Shrimp and Veggie Lo Mein

5 from 1 vote
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This speedy Shrimp Lo Mein recipe is packed with crisp-tender veggies, succulent shrimp, and scallions. Comforting, fresh, and ready in under 30 minutes.

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Shrimp Lo Mein being twirled with chopsticks in a large maroon bowl.

Why You’ll Love this Shrimp Lo Mein

  • Approachable Ingredients. While not traditional, pineapple juice replaces Chinese cooking wine, giving you bold sweet-and-sour flavor.
  • Simple + Speedy. From prep to plate, all you need is 30 minutes, making this recipe totally weeknight-friendly. Especially on the nights takeout feels extra tempting.
  • Flexible. This shrimp lo lein recipe is super versatile–feel free to swap in any veggies you like or have on hand. You can also use a different protein, such as tofu or chicken.

Chinese lo mein (“stirred noodles”) is a takeout classic–beloved for its satisfying combination of noodles, veggies, and protein tossed in a sweet-savory sauce.

In this version, we are using an assortment of veggies (bok choy, mushrooms, snap peas, and bell pepper), succulent shrimp, and vibrant scallions.

Each bite is filled with bold flavor and satisfying textures, and it holds up beautifully for leftovers.

For more weeknight-friendly versions of takeout classics, check out my Spicy Miso Ramen and Scallion Noodles next.

The Ingredients

Recipe ingredients in separate bowls on a gray surface with labels.
  • Noodles: While you can certainly use fresh lo mein egg noodles, I love using dried linguine noodles for convenience. Note: fresh lo mein noodles are often located in the refrigerator (sometimes the freezer) section of certain grocery stores, usually near tofu, wonton wrappers, etc.
  • Toasted sesame oil: Adds nutty, aromatic depth that gives the dish that classic takeout feel.
  • Pineapple juice: The star swap in this recipe, providing sweetness and acidity in place of mirin or Chinese cooking wine.
  • Soy sauce: Brings salty, umami goodness to the sauce.
  • Oyster sauce: A staple in Chinese cooking, oyster sauce is a viscous dark brown condiment made from oyster extracts. It offers deeply savory, rich, slightly sweet flavor. If you don’t have it on hand (or can’t find it), feel free to omit it.
  • Sugar: Enhances the sweet-and-sour profile and keeps the sauce well-balanced.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce just enough so that it clings to the noodles and veggies.
  • Chili flakes: Adds gentle heat to contrast the sweetness. Feel free to use as much or as little as you wish.
  • Baby bok choy: Use both the leafy tops and crunchy, bulbous bottoms for added texture.
  • Snap peas: Provide vegetal sweetness, as well as satisfying snap. Alternatively, you can use snow peas.
  • Bell pepper: Adds natural sweetness, vibrancy, and satisfying crunch. Feel free to use any color you like!
  • Mushrooms: Earthy and savory, they add depth and meaty bite.
  • Garlic + Ginger: This aromatic duo provides a savory backbone and classic stir-fry aroma.
  • Shrimp: The perfect quick-cooking protein to keep this lo mein light yet hearty.
  • Scallions: For a fresh, vibrant finish.

For a complete list of recipe ingredients and quantities, see the recipe card below.

The Directions

Prep Tip

This recipe comes together FAST so it’s important to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Cooking quickly over high heat ensures the vegetables retain their crunch, so it’s all in the mise-en-place!

Step 1: Cook noodles according to package directions. Rinse under cold water until cool. Toss with sesame oil, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare sauce by whisking together pineapple juice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, corn starch, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.

Cooked noodles being tossed in sesame oil in a bowl, and sauce mixture being combined in a separate white bowl.

Step 3: Sauté veggies over high heat until slightly softened.

Step 4: Add shrimp, garlic, and ginger. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Pour in sauce and bring to a simmer. Add noodles and continue to cook until shrimp is opaque and noodles are coated with sauce, tossing with tongs to coat noodles.

Vegetables being sautéed in a wok, and shrimp, sauce, and noodles being mixed in.

Divide into bowls and top with scallions.

Recipe Variations

  • Use Different Veggies. In place of (or in addition to) the veggies listed, snow peas, shredded napa cabbage, matchstick carrots, and mung bean sprouts are all delicious options.
  • Switch Up the Protein. You can also make this lo mein recipe with chicken or tofu. If using chicken, I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces. If using tofu, either firm or extra-firm will work great. (I suggest cooking the tofu the same way as in this Black Pepper Tofu recipe.) Alternatively, you can toss in 1 cup of edamame.
  • Add Spice. This shrimp lo mein recipe already carries a bit of heat from the chili flakes, however you can add extra spice by topping it with chili oil or chili crunch.
  • Add Crunch. For a crunchy garnish, top with toasted, coarsely chopped cashews or peanuts. (Toasted sesame seeds are also a delicious option!)

Tips and Tricks

  • Make sure all of your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before turning on the stove. This recipe moves FAST, so mise-en-place is KEY to success.
  • Cook over HIGH heat and keep things moving. This helps the vegetables stay crisp-tender instead of soft and steamy.
  • Use a wok or large, wide skillet. You want to avoid overcrowding the pan, which will lower the heat and lead to soggy vegetables. More surface area = better heat contact.
  • Taste and adjust right before serving. Depending on how salty your soy sauce is and how sweet your pineapple juice, you may wish to add a pinch more sugar or salt at the end of cooking.
Shrimp and veggie Lo Mein styled in a maroon serving bowl with chopsticks resting on the upper right side.

More Asian-Inspired Favorites

If you try this shrimp lo mein recipe, snap a photo and tag #dishingouthealth so I can see your creations. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!

5 from 1 vote

Shrimp and Veggie Lo Mein

This speedy Shrimp Lo Mein recipe is packed with crisp-tender veggies, succulent shrimp, and scallions. Comforting, fresh, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet

Ingredients  

  • 8 oz. dried linguine noodles
  • 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 2/3 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. oyster sauce*
  • 2 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp. corn starch
  • 1/2 tsp. chili flakes
  • 2 Tbsp. neutral cooking oil
  • 6 oz. baby bok choy, thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz. shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas, thinly sliced on the bias
  • 1 lb. raw peeled and deveined medium shrimp, tails removed
  • 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
  • 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
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Instructions 

  • Cook noodles according to package directions. Rinse under cold water until cool. Toss with sesame oil. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl or large liquid measuring cup, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, corn starch, and chili flakes; whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • Heat cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add bok choy, bell pepper, mushrooms, and snap peas. Cook 3 minutes or until slightly softened, stirring frequently. Add shrimp, garlic, and ginger; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add pineapple juice mixture and bring to a simmer; cook 2 minutes, until the sauce is thickened. Add noodles and continue to cook until shrimp is opaque and noodles are coated with sauce, tossing with tongs to coat noodles.
    Stir in scallions and serve.

Notes

  • If you don’t have (or can’t find) oyster sauce, you can omit it. It’s not a “make or break” ingredient, and the noodles will still be mighty tasty without it. It just adds extra oomph and umami.
  • Much of this recipe can be prepped 24 hours ahead: chop the vegetables, mix the sauce, and even boil and coat the noodles in sesame oil. Just cover and refrigerate everything separately until ready to cook.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Microwave or rewarm leftover lo mein in a skillet until heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 429kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 1009mg | Fiber: 4.5g | Sugar: 11g

I calculate these values by hand to ensure accuracy, however expect up to a 10% variable depending on food brands.

If you love this recipe, please leave a star rating and review below!
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5 from 1 vote

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1 Comment

  1. Cathleen says:

    5 stars
    Yummy and easy!