Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Shrimp and Bean Sprouts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry of egg noodles with juicy shrimp, crunchy bean sprouts, and a savory sauce, embodying Cantonese street food flair. This chinese-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs dried chow mein egg noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 8 oz dried chow mein egg noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained noodles, 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/4 tsp white pepper, and toss vigorously for 2 minutes to combine and heat through.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle 2 sliced scallions over the top, stir once more to distribute evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately for a flavorful Cantonese-style chow mein meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Shrimp and Bean Sprouts take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Shrimp and Bean Sprouts?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Shrimp and Bean Sprouts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Shrimp and Bean Sprouts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cantonese Stir-Fried Chow Mein with Shrimp and Bean Sprouts?

Chinese seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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