A quick and spicy shrimp chow mein noodle recipe packed with flavor, veggies, and tender shrimp. This easy weeknight dinner comes together in under 20 minutes — a fast, saucy dish the whole family loves.

This Quick Spicy Shrimp Chow Mein Noodles recipe is one of my favorite weeknight meals. It is bold, saucy, a little spicy, and loaded with shrimp and veggies. What I love most is how quickly it comes together on those busy evenings when I want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.

I have been making chow mein for so many years. Back when I was in pharmacy school, this was one of the meals I relied on whenever I needed something fast, comforting, and full of flavor . I would come home after a long day of studying, toss everything into a wok, and dinner was ready in under twenty minutes. Today, it is still that same reliable go-to meal.

The part that makes this recipe truly special is how much my husband and kids enjoy it! Every time I make this spicy shrimp chow mein, they finish their plates with a smile. The combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors feels nostalgic, satisfying, and just genuinely good!

If you are craving something bold and saucy or you simply want an easy weeknight dinner you can depend on, this shrimp chow mein is a meal you will want to keep in your regular rotation.

Love this recipe? be sure to check out these other favorites on the blog: Tilapia w/ Lemon Herb Butter Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Salsa Salad , Easy Ground Beef Chow Mein , and One-Pan Chicken and Rice with Spinach.

Tiffany’s Tips

• Cook shrimp quickly — Overcooking makes them rubbery. As soon as they turn pink, remove them.

• Prep all your ingredients first. Chow mein cooks FAST, so having everything sliced and ready makes a huge difference.

• Use dark soy sauce for color. It gives that classic deep-brown noodle look you see in takeout.

• Balance the heat. For kids, start with less chili oil and add more to your serving.

• Add more veggies. Baby bok choy, broccoli, and snap peas work beaut

Substitutions & Variations

Protein Options

• Chicken – Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.

• Beef – Flank or sirloin sliced against the grain works great for a tender, flavorful chow mein.

Noodle Options

• Ramen noodles – A great swap that still gives you that springy, chewy texture.

• Lo mein noodles – Slightly thicker and perfect for soaking up the spicy sauce.

• Spaghetti – A convenient pantry substitute that works surprisingly well.

Vegetable Swaps

• Broccoli – Adds crunch and holds up well in the wok.

• Zucchini – Cooks quickly and blends seamlessly with the flavors.

• Spinach – Stir in at the end for extra greens without changing the texture.

Sauce Variations

• Add hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness.

• Add a small splash of browning sauce or dark soy sauce to give the noodles a deeper, richer color.

• Swap oyster sauce for a mushroom-based stir-fry sauce to keep the dish rich and savory without seafood-based ingredients.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

• Freeze up to 1 month , though noodles may soften slightly.