The warm, savory comfort of soy-glazed shrimp tossed with springy egg noodles makes this dish a go-to for busy nights and cozy cravings. With fresh garlic, ginger, and napa cabbage layered in, the flavors are complex yet super easy to pull together in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for both weeknight meals and casual weekend hosting, this shrimp noodle stir-fry delivers the takeout taste you love with a homemade twist. And thanks to the fresh veggies, it’s a full meal all in one bowl. Try adding a squeeze of lime or extra chili flakes for that perfect punch.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz fresh Chinese egg noodles
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1/2 cup sliced scallions (green and white parts separated)
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1 cup napa cabbage, shredded
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1 cup bean sprouts
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1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon mirin
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Red pepper flakes, optional for heat
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Lime wedges, for serving
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and sesame oil.
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Add shrimp, salt, and pepper. Sauté until shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
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Add cabbage and bean sprouts. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
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Return shrimp to the pan along with cooked noodles.
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Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, and sugar. Toss well to combine.
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Cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through and coated evenly.
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Sprinkle with green parts of scallions and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot with lime wedges.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin and Cultural Context of Chow Mein
Chow mein, which translates to “fried noodles” in Mandarin Chinese, has evolved into a staple dish across many cultures. While its roots lie in traditional Cantonese cuisine, the dish has taken on various regional forms in Chinese-American, Southeast Asian, and European kitchens. Each interpretation brings its own unique twist, from thick, saucy stir-fries to lighter, crispier renditions.
The version featuring shrimp, soy sauce, and egg noodles reflects a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It’s common in East and Southeast Asian cooking to pair seafood with robust sauces like soy or oyster sauce, as the saltiness enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
In many Asian households, a noodle dish like this is often served during celebrations or family meals because noodles symbolize longevity and good fortune. With every bite, you’re not just enjoying a flavorful dish—you’re experiencing a culinary tradition.
Why Egg Noodles Work So Well
Egg noodles are the foundation of this dish, and for good reason. Their slightly chewy, springy texture is ideal for absorbing sauces and standing up to quick stir-frying. Unlike rice noodles or wheat pasta, egg noodles retain their structure and carry flavor better in high-heat cooking environments like a wok or sauté pan.
Their golden hue also adds visual appeal, especially when contrasted with the vibrant greens of scallions and cabbage or the light pink of perfectly cooked shrimp. The noodles’ subtle egg flavor also complements the rich soy and sesame elements in the sauce without overwhelming them.
Flavor Harmony: The Role of the Sauce
The sauce in this recipe plays a central role. It’s not overly complex but strikes a beautiful balance between salty, sweet, and umami. Low-sodium soy sauce is the base, offering depth without overpowering saltiness. Oyster sauce introduces a mellow richness, while a touch of mirin and sugar rounds everything out with mild sweetness and complexity.
This type of sauce works well in stir-fried noodle dishes because it clings to each strand, infusing the meal with flavor without becoming soupy. The combination enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor while bringing cohesion to all the ingredients.
What makes it even more appealing is how easily you can customize the sauce. Want more heat? Add chili oil or crushed red pepper. Prefer tanginess? A splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the entire dish. The simplicity of the base gives you freedom to adapt the dish to your taste.
Shrimp: The Star of the Show
Shrimp is an ideal protein choice for quick stir-fried dishes like this one. It cooks in just a few minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals when time is short. Its juicy texture and mildly sweet flavor pair beautifully with soy-based sauces and fresh vegetables.
Beyond flavor, shrimp is also a healthy option. It’s low in fat and high in protein, plus it’s a great source of important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. When paired with a medley of vegetables and whole noodles, you’ve got a well-rounded, nutritious dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste for health.
Versatility and Adaptability
One of the best aspects of this dish is its adaptability. It’s easy to customize based on what’s in your fridge or your dietary needs.
For example, if you’re allergic to shellfish, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. If you’re going gluten-free, there are plenty of egg noodle alternatives made from rice or sweet potato starch that hold up well in stir-fries. You can even experiment with the vegetables—add julienned carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy for more texture and color.
The dish also scales well. You can double it for meal prep or halve it for a quick solo dinner. It reheats beautifully and can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a great option for next-day lunches.
Ideal for Busy Weeknights
We all know how hectic weeknights can be. The beauty of this recipe is its speed. From start to finish, it can be on the table in under 30 minutes. There’s minimal prep, especially if you buy pre-peeled shrimp and pre-shredded vegetables.
Unlike more complex dishes that require long simmer times or oven baking, this one is a true stove-top star. It’s made in one pan, which means less cleanup—a bonus for anyone cooking at home.
Moreover, its quick cooking time doesn’t mean compromising on flavor. Thanks to the powerful combination of fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger, paired with a rich sauce, every bite packs a punch.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, this dish shines both in taste and appearance. A steaming bowl of glistening noodles, pink shrimp, and emerald-green scallions creates an inviting and appetizing look. Serve it in shallow bowls or on a large platter, garnished with lime wedges, sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of chili oil for extra flair.
You can pair it with light sides like cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or miso soup. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but flexible enough to be part of a multi-dish meal.
For drinks, consider pairing with chilled green tea, crisp white wine, or even a citrus-forward mocktail to refresh the palate.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Dish
This recipe is more than just a quick fix—it’s a dependable classic. It brings comfort, flavor, and cultural richness in one satisfying package. It’s the kind of meal that becomes part of your go-to repertoire, not just because it’s easy, but because it always delivers.
With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can recreate a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s ideal for families, solo foodies, or anyone looking to cook more at home without sacrificing flavor or time.
Conclusion: A Perfect Blend of Simplicity and Sophistication
Soy Sauce Chow Shrimp Egg Noodles is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s fast, flavorful, and completely customizable to your taste. Whether you’re making it for yourself after a long day, serving it to guests, or packing it for lunch the next day, this dish never disappoints.
Beyond being a practical weeknight meal, it represents the joy of home cooking: turning everyday items into something extraordinary. With its balance of taste, nutrition, and tradition, this recipe is a celebration of Asian-inspired comfort food that everyone should have in their kitchen rotation.