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My Shrimp Lo Mein is So Good!
This is a recipe I learned from a Thai chef who worked at a Sandals resort in Barbados. It was one of the best Shrimp Lo Mein recipes I had, so I asked him if he would share the recipe, and this is my attempt at recreating it.
While it may not be 100% authentic, it’s inspired by a truly authentic source, with a few tweaks to make it easier to whip up with ingredients I can find locally. He also shared with me his Vegetarian Pad Thai and it is definitely worth trying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Soy Sauce: You can use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative.
- Oyster Sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly sweeter.
- Sugar: You can substitute honey or skip it if you prefer a less sweet profile.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral oil that’s perfect for stir-frying due to its high smoke point. Vegetable oil or peanut oil are great alternatives. Avoid olive oil, as its flavor can overpower the dish.
- Onion: Yellow or white onions work best, but red onions can be used if that’s what you have.
- Lo Mein Noodles: Traditional Lo Mein noodles are great if you can find them, but spaghetti or linguine can work if you can’t find them. Just cook them al dente to avoid sogginess.
- Shrimp: Use medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. If you want you can substitute chicken, tofu, or even a mix of veggies.
- Garlic: Fresh is best, but you can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
- Vegetables: I am using Bok Choy and carrots, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas are great additions.
- Vegetable Broth: Helps create a flavorful base for steaming the vegetables. Chicken broth or even water with a dash of soy sauce can work if vegetable broth isn’t available.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the sweetness of the sauce. Freshly cracked black pepper is ideal for the best flavor.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp finish. Use both the white and green parts for maximum flavor.
Popular Additions
- Spice things up: If you like a little heat, add 2-3 more teaspoons of sriracha to the sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds on top.
- Cashews or Peanuts: Sprinkle ¼ cup of roasted cashews or peanuts for some crunch.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a tangy twist that balances the richness of the sauce.
How to Make Shrimp Lo Mein
My Best Shrimp Low Mein Tips
- Caramelize the onions slowly. Don’t rush the onions! Cooking them low and slow for 25 minutes brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of the entire dish. It’s worth the time, I promise.
- Cook the shrimp until just done. Shrimp cooks fast—only 3 to 4 minutes is all it takes. Overcooked shrimp can get rubbery, so keep an eye on them and remove from the pan as soon as they turn pink and curl.
- Don’t skip the rinse for the noodles. After draining the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. It also helps them absorb the sauce better later.
- Cut the veggies uniformly. Slice your carrots, bok choy, and any other veggies, if using into even sizes so they cook at the same rate. This keeps the texture consistent and avoids undercooked or overcooked bites.
What to Serve
Recipe Help & Common Questions
Store leftover Shrimp Lo Mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce, then warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring in between, for a quick reheat.
Absolutely. Just make sure the shrimp is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess liquid in the pan.
If your noodles are clumping, it’s likely because they weren’t rinsed after cooking. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, and toss them with a little oil to keep them separated before adding them to the pan.
More Asian Inspired Recipes:
- Cashew Chicken
- Green Thai Curry
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Vegetarian Pad Thai
- Red Curry Shrimp With Coconut
- Easy Chicken Lo Mein
- Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
- Cauliflower Fried Rice
If you try this feel good Shrimp Lo Mein recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
Shrimp Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar plus more for onions
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil divided
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus more for pasta water
- 8 ounces Lo Mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 4 baby bok choy cut into 1-inch pieces and rinsed thoroughly
- 2 small carrots cut into matchsticks
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce and sugar and set aside.
- To a large wok or skillet, add 1 tablespoon avocado oil and set over medium heat. Add onions, salt and a pinch of sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes, or until deeply golden brown.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water and set aside.
- To the same wok, add shrimp and garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the shrimp are just cooked through and curled. Transfer the onion, shrimp and garlic mixture to a plate and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the wok and stir fry bok choy and carrots for 2 minutes. Add vegetable broth, then cover wok and cook for 2 more minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp tender.
- Add noodles, shrimp mixture, sauce and black pepper to the wok and stir fry for 2 minutes, or until the noodles absorb some of the sauce. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Nice flavor. Easy to make