If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner that you’ll want to make again and again. It brings together perfectly cooked shrimp, tender rice noodles, and crisp vegetables all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that hits every note just right. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss, this dish balances textures and flavors beautifully, making it one of my all-time favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the first step to nailing this Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the sweetness of red bell pepper to the delicate bite of shrimp, creating a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for stir frying, it helps achieve that lovely sear without overpowering flavors.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, they cook quickly and bring a wonderful juicy texture.
- Rice noodles: They soak up sauces beautifully and remain light yet satisfying.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and a bright pop of color.
- Snow peas: Bring a fresh snap and subtle sweetness that complements the other veggies.
- Garlic: Minced for that aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties everything together.
- Oyster sauce: Adds depth with its rich, slightly smoky savory notes.
- Sesame oil: For that irresistible nutty fragrance and flavor finish.
- Ginger: Freshly grated for zesty brightness and warmth.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance all the flavors just the right amount.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced, they provide a fresh, mild onion crunch as garnish.
How to Make Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Sizzling the Shrimp
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the shrimp and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and become opaque. This quick cooking retains their juicy texture while giving them a slight sear. Don’t overcook or they’ll turn rubbery—getting the timing right here sets the stage for a perfect dish.
Step 2: Setting Shrimp Aside
Remove the shrimp from the skillet once cooked and set them aside on a plate. This lets you focus on the vegetables without overcooking the shrimp, so they stay tender and succulent when added back later.
Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables
Using the same skillet with those savory shrimp juices, add sliced red bell pepper and snow peas. Stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes just until they soften slightly but still have a bit of crunch, which adds a refreshing contrast in texture. This step brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to your dish.
Step 4: Infusing Garlic’s Aroma
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. The aroma is what starts to awaken your kitchen and builds the foundation for a deeply flavorful stir fry. Keep an eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn and turn bitter.
Step 5: Preparing the Noodles
Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to mingle with your other ingredients. These noodles are the perfect base, soaking up all the delicious sauce you’re about to create.
Step 6: Bringing Everything Together
Now return the shrimp to the skillet along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and freshly grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper and stir thoroughly to combine all those layers of flavor beautifully. This moment is all about marrying your ingredients in a sauce that tastes rich, savory, and just a touch sweet.
Step 7: Tossing with Noodles
Add the cooked rice noodles directly into the skillet and toss everything so the noodles get evenly coated with the sauce, shrimp, and veggies. This step ensures every forkful bursts with balanced flavor. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, letting all the heat meld everything into one irresistible dish.
Step 8: Final Touch and Serve
Once everything is heated through and well mixed, scoop your shrimp noodle stir fry onto plates or bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions for an extra fresh bite and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Serve Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic garnish here and bring subtle sharpness that cuts through the savory sauce beautifully. You could also toss on some toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for a slightly different flair. Adding a wedge of lime on the side provides a zesty lift if you like a bit of tang.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry Recipe is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad adds extra dimension and texture. Light pickled vegetables would also complement the flavors wonderfully, introducing some acidity and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve this dish inside lettuce cups or in cute individual bowls for a more intimate meal. Wrapping the stir fry in rice paper rolls with fresh herbs can turn it into a fresh fusion delight. No matter how you plate it, the vibrant colors and enticing aromas will grab attention instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp noodle stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to meld more overnight, making it just as satisfying, if not more so, the next day.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing rice noodles can lead to a slightly mushy texture once thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and vegetables without noodles separately if you want to prep part of the meal ahead.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the noodles seem dry. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of rice noodles?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional for a light texture, you can substitute with egg noodles, udon, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Is this Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry Recipe spicy?
This recipe as written is mild and flavorful rather than spicy. However, you can easily add fresh chili, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil if you prefer a kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply swap shrimp for tofu or extra vegetables and replace oyster sauce with a mushroom-based vegetarian alternative or additional soy sauce to keep the umami flavor.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Keep the cooking time short, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Removing them from the pan when they’re slightly underdone allows them to finish cooking later without drying out.
What can I do if my rice noodles stick together?
After cooking, rinse rice noodles under cold water to stop cooking and then toss them lightly with oil to keep them separated before adding to the stir fry.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry Recipe is one of those effortless, satisfying meals that delivers big on flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s colorful, quick to whip up, and versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see just how easy and delicious a homemade stir fry can be!
Print
Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry featuring tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and savory rice noodles tossed in a fragrant sauce made with soy, oyster, sesame oil, and fresh ginger. This easy stir fry is perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner packed with taste and texture.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Noodles
- 8 ounces rice noodles
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to warm up for a minute.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn pink and opaque. This ensures they are perfectly cooked and tender.
- Set shrimp aside: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to prevent overcooking while you prepare the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and snow peas. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly softened yet still crisp, preserving their vibrant colors and crunch.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the vegetables, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s aromatic profile.
- Cook rice noodles: While cooking the veggies, prepare the rice noodles separately according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to be added later.
- Add shrimp and sauces: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and distribute the flavors evenly.
- Toss in noodles: Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and ingredients are integrated.
- Heat through: Cook the combined stir fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat completely.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the shrimp noodle stir fry hot, garnished generously with sliced green onions for a fresh, bright finish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Rice noodles cook quickly, so watch them closely to prevent sticking or becoming mushy.
- Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variations.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences and dietary requirements.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce if you require a gluten-free dish.
