Easy Paleo Healthy Shrimp Chow Mein Recipe | Wicked Spatula (2024)

This easy, healthy shrimp chow mein recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners - all the flavors of your favorite takeout, in a paleo, low carb version that's cheap, too!

by Maya Last Updated on November 13, 2020 11 Comments

Chinese food isn’t exactly known to be healthy – or paleo – but it’s one of my favorite cuisines to make healthier. Shrimp chow mein from the local Chinese buffet is loaded with MSG, carbs, and of course, gluten. But don’t worry – healthy Chinese food is an easy switch to make! This healthy shrimp chow mein recipe is the perfect example. You’ll love the crunchy cabbage, sweet shrimp, and spaghetti squash in place of noodles!

What Is Shrimp Chow Mein?

Shrimp chow mein is a Chinese dish that means “stir fried noodles”. There are multiple variations, but common additions are some kind of protein (chicken or shrimp), vegetables, and sauce made with soy.

Is Shrimp Chow Mein Paleo?

A standard Shrimp Chow Mein is most definitely not paleo. Stacked full of gluten, MSG and soy, it’s kind of a paleo nightmare.

But, this healthy shrimp chow mein recipe is paleo perfection – super quick to make and containing only good things.

This healthy shrimp chow mein also happens to be low carb and keto friendly, if you skip the coconut sugar. It’s bursting with nutrients from all the vegetables!

Is Shrimp Chow Mein Healthy?

Regular chow mein is not healthy, but everything about this paleo shrimp chow mein recipe is good for you! Packed full of veggies, with spaghetti squash noodles and using barely any oil to make it, you really could eat this as if you were at a Chinese buffet and keep refilling your plate.

Shrimp Chow Mein Calories

Calories and nutrition info for regular shrimp chow mein will vary depending on what is in it. I’ve seen anywhere from 150 to 500 calories in a serving, but what they all have in common is that they are high in carbs and usually processed ingredients.

This healthy shrimp chow mein recipe is much better at:

• 221 calories
• 6 grams fat
• 20 grams protein
• 18 grams carbohydrates (from vegetables!)

What Is The Difference Between Shrimp Chow Mein and Shrimp Lo Mein?

Some sources say that shrimp chow mein is made with crispy noodles, while lo mein is made with soft noodles, yet in other parts of the country, chow mein can be made with soft noodles as well. I have to admit I’m no expert in the naming convention, but who cares? I’m calling this a healthy shrimp chow mein recipe.

Since this dish is made with spaghetti squash, it’s obviously not identical to the kind made with noodles. But it has all the same delicious flavors!

How To Make Shrimp Chow Mein (The Healthy Way!)

To make paleo shrimp chow mein, you’ll make your spaghetti squash noodles, then stir fry the veggies, shrimp, and slaw mixture.

• Bake the spaghetti squash. In an oven preheated to 375 degrees F, bake your squash for 40-50 minutes, until tender. Using a fork, shred the cooled squash into ribbons to resemble noodles.
• Stir fry the veggies – minced garlic, ginger, green onion, chile peppers, and peppercorns – in sesame oil over a medium heat until fragrant (this takes about 30 seconds).

TIP: Be sure to use a pan with high sides. A wok will work the best, but any other pan with high sides will do just fine, too.

• Add in the shrimp and cook just until pink on both sides, stirring frequently so the garlic mix doesn’t burn.
• Add in the slaw mixture and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften slightly.
• Add the spaghetti squash noodles and coconut aminos, and toss to combine. Taste for salt and add a pinch or two if needed.

TIP: You can add a pinch of coconut sugar for a little sweetness, but it’s not necessary. Skip it to keep this dish low carb.

You can always throw in some additional veggies if you want to boost the benefits of this healthy shrimp chow mein even further. Peppers, onions, mushrooms… all of it would be good.

How To Make Shrimp Chow Mein In Advance

Yes, you can make shrimp chow mein in advance! The noodles can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. Then you just bust out your wok, throw in those other healthy shrimp chow nein ingredients and go from fridge to tasty meal in minutes.

TIP: Once the noodles have been chilled, they aren’t as watery and take on a more crispy texture, like traditional stir fried noodles. This actually makes for a better dish in my opinion.

More Paleo Asian Recipes

If you want to try and recreate that Chinese Buffet feel at home, then check out these awesome healthy Chinese takeout alternatives:

• Chinese Almond Chicken
• Paleo Chinese Chicken Lettuce Cups (these are whole30 compliant, too!)
• Spicy Asian Green Beans

All these meals are quick and easy to prepare, offer health boosting heat and spices, and are low carb, too.