Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Stir Fry · Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Quick Answer
This Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles is a vibrant, quick meal perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in.
The vibrant colors of fresh ingredients, the warmth of the pan heating up, and the enticing aromas filling my New York City kitchen make cooking this Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles a delightful experience. As the holiday season approaches, I find myself drawn to quick, festive meals that don't skimp on flavor or nutrition. This dish serves as a fantastic option for gatherings or a cozy night in, fitting seamlessly onto any Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
A Perfect Holiday Dish
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Colorful and nutritious, packed with fresh vegetables and protein.
- A flavorful dish that shines at gatherings, from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
- Versatile and adaptable; easily substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu.
- Leftovers stay fresh and can be enjoyed for days!
Ingredients
To create this scrumptious stir fry, I gather the following ingredients:
Noodles
- 8 ounces of rice noodles
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of snap peas or sugar snap peas
Sauces and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles (Step-by-Step)
This delightful stir fry comes together in just a few steps, making it a breeze to prepare.
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start off by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. I like to soak them in hot tap water for about 15 minutes until they're tender yet firm. Drain and set them aside, allowing the steam to continue to soften them.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In my trusty 10-inch cast-iron skillet, I heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, I add minced garlic and ginger, stirring them swiftly until they become aromatic-this usually takes about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Adding the shrimp to the hot pan, I season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. I sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, cooking them just until they start to curl.
Step 4: Stir in the Veggies
Next, I toss in the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. The colors brighten the dish instantly, and as they cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, I can't help but admire the vibrant medley of vegetables.
Step 5: Combine it All
After the veggies have softened slightly, I add the drained noodles back into the skillet. I drizzle in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, then use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish
Finally, I plate the stir fry and sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch and freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp: Make sure the shrimp are cooked just until pink; overcooking them can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Soggy noodles: Don't let the rice noodles sit in water for too long. Drain them at the right time to maintain their firmness.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate this dish-don't substitute with powders!
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For added depth, toss in a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.
- If you're looking for a protein alternative, feel free to substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu.
- Ensure your veggies are prepped and ready before starting to cook, as stir-frying is a fast-paced process!
Variations
- Substitute rice noodles with udon or soba noodles.
- Add different vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Use different types of seafood like scallops or squid.
- Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
How to Serve
- Plate the stir fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve alongside steamed rice or a fresh garden salad.
- Offer lime wedges on the side for an added citrus kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prep all ingredients in advance for quick assembly during cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet to revive textures and flavors.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the shrimp and vegetables may suffer.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Experimenting with this Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles reminded me that simple ingredients can create incredibly delicious dishes. The key to a quick weeknight dinner lies in preparation and a little bit of creativity.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 plate
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 45g carbs · 10g fat
Recipe by:
Colorful Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start off by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Soak them in hot tap water for about 15 minutes until they're tender yet firm. Drain and set them aside.
- In my trusty cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, stir until aromatic—about 30 seconds.
- Add the shrimp to the hot pan, season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Toss in the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables brighten.
- Add the drained noodles back into the skillet. Drizzle in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, and toss to combine.
- Plate the stir fry and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of noodle for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute rice noodles with egg noodles or whole grain noodles, but cooking times may vary.
2. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the shrimp and use tofu or tempeh as a protein alternative, and ensure that your sauces are vegetarian-friendly.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can incorporate chili flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce when you combine the noodles and vegetables.
4. Can I prepare this stir fry ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Chop the vegetables and marinate the shrimp beforehand, storing them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
5. What should I serve with this stir fry?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a light salad or steamed dumplings for added variety.
