Shrimp Stir Fry Noodles: Quick & Easy Recipe

Shrimp stir fry noodles: craving a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! Imagine tender, succulent shrimp tossed with perfectly cooked noodles and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Stir-fries, a cornerstone of Asian cuisine, have a rich history dating back centuries. Originating in China, the technique of quickly cooking ingredients in a wok over high heat has spread across the globe, adapting and evolving with local flavors and ingredients. Noodles, another ancient staple, add substance and heartiness to this delightful dish.

What makes shrimp stir fry noodles so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the slight chewiness of the noodles, the juicy pop of the shrimp, and the crispness of the vegetables. The sauce, often a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, ties everything together in harmonious bliss. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level to your liking, and even swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu. It’s a weeknight winner that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Noodles:
• 1 pound dried egg noodles (or your favorite type of noodle)
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup snow peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• Garnish (optional):
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Sriracha sauce

Preparing the Shrimp

Okay, let’s start with the shrimp! We want them to be nice and flavorful before they even hit the stir-fry. This quick marinade and sear will do the trick.

1. Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. This little rest makes a big difference!
2. Sear the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
3. Cook Until Pink: Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside. We’ll add them back in later.

Cooking the Noodles

While the shrimp are resting, let’s get the noodles going. Perfectly cooked noodles are essential for a great stir-fry. Nobody wants mushy or undercooked noodles!

1. Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried egg noodles and cook according to the package directions. Usually, this takes about 7-10 minutes, but check the package for specific instructions.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once the noodles are cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite), drain them immediately. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. This is a crucial step!
3. Toss with Sesame Oil: In the same pot (now empty), toss the drained noodles with the sesame oil. This will add flavor and keep them from clumping. Set the noodles aside until we’re ready to assemble the stir-fry.

Making the Stir-Fry Sauce

The sauce is the heart and soul of any stir-fry. This sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s easy to customize to your liking, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, chicken broth (or water), sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce.
2. Set Aside: Set the sauce aside. We’ll add it to the stir-fry later to thicken and coat the noodles and vegetables.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

Now for the fun part – the stir-fry! We want the vegetables to be tender-crisp, not mushy. The key is to cook them quickly over high heat.

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in the same large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the vegetables.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Vegetables: Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and snow peas to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Keep the vegetables moving to ensure even cooking.
4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked shrimp and noodles to the pan with the vegetables.
5. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the stir-fry sauce over the shrimp, noodles, and vegetables. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and evenly coated everything.

Assembling and Serving

Almost there! Now it’s time to plate up this delicious shrimp stir-fry and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the shrimp stir-fry noodles immediately.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of sriracha sauce, if desired. These garnishes add a nice visual appeal and extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Stir-frying is a quick cooking method, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes chopping the vegetables, preparing the sauce, and cooking the noodles.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The stir-fry sauce is easy to customize to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always give you the best flavor. Use fresh vegetables, shrimp, and herbs whenever possible.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.

Variations

• Add Protein: You can substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, tofu, or any other protein you like.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like. Some other great options include mushrooms, bok choy, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
• Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the shrimp and oyster sauce. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add tofu or tempeh for protein.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 500-600
• Protein: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70g
• Fat: 15-25g

Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Stir-Fry Noodles! I hope you found this recipe easy to follow and delicious. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another noodle dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this shrimp stir fry noodles recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying, and incredibly delicious meal. The combination of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked noodles, and that savory-sweet sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that will have you craving it again and again, and trust me, I speak from experience!

But what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Prefer a vegetarian option? Simply swap out the shrimp for tofu or your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. The possibilities are endless!

For serving suggestions, I personally love to garnish my shrimp stir fry noodles with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some freshly chopped green onions. It adds a lovely visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the dish perfectly. You could also add a side of steamed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad for a complete and balanced meal.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a fried egg on top for an extra layer of richness and protein. The runny yolk will coat the noodles and create an even more decadent experience. Another variation I enjoy is adding a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. The acidity brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.

And don’t forget about the noodles! While I’ve specified using egg noodles in the recipe, you can easily substitute them with other types of noodles like udon, ramen, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this shrimp stir fry noodles recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a special occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

But the real fun begins after you’ve tried the recipe. I’m incredibly eager to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Did you impress your family and friends with your newfound cooking skills?

Please, please, please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below. I’m always looking for ways to improve my recipes and learn from my readers. Your insights are invaluable to me.

And if you loved this shrimp stir fry noodles recipe as much as I hope you will, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family on social media. Let’s spread the noodle love and inspire others to get cooking!

I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy cooking!

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