Name: Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 ounces lo mein noodles; 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; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup teriyaki sauce; 1 cup green onion, roughly chopped plus more for garnish; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

When you want a flavorful dinner that comes together fast, this Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s got that sweet heat, tender shrimp, and those slurp-worthy noodles all in one pan — easy enough for weeknights but special enough to feel like a treat.

A close-up view inside a pan filled with stir-fried noodles and shrimp. The dish has three main layers: at the bottom, golden brown noodles mixed with thin orange carrot strips and small bright green pieces of green onion; on top, plump, light orange shrimp scattered evenly; and mixed throughout, tiny bits of dark green herbs. Wooden chopsticks are lifting a portion of the noodles and carrots from the pan. The background shows a white marbled texture. 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 Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly obsessed with how quickly this Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe comes together, and the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors really hits the spot every single time I make it. Plus, it’s super flexible, so you can tweak it to your taste.

Speedy and simple: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect spice level: Those crushed red pepper flakes add just enough heat to wake up your palate without overpowering the other flavors.
Flavor-packed sauce: The combination of soy and teriyaki creates a complex umami backdrop that’s irresistible.
Versatile and customizable: Swap veggies or noodles easily to match what you have on hand or dietary preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role in giving you that perfect Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein you crave. From succulent shrimp to the crunchy bite of fresh carrots and the punch of garlic and pepper flakes, everything harmonizes beautifully.

Flat lay of lo mein noodles coiled naturally, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a medium peeled carrot thinly sliced into rounds, a pile of medium sized raw shrimp with shells removed and deveined, a small white bowl filled with minced garlic, a small white bowl of low sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl of teriyaki sauce, roughly chopped green onions scattered in a small white bowl, and a small white bowl containing crushed red pepper flakes, all arranged symmetrically 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: These tender, slightly chewy noodles soak up the sauce and bring that authentic texture you expect in lo mein.
Extra virgin olive oil: A light oil that adds richness without overpowering the shrimp or veggies.
Carrot: Thin slices add a subtle sweetness and crunch, balancing the spicy elements.
Raw shrimp: Quick-cooking and juicy — they’re the star protein that turns this into a hearty meal.
Minced garlic: Brings that warm, aromatic depth that builds flavor in any stir-fry.
Low sodium soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami while letting you control the salt level.
Teriyaki sauce: Sweet and savory with a hint of tang, it deepens the sauce complexity.
Green onion: Freshness and a mild onion bite finish the dish and add crunch.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for that spicy kick that makes this lo mein “spicy.”

📝

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

I love making this Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. It’s so easy to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu or change up the veg. Feel free to play around and find your fave version.

Vegetarian option: I’ve swapped shrimp for extra-firm tofu before, cut into cubes and seared until golden — still delicious and hearty.
Add more veggies: Sometimes I toss in snap peas or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Heat it up: If you really like spice, a drizzle of sriracha on top after plating is my go-to finishing touch.
Gluten-free: I’ve experimented with rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce — you won’t lose out on flavor at all.

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

The image shows a white bowl filled with stir-fried noodles and shrimp. The bottom layer is long, thin noodles cooked to a golden brown color with a slightly shiny texture from the sauce. On top of the noodles, there are plump, orange-pink shrimp with a smooth and slightly shiny surface, spread evenly around the bowl. Mixed in with the noodles and shrimp are small pieces of green vegetables which add splashes of dark and bright green color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a pair of shiny metal chopsticks rests inside the bowl, lifting some noodles. In the background, part of a large pan with more noodles is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the noodles just right

Start by cooking your lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Don’t overcook them — you want them al dente because they’ll cook a bit more when you stir-fry. After draining, give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Sauté your carrots and shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Toss in the thinly sliced carrots and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bite. Push them to the side, add the raw shrimp, and sauté for 3 minutes until they turn a lovely pink. You’ll know they’re done when they’re slightly firm but not rubbery.

Step 3: Bring in the flavor bomb

Now stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds – don't let it brown or burn! Then add the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, green onions, and those fiery crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Toss everything to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to coat the shrimp and noodles evenly. This step ensures the noodles soak up all that savory, spicy goodness.

Step 4: Finish with a fresh garnish

Once everything’s hot and well-mixed, take your skillet off the heat. Sprinkle some extra chopped green onions over the top for a fresh crunch and bright flavor boost. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in.

Top Tip

From cooking this Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up some go-to tips that make a huge difference—and I’m excited to share them with you so your dish turns out fantastic, every time.

Don’t overcrowd your pan: Cooking shrimp in a hot skillet in batches if needed helps them get a beautiful sear instead of steaming.
Use fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a punch that jarred just can’t match—plus it only takes seconds to sauté.
Add sauce gradually: Start with the amount recommended, then taste and add more soy or teriyaki sauce to suit your flavor preference.
Keep tossing: Stirring continuously when adding the noodles ensures everything cooks evenly and the sauce coats each bite.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

A black pan shows a layered stir-fry with a white marbled surface below. The bottom layer is a mix of shredded light green cabbage and thin orange carrot strips spread around the edges. Above this lies a thick bed of golden yellow noodles taking up most of the pan. On top of the noodles, several pink shrimp pieces are arranged mostly on the left side. The center is covered with a large pile of white bean sprouts, while dark green chopped scallions rest near the bean sprouts on the lower left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish this with extra green onions, sometimes a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and nuttiness. If you want more heat, a little drizzle of chili oil or sriracha on top amps up that spicy factor.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs perfectly with steamed dumplings, a crisp Asian slaw, or even some simple garlic bok choy sautéed with a touch of soy. For a fuller feast, I like serve it alongside hot and sour soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served this in individual lettuce wraps with chopped peanuts on top—that crunch against the tender noodles makes for a fun twist. Or in pretty bowls garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to add brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be tough to come by!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend chilling noodles separately from the shrimp and sauce if possible — this keeps the texture better.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice successfully, but shrimp can get a little rubbery after thawing. If you want to freeze, it works best to freeze the noodles and sauce separately from the shrimp, then add fresh-cooked shrimp after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and drying out. Avoid microwaving if you can—for best texture, warming on the stove is kinder to the shrimp and noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap the regular lo mein noodles for gluten-free noodles, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and check that your teriyaki sauce is gluten free too. I’ve made this swap before with great results.

How spicy is this recipe?

The crushed red pepper flakes provide a mild to medium heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level. Omit them for no heat or double them up if you love a serious kick. Adding sriracha on top is another way to control the spice per serving.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works fine — just thaw and pat them dry well before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your pan. Drier shrimp sear better and cook evenly, which keeps the texture perfect.

What other veggies can I add to this lo mein?

Great question! Bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli florets, baby corn, or mushrooms all pair wonderfully. Add them right after the carrots or sauté separately depending on their cooking time for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s fast, flavorful, and always hits the spot. It’s a reminder that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create something tasty and satisfying at home. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re going to love how easily it becomes a weeknight favorite.