There’s something wildly comforting about a big bowl of lo mein—especially when it’s tossed with juicy shrimp, tender noodles, and a bold garlic sauce that clings to every bite. This Shrimp Lo Mein with Garlic Sauce is one of those easy lo mein recipes that comes together faster than delivery and tastes ten times better. Whether you’re craving homemade Chinese food or looking for a healthy lo mein recipe to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, this dish has got your back. It’s rich, garlicky, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of savory. Plus, it’s totally customizable if you want to swap in chicken, tofu, or go full veggie lo mein.
Shrimp Lo Mein with Garlic Sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Wok or large skillet A wok gives you the best sear and even cooking, but any large, heavy-bottomed pan will do.
Medium saucepan For boiling your noodles.
Tongs or a large spatula To toss everything together without smashing the noodles.
Strainer or colander To drain your noodles quickly so they don’t overcook.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti as an easy substitute
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined (tail on or off, your call)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
- 2 green onions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
For the garlic sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional, for heat
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken
Cook the noodles
according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.
Whisk together the garlic sauce
soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.
Sear the shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a hot wok or skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics and veggies
Add remaining oil to the pan. Toss in the garlic, ginger, and veggies (carrots, bell pepper, snow peas). Stir-fry over high heat for about 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Add noodles and sauce
Toss the cooked noodles into the pan. Pour in the garlic sauce and the cornstarch slurry. Stir and toss everything for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
Return shrimp to the pan
Add the shrimp back in and toss everything together until heated through. Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot.
Pairings
This shrimp lo mein goes great with a light, crunchy coleslaw recipe that brings a refreshing balance to the garlicky noodles. For drinks, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled jasmine iced tea. Want to go all-in on the homemade Chinese food experience? Serve it alongside veggie spring rolls or a simple egg drop soup for a full Asian meal spread.
FAQs
1. What type of shrimp should I use?
Large or extra-large shrimp (31–40 count) are best. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Tail-on looks prettier, but tail-off is easier to eat in a noodle dish.
2. Can I substitute chicken or go vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe easily becomes an easy chicken lo mein or vegetable lo mein recipe. For chicken, thinly slice boneless thighs or breasts and sear them just like the shrimp. For a veggie lo mein recipe, skip the meat altogether and double down on your favorite stir-fry vegetables.
3. Are lo mein noodles necessary?
They’re traditional, but not essential. Any egg noodle will work, or use spaghetti for a quick fix. It still gives that chewy texture you want in a homemade lo mein.
4. Is this healthy?
As far as low mein recipe options go, this one is fairly balanced. Lots of veggies, lean protein, and a sauce that isn’t overloaded with sugar or sodium. For a truly healthy lo mein recipe, you could go lighter on the oil and use whole wheat noodles.
5. How does this compare to takeout?
It’s fresher, less greasy, and you control the ingredients—so it’s way better. Plus, once you try this low mein noodles recipe easy version, you’ll realize how much more flavor you can pack into homemade Chinese dishes.
