Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles

Shrimp chow mein is a classic takeout favorite I love to recreate at home with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and golden pan-fried noodles tossed in a savory sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and everything I want in a one-pan meal. The noodles get just the right amount of char and chew, while the shrimp stay juicy and perfectly cooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s faster than ordering takeout and tastes even better when made fresh. The noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, and pan-frying them gives me that satisfying crispy edge I always crave. It’s also super flexible—perfect for using up whatever veggies I have in the fridge, and easy to scale up for a crowd or prep ahead for the week.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chow mein:

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• Chow mein or thin egg noodles

• Carrot (julienned)

• Cabbage (shredded)

• Bell pepper (sliced)

• Green onions

• Garlic

• Oil for frying (like vegetable or sesame oil)

For the sauce:

• Soy sauce

• Oyster sauce

• Dark soy sauce (optional, for color and richness)

• Sugar

• Sesame oil

• Cornstarch (for thickening, mixed with a little water)

• Water or chicken broth

directions

1. I start by boiling the noodles just until al dente, then draining and tossing them with a little oil to keep them from sticking.

2. I mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set it aside.

3. I heat oil in a large skillet or wok, then pan-fry the noodles in a single layer until they’re crispy and golden on one side. I flip and repeat, then remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, I sauté garlic until fragrant, then add the shrimp and cook until just pink—about 2–3 minutes.

5. I toss in the vegetables and stir-fry until slightly tender but still crisp.

6. I return the noodles to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. I finish with sliced green onions for a fresh bite.

Servings and timing

This shrimp chow mein serves about 4 people. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so I have it ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes swap shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu depending on what I have.

• Adding bean sprouts or snap peas gives it an extra crunch I really like.

• For a spicy version, I add chili garlic sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper.

• I use hoisin sauce in place of oyster sauce when I want a slightly sweeter flavor.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but the noodles stay firmer when reheated on the stove.

FAQs

What kind of noodles should I use?

I use chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles. If I can’t find those, spaghetti or ramen noodles work in a pinch, though the texture is slightly different.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I often use frozen shrimp—I just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking so they sear properly and don’t release too much water.

How do I get crispy noodles?

I fry them in a single layer with enough oil and avoid stirring too soon. Letting them sit undisturbed for a few minutes gives me that golden crisp texture.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative. Rice noodles can work too, though they won’t crisp up the same way.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely. I like making a big batch and storing it in the fridge. It reheats well and stays flavorful for several days.

Conclusion

Shrimp chow mein with pan-fried noodles is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s quick, filling, and packed with flavor and texture. I love the balance of crispy noodles, juicy shrimp, and vibrant vegetables—all coated in a savory sauce that brings it all together. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a treat every time.