Name: Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 ounces lo mein noodles; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup teriyaki sauce; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 pound medium sized raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 cup green onion, roughly chopped plus more for garnish; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Nothing beats a warm, satisfying bowl of noodles tossed with tender shrimp and vibrant veggies — that’s exactly why my Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe has become a weeknight staple in my kitchen. It’s a perfect blend of savory, a little sweet, and just the right amount of heat, all whipped up in about 20 minutes.

A close-up view of a pan filled with stir-fried noodles mixed with cooked shrimp and thin orange carrot strips, topped with small pieces of green onion. The noodles are light brown, soft-looking, and intertwined in layers throughout the pan. The shrimp are pink with a slight shine, scattered evenly among the noodles. A wooden spatula is lifting a portion of the noodles from the pan, showing texture and color contrast. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with a small, partly visible white bowl in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore how this Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe hits all the right notes — it’s fast, flavorful, and flexible enough for you to make it your own. Plus, it’s a great way to pack in protein and veggies without spending hours in the kitchen.

Speedy and Simple: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy nights when you want something fresh and homemade.
Balanced Flavors: The combo of soy sauce and teriyaki creates that perfect sweet-salty harmony that makes you want to come back for seconds.
Customizable Ingredients: Whether you like it spicy, mild, or packed with extra veggies, this recipe adapts easily to your cravings and pantry.
Impress Without Stress: It’s a dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality but won’t wear you out with complicated steps or fancy gear.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic happens when simple, fresh ingredients come together with just a few pantry staples. Choosing quality noodles and fresh shrimp makes all the difference — plus, the quick sauté means the veggies stay bright and slightly crisp.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked lo mein noodles neatly coiled, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a medium peeled carrot thinly sliced into rounds, raw medium-sized shrimp with shells removed, a small white bowl filled with minced garlic, a small white bowl containing low sodium soy sauce, another small white bowl with teriyaki sauce, a bunch of roughly chopped green onions arranged elegantly, and a tiny white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfect symmetry, balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lo Mein Noodles: They’re soft yet sturdy, perfect for soaking up that savory sauce without turning mushy.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps everything cook evenly.
Carrot: Thin slices cook quickly and add just enough sweetness and crunch.
Shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined ensure tenderness and no fuss.
Minced Garlic: It’s a flavor powerhouse that wakes up the whole dish.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Keeps the saltiness controlled so you can tweak as you cook.
Teriyaki Sauce: Adds that lovely sweet-savory twist that makes lo mein so addictive.
Green Onions: Bright and fresh, they lighten the dish and add a mild onion kick.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a spicy kick if you like a little heat.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe is a fantastic base for playing with flavors — I love swapping in different veggies or dialing up the heat depending on my mood, and you can do the same effortlessly.

Vegetable Boost: Sometimes I add snap peas or bell peppers for extra crunch and color — it’s a great way to sneak in more greens!
Heat It Up: Toss in extra red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili garlic oil if you like your lo mein with a spicy edge.
Protein Swap: Don’t like shrimp? Chicken or tofu works beautifully — just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Gluten Free: Use gluten free noodles, tamari instead of soy sauce, and check your teriyaki sauce to keep it totally gluten free and just as tasty.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

The image shows a bowl with cooked noodles at the bottom, golden brown in color with a light shiny oil coating, mixed with small pieces of green herbs and thin slices of red chili. On top of the noodles, there are several plump shrimp with a light pink and orange color, some showing slight grill marks. A pair of metal chopsticks is holding a small portion of noodles slightly above the bowl. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface with another large bowl of similar shrimp and noodles blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Noodles Just Right

Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to drain them thoroughly — leftover water makes the stir-fry soggy. I usually run the noodles under cold water afterward to stop the cooking and set them aside. This keeps them from sticking together and preps them perfectly for the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Carrots and Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat — when it’s hot and shimmering, add the thinly sliced carrots. They only need about 2 minutes to soften but still keep a bit of crunch. Push the carrots aside, add the shrimp, and sauté for about 3 minutes until they turn bright pink. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or they’ll get rubbery — once they’re pink and opaque, it’s time to combine everything.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Now toss in the minced garlic, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, green onions, noodles, and your optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything continuously for 2 to 3 minutes so the noodles absorb all those delicious flavors evenly. The aroma at this point is irresistible — it’s when you know it’s going to be a winner.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle some extra green onions on top for a fresh bite, and serve immediately. This quick shrimp lo mein tastes best fresh but holds up well for leftovers, too.

Top Tip

Through countless tries, I've learned some simple tricks that help this Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe come out flawless every time, even on busy evenings.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking shrimp and Veggies in batches ensures everything sautés evenly and gets a nice sear.
Prep Before You Cook: Chop your carrots, mince garlic, and have sauces measured out before heating the pan — stir-frying moves quickly!
Keep Stirring: Continuous stirring during the final step helps the noodles soak up the sauce without sticking or burning.
Watch the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast and go from perfectly tender to rubbery in seconds — once opaque and pink, pull them off heat promptly.

How to Serve Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with a handful of fresh green onions for that sharp freshness. Sometimes, I add toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro — both give great texture and a pop of flavor that brightens the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your shrimp lo mein with something crisp like steamed broccoli or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the savory noodles. Egg rolls or dumplings also make a fun, shareable starter if you want to elevate dinner night.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the lo mein in small bowls atop a banana leaf for a festive touch. You can also serve it in cute mini takeout-style boxes, which is surprisingly charming for casual dinner parties or family-style meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover shrimp lo mein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles soak up the sauce overnight, so it tastes even better after a day. Just bring it back to life with a quick reheat.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, I recommend skipping the shrimp if freezing. Instead, freeze the noodles and sauce separately, then add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and warm everything evenly. Microwaving works too but can make the shrimp a bit tough, so watch the time closely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry to avoid excess moisture, and follow the same cooking instructions. This helps ensure they sauté quickly without becoming soggy.

What’s the best noodle substitution if I can’t find lo mein noodles?

You can substitute thin egg noodles, spaghetti, or even linguine if you don’t have lo mein on hand. Just cook them according to package directions and treat them the same way in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the shrimp and use extra firm tofu or tempeh instead. You might want to increase the veggies and adjust cooking times accordingly for hearty results. The sauce is vegetarian-friendly already.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

The key is draining the noodles thoroughly and tossing them with just a little oil after cooking. Also, stirring them frequently during the final stir-fry step keeps them separate and coated evenly in sauce.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely love how this Quick Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe transforms a few humble ingredients into something special and comforting. It’s fast enough for busy nights but impressive enough for guests, and I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do. Give it a try tonight — I think you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your go-tos!