Craving Chinese takeout? Make this easy and Heart Healthy Shrimp Lo Mein recipe instead. It takes just 30 minutes to mix up a low sodium shrimp marinade. Then quickly stir fry crisp veggies with plump, sweet shrimp and whole grain noodles in a low calorie Lo Mein sauce. It's easily the best Asian recipe for a healthy dinner.
If you are a fan of Chinese food and you are looking for more easy, healthy recipes, take a look at our delicious lineup of low sodium Asian recipes!
This homemade lo mein recipe is healthy beause you control of the salt and the calories in the ingredients, making this recipe a much healthier Chinese noodle dinner than typical restaurant lo mein. By using reduced-sodium soy sauce, loading the wok with fresh vegetables, and using a minimal amount of heart-healthy oil, you cook up a flavorful meal bathed in a 3 ingredient lo mein sauce.
A homemade version like this one can be an excellent choice for a diet that supports healthy blood pressure. This recipe is specifically designed to be low in sodium (135mg), which is a key factor in managing hypertension. Restaurant versions are typically very high in sodium and should be avoided.
Yes, this shrimp lo mein is a great option for a weight loss plan. A generous serving has only 195 calories, making it a filling, low-calorie meal that's also rich in protein and fiber from vegetables to help you feel satisfied.
This shrimp lo mein recipe contains a low 195 calories per serving. The calorie count in homemade lo mein can vary, but it's almost always significantly lower than takeout versions, which can often exceed 1,000 calories.
Absolutely. Using frozen shrimp is a convenient way to make shrimp lo mein. For best results, thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes.
The main difference is the noodle preparation. In lo mein (meaning "tossed noodles"), soft, boiled noodles are tossed with the sauce, shrimp, and vegetables. In chow mein (meaning "fried noodles"), the noodles are fried separately to be crispy.
Yes, this homemade recipe for low mein is very healthy. While restaurant lo mein can be high in sodium and calories, this recipe has only 195 calories and 135mg of sodium.
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.
Store leftover shrimp lo mein 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.
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.
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!
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.
Snow peas, mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bok choy are excellent additions. Add them with the other vegetables.
If you don't have Chinese egg noodles, multigrain spaghetti or ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet) work well.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Easily swap the shrimp for 1/2 lb of thinly sliced chicken breast or flank steak.