Steak and Shrimp Lo Mein is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish combining tender beef, juicy shrimp, and crisp vegetables coated in a savory soy-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a balanced meal with protein and fresh veggies in under 40 minutes. Its quick preparation and bold flavors make it a popular choice for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
With a great mix of textures and a rich sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to stir-frying, the Steak and Shrimp Lo Mein recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and sure to impress your family or guests.
Why you’ll love this Steak and Shrimp Lo Mein
- This dish combines two protein favorites, beef and shrimp, for a rich and satisfying flavor.
- The quick stir-fry method locks in freshness and keeps vegetables crisp-tender.
- The homemade soy-based sauce is perfectly balanced with sweet, salty, and umami notes.
- It cooks in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or quick meal prep.
- Lo mein noodles absorb the flavorful sauce while retaining a pleasant chewy texture.
Ingredients
- 12 oz lo mein noodles
- 8 oz sirloin or flank steak, cut into bite-size pieces
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 4 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water or stock
- 1 tsp cornstarch
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 20 minutes to prepare plus 15 minutes to cook, making it a fast yet flavorful meal. The key ingredients include lo mein noodles, which provide the perfect chewy base, and a combination of sirloin or flank steak and shrimp for diverse protein textures. Choose fresh, firm shrimp and well-marbled steak pieces for the best taste. The colorful bell peppers add a crisp sweetness, while the soy-based stir-fry sauce ties everything together with savory depth and a touch of sweetness.
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil the lo mein noodles just until tender according to package instructions. Drain and toss lightly with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, water or stock, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Season proteins: Lightly season the steak pieces and shrimp with black pepper.
- Sear the steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the steak and sear until browned but still juicy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the remaining oil to the pan and cook the shrimp until just pink and lightly charred, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with the steak.
- Stir-fry vegetables: Add the bell peppers and minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about 1 minute, keeping them crisp-tender.
- Add noodles and sauce: Return the noodles to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss over high heat until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine everything: Return the steak and shrimp to the pan and toss with most of the green onions until heated through, about 1 minute.
- Serve: Top with the remaining green onions and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips for the best results
- Use fresh, high-quality beef and shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the steak or shrimp; they should be juicy and tender.
- Cook noodles just until tender to avoid mushy lo mein.
- Keep the heat high during stir-frying to achieve a good sear and crisp vegetables.
- Toss noodles with a little oil immediately after cooking to prevent sticking.
- Mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure even coating.
Variations and substitutions
- Replace sirloin steak with thinly sliced chicken breast or pork for a different protein option.
- Use shrimp tails on for added presentation or substitute with scallops if preferred.
- Swap lo mein noodles for spaghetti or linguine in a pinch.
- Add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms to increase color and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, add chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce.
Serving suggestions
Serve Steak and Shrimp Lo Mein hot, straight from the wok, for the best taste and texture. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side of steamed bok choy or a crunchy Asian cucumber salad for freshness. You can also offer extra soy sauce or chili oil on the side for guests who want to customize their flavor. This dish works well as a standalone meal due to its balanced protein, vegetables, and noodles.
Storage and reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for best texture, as the noodles can become gummy. Stir occasionally during reheating to heat evenly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can prevent proper searing.
What type of noodles work best for lo mein?
Traditional lo mein noodles are soft wheat noodles with a slightly chewy texture. You can find them fresh or dried in many grocery stores. If unavailable, spaghetti or linguine can be a substitute.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After boiling, drain the noodles and toss them with a small amount of vegetable oil to coat them lightly. Stir gently to separate the strands before adding to the stir-fry.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this dish features steak and shrimp, you can substitute the proteins with firm tofu and add more vegetables to make a vegetarian version. Adjust the sauce if needed to suit your taste.
Is it better to marinate the steak and shrimp?
For this recipe, seasoning with black pepper is sufficient since the sauce adds plenty of flavor. However, marinating briefly in a bit of soy sauce and garlic can enhance taste if you have extra time.
Final thoughts
Steak and Shrimp Lo Mein is a flavorful, quick stir-fried noodle dish that brings the best of surf and turf together with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce. Its simple yet satisfying profile makes it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a special meal to share. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite.