Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is easy and accessible, rice noodles or traditional Lo Mein noodles can be used. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as some noodles cook faster than others.

My pasta stuck together—what went wrong?

This usually happens if you stir before pressure cooking or don’t have enough liquid. Make sure to layer the ingredients as directed and pour the sauce over the top.

Can I double the recipe?

You can, but be cautious not to overfill your Instant Pot. Also, slightly increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes and stir well before resting.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can substitute with extra soy sauce and a little more brown sugar. Hoisin sauce is another decent alternative for the savory-sweet profile.

Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 8 oz spaghetti pasta, broken in half; 1 cup snow peas; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1/4 cup red peppers, thinly sliced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds; 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp minced ginger; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp rice wine; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; Chives, chopped (optional); Extra red pepper flakes (optional)

If the thought of a homemade takeout-style dinner in just about 15 minutes sounds a little too good to be true, get ready for this Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein recipe! This dish brings together tender noodles, crisp fresh veggies, and juicy shrimp, all coated in a rich, savory-sweet sauce—with barely any cleanup or effort required. It’s an absolute weeknight hero, delivering restaurant-level flavors with almost zero fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with delivery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: The entire meal comes together from start to finish in about 15 minutes, making it a genuine lifesaver for busy nights.
One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks right in the Instant Pot, so you’re not juggling pans or boiling extra pots of water.
Big Flavor, Little Effort: That glorious sauce, made from staple Asian sauces and a dash of spice, transforms simple ingredients into something extra special.
Perfect Texture: The Instant Pot delivers silky noodles and vegetables that keep a lovely bit of crunch, with delicate shrimp to top it all off.
Super Flexible: Great for using up whatever veggies you have on hand, and easy to customize with what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic: Adds bold, fragrant flavor—don’t skimp!
Sesame Oil: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable toasty aroma essential to Lo Mein.
Spaghetti Pasta: Broken in half so it fits in the Instant Pot and cooks evenly. Regular spaghetti works perfectly as a stand-in for traditional Lo Mein noodles.
Snow Peas: For a snap of sweetness and crunch.
Broccoli Florets: Adds color, nutrition, and satisfying texture.
Red Bell Pepper: Sliced super thin for sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
Carrots: Peeled and thinly sliced for a gentle, natural sweetness and crunch.
Chicken Broth: Ensures the noodles cook perfectly and adds depth of flavor.
Ginger: Brightens everything with a touch of spicy warmth.
Soy Sauce: Savory, salty base for the sauce.
Oyster Sauce: Deep umami and that signature hint of sweetness.
Rice Wine: For a subtle, aromatic lift—you can use dry sherry if needed.
Brown Sugar: Balances out all those salty and spicy flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: For just enough heat; adjust to your preference.
Shrimp: Added at the end so they stay plump and tender. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work—just make sure they’re peeled and deveined.
Fresh Chives or Scallions (for garnish): Brings everything together right before serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Swap the Protein: Try thinly sliced chicken breast, beef, or even tofu instead of shrimp—just pre-cook and toss it in at the end, letting it warm through.
Go Veggie: Omit the shrimp and double up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving for more heat.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure all your sauces are certified gluten-free.
Change Up the Noodles: Use rice noodles or traditional Lo Mein noodles if you have them for a more authentic texture.

How to Make Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to “sauté.” Add sesame oil and minced garlic. Stir until the garlic just starts to brown and its fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Build the Base

Break the spaghetti in half and scatter it evenly in the pot. Arrange your veggies (snow peas, broccoli, red peppers, carrots) right on top.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Step 4: Layer the Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables, making sure it trickles down to moisten the pasta. Don’t stir—this helps prevent sticking.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot. Set it to manual, high pressure, for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Quick Release & Add Shrimp

Once the timer’s up, carefully do a quick release to let the steam out. Open the lid, add the shrimp, and give everything a good stir.

Step 7: Let it Rest

With the lid off, stir for a minute or two to spread the heat evenly among the shrimp and noodles. Then, let it sit for about 10 minutes—the shrimp will finish cooking in the residual heat, soaking up all the saucy flavors.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Top with chives or scallions and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little more fire.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Layer, Don’t Stir: To avoid getting a “burn” warning, layer the pasta and veggies, then pour in the sauce. Resist stirring before pressure cooking.
Use Thawed Shrimp: Adding frozen shrimp can make the noodles watery; use fresh or thawed for the best texture.
Don’t Overdo the Veggies: Too many vegetables can crowd the pot. Stick with the quantities provided if you want everything to cook evenly.
Resting Time is Key: The 10-minute rest ensures the shrimp are perfectly tender, not rubbery.

How to Serve

This Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein is fantastic as a stand-alone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with:

Steamed Dumplings: Start your meal with dumplings for a homemade “takeout” feast.
Asian Cucumber Salad: A cool, crisp salad balances the warmth and heartiness of the noodles.
Egg Drop or Miso Soup: For a comforting starter alongside your Lo Mein.
Fresh Lime Wedges: Squeeze over the top just before eating for a refreshing tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled Lo Mein in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers taste just as fabulous.

Freezing

While you can freeze it, the texture of the noodles and vegetables can change. For best results, enjoy within a day or two fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of added broth or water to loosen up the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir well to heat everything evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is easy and accessible, rice noodles or traditional Lo Mein noodles can be used. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as some noodles cook faster than others.
My pasta stuck together—what went wrong?

This usually happens if you stir before pressure cooking or don’t have enough liquid. Make sure to layer the ingredients as directed and pour the sauce over the top.
Can I double the recipe?

You can, but be cautious not to overfill your Instant Pot. Also, slightly increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes and stir well before resting.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can substitute with extra soy sauce and a little more brown sugar. Hoisin sauce is another decent alternative for the savory-sweet profile.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Shrimp Lo Mein proves that delicious and stress-free meals really are possible, even on the busiest nights. With juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles swimming in a bold, savory sauce, every bite is pure weeknight comfort. Don’t be afraid to play with flavors, swap your favorite veggies, or just use what you already have. The process is simple, the cleanup is minimal, and the reward is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Dive in and make your own dinner magic!