bold flavors of your favorite takeout and the health benefits of a homemade dish. By making it yourself, you control the calories, ingredients, and flavor, turning a restaurant classic into a customizable weeknight favorite.
Whether you prefer the traditional version, a quick 15-minute shrimp lo mein, or fun twists like shrimp and broccoli or Trader Joe’s–inspired ginger lo mein, there’s a variation for everyone.
And remember: lo mein is all about tossed noodles, soft, chewy, and perfectly coated in savory sauce. Once you’ve made it at home, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again.
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Leave a comment and rate it below, I’d love to hear your favorite variation! Was it shrimp and chicken, shrimp and broccoli, or a quick weeknight version?
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Looking for more Asian-inspired favorites? Check out our Copycat Orange Chicken, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipes or our Ultimate Guide to Recreating the perfect takeout-style meal at home.
