Elevate your dinner tonight with this Quick and Flavorful Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles! This dish is a perfect blend of tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles, all tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce. It’s a weeknight winner that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Stir fries are one of my go-to quick and easy dinner options, and this shrimp version is simply irresistible. The combination of juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp, crunchy bell peppers and snap peas, and chewy noodles is a texture lover’s dream. And the flavorful sauce? It ties everything together in the most delicious way possible.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your regular stir fry routine or just want a simple, satisfying meal that’s ready in a flash, this shrimp stir fry with noodles is sure to hit the spot. Let’s get cooking!
🥰 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe ?
This shrimp stir fry with noodles is a true standout for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar creates a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce that coats every bite. It’s simply irresistible.
But the real star of the show is the texture. The shrimp are perfectly cooked until tender and juicy, the vegetables retain a satisfying crunch, and the noodles provide a delightful chew. It’s a symphony of textures that keeps you coming back for more.
Another major selling point of this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. From start to finish, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. That makes it an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need something delicious and satisfying, fast.
Ingredients
• 8 oz wide rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved diagonally
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for serving (optional)
The star ingredients in this shrimp stir fry are the plump, juicy shrimp and the wide rice noodles. The shrimp add a wonderful protein boost, while the noodles provide a satisfying, slurp-worthy texture.
You’ll also want to make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for crisp, colorful vegetables, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a good quality soy sauce. These simple elements come together to create a truly crave-worthy dish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 5-7 minutes, until tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until just opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the bell pepper and snap peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add the Aromatics: Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and add the garlic and ginger to the center. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Toss it All Together: Add the cooked noodles, shrimp, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil to the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.
• Protein: 24 g
• Sodium: 695 mg
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
🌿 Fun Alternatives to Try
• To Make it Vegan: Replace the shrimp with cubed extra-firm tofu or sliced mushrooms, and use a vegan-friendly soy sauce or tamari.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a tablespoon of sriracha or chili-garlic sauce along with the other sauce ingredients, or top the finished dish with sliced fresh chilies or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
🎉 Elevate Your Meal with These Serving Tips
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a refreshing iced green tea.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start cooking. Cold shrimp and vegetables will lower the temperature of the pan, making it harder to achieve a nice sear and properly cook the dish.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Pan: A hot pan is crucial for a successful stir fry. Make sure to preheat your skillet or wok over high heat before adding any oil or ingredients. This will help ensure quick, even cooking and prevent the ingredients from steaming or becoming soggy.
🕒 A Guide to Storing for Later
• Freezing: This shrimp stir fry with noodles can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat until hot throughout.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the stir fry in a skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, in 30-second intervals, until warmed to your liking.
❓ FAQs
Can I use a different type of protein instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! This recipe would also work well with chicken, beef, or tofu. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the protein is cooked through. For example, chicken or beef will likely require a few extra minutes of cooking compared to the shrimp.
How can I make this dish more budget-friendly?
To save money, you can swap the fresh shrimp for frozen shrimp, which is often more affordable. You can also use less expensive protein options like chicken thighs or firm tofu. Additionally, feel free to adjust the veggie blend to use whatever is in season and on sale at your local market.
Do I have to use rice noodles, or can I substitute something else?
Rice noodles work best in this dish, as they have a delightful chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the shrimp and veggies. However, you can certainly substitute another noodle type if needed. Udon noodles, soba noodles, or even linguine or spaghetti would all work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the noodle type you choose.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
This shrimp stir fry with noodles is best enjoyed fresh, as the textures can become a bit soggy if made too far in advance. However, you can prep some of the components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Cut the vegetables and prepare the sauce a day or two in advance, then simply cook the shrimp and noodles when ready to serve.
What’s the secret to getting that perfect stir-fry texture?
The key to achieving the ideal stir-fry texture is to work in small batches and maintain high heat throughout the cooking process. Overcrowding the pan will cause the ingredients to steam rather than sear, resulting in a soggy, lackluster dish. Additionally, make sure your pan or wok is ripping hot before adding the ingredients, and don’t be afraid to let the shrimp and veggies develop a nice char for maximum flavor.
⭐ Final Thoughts on This Amazing Recipe
This Quick and Flavorful Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles is truly a dinnertime revelation. The combination of tender, juicy shrimp, crisp-tender veggies, and slurp-worthy noodles all coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking to change up your weeknight routine or just want a satisfying, flavor-packed meal in a flash, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
So the next time you’re craving a delicious, restaurant-quality stir fry, skip the takeout and give this shrimp version a try. I promise it will exceed your wildest expectations and leave you craving seconds (and maybe thirds!). Enjoy every last bite!
Quick and Flavorful Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 5-7 minutes, until tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until just opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the bell pepper and snap peas and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and add the garlic and ginger to the center. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the cooked noodles, shrimp, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil to the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
