Name: Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 150 g spaghetti; 2 pinch salt; 1 teaspoon oil; 10 shrimp; 2 pinch salt; 1/3 teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 5 tablespoon oil; 2 eggs; 1/2 onion; 1/2 cup carrot; 150 g bean sprouts; 1 spring onion

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and pure satisfaction, then Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles just might become your new obsession. Imagine tender shrimp mingled with crispy-edged noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a glossy, savory sauce, all coming together in one sizzling pan. This recipe effortlessly transforms kitchen staples like pasta, eggs, and spring onions into a Chinese-inspired classic that manages to be both comforting and exciting, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or when you want to impress friends without any fuss.

Shrimp Chow Mein - Pan Fried Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles starts with simple, honest ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in making every bite exciting, from juicy shrimp to the perfect sauce blend. Here’s what brings this dish together, and why you’ll love each element:

Spaghetti (150g): An easy, pantry-friendly substitute for traditional chow mein noodles, it soaks up the sauce and crisps up beautifully in the pan.
Shrimp (10 pieces): Sweet, tender, and just a little briny, shrimp make this dish special and satisfying.
Oil (5 tablespoons): Enough to fry, crisp, and bring out the best in every ingredient—choose your favorite neutral oil or even a touch of peanut oil for a hint of flavor.
Salt (2 pinches): Essential for seasoning your pasta water and shrimp perfectly.
Pepper (1/3 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and kick to the shrimp.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): The base of your savory sauce, bringing depth and umami.
Dark Soy Sauce (1/2 tablespoon): Adds a gorgeous color and slightly richer flavor to your noodles.
Oyster Sauce (1/2 tablespoon): Delivers a luscious, almost caramelized saltiness.
Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Provides an unmistakably nutty aroma that makes everything taste deliciously authentic.
Eggs (2): Scrambled for soft, pillowy bites that balance the crunch.
Onion (1/2, shredded): Becomes sweet and tender as it fries, weaving flavor through every forkful.
Carrot (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds sweet crunch and a burst of orange color.
Bean Sprouts (150g): For a classic, airy crunch and a refreshing bite.
Spring Onion (green part, chopped): Lively and fresh, it offers a final pop of color and sharpness.

How to Make Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles

Step 1: Preparing Your Noodles and Sauce

Start by boiling your spaghetti until it’s just tender, giving you noodles that are ready to crisp up later. Add a pinch of salt and a touch of oil to the water—this helps season and separate the noodles, keeping them tangle-free. While the pasta cooks, whisk together a vibrant blend of soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. This homemade sauce will coat every noodle, infusing your Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles with irresistible flavor and a glossy finish.

Step 2: Cooking Juicy Golden Shrimp

In a spacious, non-stick pan, heat a spoonful of oil and toss in your shrimp, dusted with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The shrimp will quickly turn pink, plump, and slightly golden at the edges—this should only take a couple of minutes. Pull them out as soon as they’re cooked through; you want them juicy, not rubbery. This step is key, as perfectly cooked shrimp are the star of Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles.

Step 3: Scrambling Eggs and Sautéing Vegetables

Pour two more tablespoons of oil into your pan, then scramble the eggs until lightly cooked and tender. Toss in the shredded onion and carrots, stirring until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize. This layering of eggs and vegetables adds comforting bites and loads of color, making every forkful pop with texture and taste.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Return to your pan with the final tablespoon of oil, then add the saucy spaghetti, letting it sizzle until some noodles start to develop those signature crispy edges. Add the shrimp, the egg and veggie mixture, bean sprouts, and spring onions, giving everything a thorough toss. Let the whole pan fry for an extra minute or two so all the flavors can meld—and the noodles can crisp just a little more. Check for seasoning, add extra salt or a dash more soy sauce if needed, and get ready for a dish that truly delivers.

How to Serve Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles

Garnishes

For that restaurant-style polish, finish your Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles with a shower of freshly chopped spring onions, an extra drizzle of sesame oil, and perhaps a tiny sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you have some on hand. The pop of green and subtle crunch make every plate look (and taste) irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your pan fried noodles with a crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed greens such as bok choy. If you’re in the mood for a feast, serve with hot and sour soup or a platter of dumplings—each option complements that savory noodle goodness and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles right from the skillet, so everyone can dig in family-style. Or, try twirling individual portions into nests with tongs for an elegant plate-up. For a party, portion the noodles into small bowls and let guests top them with extra greens, chili oil, or crushed peanuts—customization is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, transfer any leftover Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles to an airtight container, where they’ll keep fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to three days. The noodles might soften a little, but they will still taste delicious!

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze pan fried noodles in a well-sealed container for up to one month. Just know that the crunch of the bean sprouts and veggies may mellow a bit after thawing, but the flavors will hold up beautifully for a quick homemade meal later.

Reheating

To bring Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles back to life, simply reheat them in a hot skillet with a splash of water or a drizzle of oil. Stir gently until everything is heated through—the noodles will regain some of their crisp texture, and the shrimp will stay tender.

FAQs

Can I substitute the spaghetti for traditional chow mein noodles?

Absolutely! Classic chow mein noodles work perfectly here if you have them. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—both spaghetti and authentic Chinese egg noodles develop fantastic crispy edges when pan fried.

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Go for medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp; fresh or frozen both work well. If using frozen, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking for best results in your Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Definitely! Simply skip the shrimp and pump up the veggies—try adding mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for extra flavor and substance. A dash of soy sauce and sesame oil will still make it absolutely delicious.

How can I make the noodles crispier?

To get extra crispy noodles, spread them out in a single layer when pan frying and let them cook undisturbed for a minute or two. Don’t be shy with the oil—this helps with the sizzle and that desired crunch!

Can I double the recipe for a gathering?

Yes, just make sure your pan is large enough so the noodles don’t steam instead of fry. You might want to cook everything in batches for best results, then toss together before serving your Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles to a crowd.

Final Thoughts

Few things beat the satisfaction of turning a handful of kitchen staples into something as crowd-pleasing as Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles. Whether you’re craving takeout vibes or planning to share with friends, this dish always delivers. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite comfort food, right in your own kitchen!

Shrimp Chow Mein – Pan Fried Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and easy-to-follow recipe for Shrimp Chow Mein, featuring pan-fried noodles tossed with savory shrimp, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.

Instructions

Preparing Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in salted water. Mix with sauce and set aside.
Cooking the Shrimp: Sauté shrimp with salt and pepper until golden. Set aside.
Cooking the Eggs and Veggies: Cook eggs, onion, and carrot until tender. Set aside.
Mixing Everything Together: Sauté spaghetti with shrimp, veggies, bean sprouts, and spring onions. Season and serve.