Name: Crispy Noodle Chow Mein with Shrimp, Beef, and Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 8 oz (225 g) fresh chow mein noodles; 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided; 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 lb (225 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 cups bok choy, chopped; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 2 carrots, julienned; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 scallions, sliced; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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This crispy noodle chow mein is a restaurant-style dish featuring a bed of golden pan-fried noodles topped with stir-fried shrimp, tender beef, and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s satisfying, texturally rich, and full of umami.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines crispy noodles with juicy proteins and saucy vegetables
Perfect for fans of takeout-style chow mein
Flexible—customize protein and vegetable choices
Visually impressive but surprisingly easy to make
A full meal in one dish

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the noodles:

Chow mein noodles or thin egg noodles
Neutral oil (for frying)

For the protein and vegetables:

Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Beef (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced)
Carrot (julienned)
Napa cabbage or bok choy (shredded)
Bell pepper (sliced)
Onion (sliced)
Garlic (minced)
Optional: bean sprouts, mushrooms, snap peas

For the sauce:

Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
Sugar
Cornstarch (for thickening)
Water or chicken broth
Sesame oil
White pepper (optional)

Directions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
Heat oil in a large non-stick pan and spread noodles into a flat disc. Cook undisturbed until golden and crisp on one side (5–6 minutes), flip and crisp the other side. Set aside.
In a wok, stir-fry shrimp and beef with a bit of oil until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
Add vegetables and garlic to the wok, stir-fry until tender-crisp.
In a bowl, mix all sauce ingredients. Pour into the wok and bring to a simmer.
Return shrimp and beef to the wok, tossing to coat in sauce.
Serve hot over the crispy noodle cake, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 3–4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

Use only one protein (shrimp, beef, or chicken)
Replace chow mein noodles with ramen or spaghetti (cooked and dried)
Make vegetarian with tofu or seitan and omit meat/seafood
Add chili oil or sambal for heat
Top with fried shallots or peanuts for crunch

Storage / Reheating

Store noodles and sauce mixture separately if possible.
Reheat meat and vegetables in a pan, and re-crisp noodles in a dry skillet for best texture.

FAQs

Can I skip the crispy noodle step?

Yes, you can stir-fry noodles with the sauce instead for a more traditional soft chow mein.

What kind of noodles should I use?

Use fresh chow mein noodles, Hong Kong-style egg noodles, or cooked dry noodles with good frying texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles and substitute soy and oyster sauces with gluten-free alternatives.

Can I cook everything in one pan?

Yes, but cook proteins first, then remove while stir-frying vegetables for best texture.

Should I marinate the beef?

A quick marinade in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil improves tenderness.

What makes the noodles crispy?

Pan-frying boiled, well-drained noodles in hot oil until browned on both sides.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

It adds depth but can be substituted with hoisin or mushroom sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

Not inherently spicy—add heat with chili paste or fresh chilies.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prep all ingredients ahead, but cook and assemble right before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

Crispy noodle chow mein with shrimp, beef, and vegetables is a flavor-packed dish that brings together crispy textures, savory sauce, and vibrant ingredients. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a special weeknight meal, it’s a satisfying takeout-style classic you can make at home.

Crispy Noodle Chow Mein with Shrimp, Beef, and Vegetables

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A crispy chow mein dish with golden pan-fried noodles topped with a savory stir-fry of shrimp, beef, and fresh vegetables in a rich soy-based sauce.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry & Pan-Fry
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook chow mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and pat dry.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread noodles evenly and cook undisturbed until golden and crispy on the bottom, about 5–7 minutes. Flip and crisp the other side. Remove and set aside on a serving platter.
In the same skillet, heat remaining oil. Stir-fry beef slices for 2–3 minutes until browned, then add shrimp and cook until pink. Remove and set aside.
Add garlic, ginger, and vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens slightly.
Return shrimp and beef to the skillet, tossing everything together.
Pour the stir-fry mixture over the crispy noodles.
Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds before serving.