Craving that savory, noodle-slurping satisfaction from your favorite Chinese takeout? This easy shrimp lo mein recipe delivers all the rich, authentic flavor you love, in a fresh, healthy, and surprisingly low sodium recipe. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's easy to make a heart healthy lo mein that tastes like an indulgence. We'll show you how to skip the delivery app and make a homemade low calorie shrimp lo mein that's not only better than takeout, but better for you.
This gorgeous healthy lo mein dish is so tasty and easy to make that it’s likely to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The heart-healthy Chinese takeout-inspired dish is loaded with mouthwatering flavors along with vibrant colors. And thanks to the rainbow of colors, you and your family will enjoy a wide variety of healthy nutrients. But all they’ll care about is the delicious taste! Thanks to reduced-sodium soy sauce, combined with other Asian flavor powerhouses like fresh ginger, hoisin sauce and sesame oil, this hearty lo mein shouts all the flavors of your favorite takeout dish but with far less sodium. In fact, it contains only 135mg per serving, so your heart will thank you! At only 195 calories per serving, this dish can also help you maintain a healthy weight. In fact, it has so few calories that you can even enjoy seconds without guilt! And since kids love this dish as much as adults, it’s a very family-friendly meal to make any night of the week.
The secret to incredible lo mein is a balanced sauce. It should be savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic. This simple combination is all you need:
Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce: The savory, umami backbone.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds a touch of sweet, tangy complexity.
Sesame Oil: Provides that signature nutty, toasted aroma.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These are non-negotiable for authentic flavor!
This recipe is a fantastic template. Try these simple swaps:
For Chicken or Beef Lo Mein: Simply substitute the shrimp with 1/2 lb of thinly sliced chicken breast or flank steak.
For Spicy Lo Mein: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Add More Veggies: Snow peas, mushrooms, or bok choy are all great additions.
It's a common question! The main difference is how the noodles are prepared.
Lo Mein (this recipe)
Chow Mein
Is shrimp lo mein healthy?
Yes, a homemade version like this one is very healthy. While restaurant lo mein can be high in sodium and calories, this recipe has only 195 calories and 135mg of sodium.
How many calories are in shrimp lo mein?
This healthy shrimp lo mein recipe contains just 195 calories per serving. Takeout versions can often have over 1,000 calories.
What is in shrimp lo mein?
A classic shrimp lo mein contains soft egg noodles, shrimp, and vegetables tossed in a savory sauce typically made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
How long does shrimp lo mein last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats well in a skillet or microwave.
If you loved this Shrimp Lo Mein, here are more Health eCooks recipes that bring bold flavor and better nutrition to the noodle bowl. All of these are dietitian-reviewed and built to meet heart-health guidelines, so you can enjoy takeout-style comfort food with better-for-you ingredients.
Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl: This high-protein noodle bowl uses lean chicken breast, rice noodles, and a light sesame-ginger sauce. It’s packed with sautéed veggies and balanced for sodium, making it a great option for a satisfying, heart-healthy dinner.
Asian Veggie Noodle Bowl: Loaded with colorful stir-fried vegetables and tossed in a savory garlic-soy dressing, this rice noodle bowl is fiber-rich and loaded with plant-based protein. Great for a meatless Monday or easy lunch prep.
Soba Noodle Stir-Fry: Made with buckwheat soba noodles for a gluten-friendly base, this stir-fry delivers nutty flavor, whole grains, and fast-cooked vegetables in a tamari-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Beef Pho with Rice Noodles: This lightened-up pho skips the heavy sodium without losing any of the aromatic flavor. Built on a ginger-spiced broth and lean beef, it’s a cozy, slurpable option that fits into low-sodium meal plans.
These fresh takes on classic Asian shrimp dishes bring the flavor without the extra sodium or saturated fat. Each one is dietitian-approved and full of color, crunch, and quick-cook convenience.
Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry: This quick stir-fry features tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and a savory sesame-garlic sauce made lighter with low-sodium ingredients. Serve it over brown rice for a fast weeknight meal.
Asian Shrimp Rolls: These fresh rolls are wrapped in rice paper and filled with shrimp, crunchy veggies, and herbs. They’re great as an appetizer or light lunch.
Bang Bang Shrimp Salad: Crispy shrimp (baked, not fried) tossed in a creamy-spicy, yogurt-based Bang Bang sauce, served over greens, mixed veggies, and toasted almonds. It’s a lighter take on the restaurant favorite, with heart-health in mind.
Recipe yields 6 servings
In a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, 1 garlic clove and 1 teaspoon of the ginger. Add the shrimp and toss with the soy sauce mixture.
Lightly coat a skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add the shrimp (with the marinade) and cook, turning once, until pink, about 5 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan.
Add the canola oil and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add the remaining 1 garlic clove and the remaining 1 teaspoon ginger and sauté until fragrant. Add the bell peppers, broccoli, carrots and scallions. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the shrimp and the noodles to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve immediately.