If you have been craving a dish that combines the satisfying chew of noodles with the delicate flavor of shrimp and the vibrant crunch of fresh veggies, then this Shrimp Stir Fried Noodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a fantastic way to bring together savory, sweet, and aromatic elements in one colorful and comforting bowl. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a busy weeknight or impressing friends with your cooking skills, this recipe never fails to deliver a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp Stir Fried Noodles Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each chosen to balance flavor, texture, and color perfectly. Fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness, shrimp brings succulent protein, and the sauce ties everything together with a savory-sweet punch.
- 6 oz thin egg noodles/canton noodles (dried kind): These form the chewy, comforting base of your dish.
- 6 oz shrimp: Provides a tender, juicy protein element with a hint of sweetness.
- 1-2 tbsp minced garlic: Adds a fragrant savory kick that elevates the whole dish.
- 1/4 cup sliced white onions: Offers a mild sweetness and slight crunch.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (~1-inch long): Fresh, sharp, and colorful for layering flavor and garnish.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage: Crunchy texture and a vibrant green hue to brighten the recipe.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: A touch of sweetness and bright orange that enhances visual appeal.
- 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying and adding a smooth mouthfeel.
- 2 tbsp oyster (flavored) sauce: The savory backbone of the sauce with a slightly sweet, rich depth.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that is unmistakable in Asian cooking.
- 1/2 tbsp rice cooking wine: Brightens the sauce with a subtle acidity and complexity.
- 1-2 dash white or black pepper: Adds gentle heat and spice.
- 1 tsp sugar: Rounds out the sauce with just a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional): Deepens the color and adds an extra layer of complexity.
How to Make Shrimp Stir Fried Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by boiling a medium pot of water and cook the dried egg noodles for about 3 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain well and toss the noodles lightly with a bit of vegetable oil to keep them from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This simple step ensures perfectly separated noodles for stir frying.
Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice cooking wine, white or black pepper, sugar, and optional dark soy sauce. Whisk them together until the sauce is smooth and ready to coat every strand of noodle, offering a balance of umami, sweetness, and subtle tang.
Step 3: Prep Your Veggies and Shrimp
Make sure your shrimp are defrosted and patted dry to avoid excess moisture. Chop garlic, slice white onions, chop green onions, and shred your cabbage and carrots. Having all your ingredients ready and within reach means the stir-fry process will be quick and efficient.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat about half a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a hot wok over high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for several minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove from wok to prevent overcooking, which keeps them juicy and tender.
Step 5: Stir Fry Aromatics and Noodles
Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same wok. Toss in minced garlic and sliced white onions, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Next, add the noodles and stir continuously for a minute to slightly crisp them up on the edges.
Step 6: Combine Noodles with Sauce and Veggies
Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, stirring well to evenly coat everything. Then add the cooked shrimp, green onions, shredded cabbage, and carrots. Stir-fry all together for about 30 seconds so the veggies stay crisp and the flavors meld beautifully. Remove from heat promptly to maintain that perfect texture contrast.
How to Serve Shrimp Stir Fried Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are the crowning touch. Sprinkle additional chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top to add texture and a pop of color. For a fresh burst, a squeeze of lime can balance the dish with light acidity and elevate the taste experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad or a light miso soup to complement the rich noodles without overpowering your palate. For a heartier meal, steamed dumplings or spring rolls make an excellent addition alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stir-fried noodles in a shallow bowl to showcase the colorful veggies and shrimp beautifully. You can also pile it into small lettuce cups for a fun, handheld way to enjoy the flavors. For a family-style meal, place the noodles in a large serving platter so everyone can grab their favorite portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers sealed tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles, shrimp, and vegetables will stay fresh for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, it’s best to store the sauce and noodles together and reheat quickly.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze very well due to the delicate texture of the shrimp and vegetables. Freezing can cause the noodles to become mushy and the shrimp to lose their tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a small splash of oil to refresh the stir fry and toss as it warms through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can lead to uneven heating and rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Shrimp Stir Fried Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and provide great texture, you can substitute with rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times as different noodles vary in how quickly they soften and absorb sauce.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
To keep shrimp tender, cook them only until they turn pink and are opaque. Overcooking causes them to become tough and rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the wok as soon as they are done, then add them back in at the end of cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap shrimp for tofu or extra firm mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian version. Just be sure to use vegetarian oyster sauce or substitute with hoisin sauce to maintain the rich, savory flavor profile.
Is it okay to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Making the stir fry sauce ahead is a great time saver. Store it in a small container or jar in the fridge and give it a quick stir before using. This way, the cooking process goes much faster.
What should I do if my noodles stick together while cooking?
Tossing cooked noodles lightly with a bit of vegetable oil right after draining will prevent sticking. Also, avoid overcooking the noodles during the boil and stir fry them quickly on high heat for the best result.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Shrimp Stir Fried Noodles Recipe enough when you want something vibrant, tasty, and satisfying on your plate. It’s bursting with fresh veggies, tender shrimp, and those perfectly saucy noodles that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just diving into Asian cooking, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and downright delicious. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Shrimp Stir Fried Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
A delicious and easy stir fried shrimp noodle dish featuring thin egg noodles tossed with a savory and slightly sweet sauce, fresh vegetables, and succulent shrimp. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with tips for customizing with different vegetables or noodles.
Ingredients
Noodles and Shrimp
- ~6 oz thin egg noodles or Canton noodles (dried)
- 6 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1–2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup sliced white onions
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (~1-inch long)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Oils
- 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
Stir Fry Sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (flavored)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp rice cooking wine
- 1–2 dashes white or black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Noodles: Fill a medium pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the dried egg noodles and cook for 3 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain well and toss the noodles with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking if they will sit before cooking.
- Mix Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice cooking wine, pepper, sugar, and optional dark soy sauce until combined.
- Prep Ingredients: Prepare shrimp by patting dry if previously frozen. Mince garlic, slice white onions, chop green onions, shred cabbage, and shred carrots as indicated.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat wok on high heat and add about 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil. Once hot, add shrimp and stir-fry for a few minutes until cooked through and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add another 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the hot wok. Add minced garlic and white onions and stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Noodles with Sauce: Add the prepared noodles to the wok and stir continuously for about 1 minute. Pour in the stir fry sauce and continue to toss and stir for another minute to evenly coat the noodles with the sauce.
- Add Vegetables and Shrimp: Return cooked shrimp to the wok, then add green onions, shredded cabbage, and carrots. Stir fry everything together for around 30 seconds until heated through, then promptly remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate the stir fried noodles with shrimp and vegetables immediately for best texture and flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
- If doubling or tripling the recipe, cook noodles in batches to avoid clumping.
- Cooking times for stir frying noodles may vary based on noodle type; some noodles cook faster or become soggier quicker than others.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
