If you are craving a mouthwatering dish that bursts with bold flavors and a satisfying texture, this Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. Combining tender, juicy shrimp with noodles tossed in a fragrant, spicy garlic sauce, it offers a perfect harmony of heat, savoriness, and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe delivers a delightful experience that’s as exciting as it is comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but pack a serious punch in flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that is balanced, colorful, and irresistibly tasty. From the succulent shrimp to the vibrant sauces and fresh garnishes, everything works together perfectly.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, providing juicy bites with a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy sauce.
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, rice noodles, or your choice): The perfect base to soak up all the delicious flavors and add satisfying texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps sauté the garlic beautifully.
- 1 tbsp butter: Brings a gentle creaminess and enhances the sauce’s depth.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: A fragrant powerhouse ingredient that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami and a savory backbone to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Gives a luscious, slightly sweet note with complexity.
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds subtle sweetness and thickness to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp chili paste or Sriracha: Your source of heat and bold spiciness—adjust depending on your spice tolerance.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the heat and salty elements with a hint of sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that complements the garlic and chili.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps loosen the sauce to coat noodles effortlessly.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a bright acidity to cut through richness and brighten the dish.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little extra kick beyond the chili paste.
- Chopped green onions for garnish: Adds freshness and a burst of green color.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): For a subtle crunch and pretty visual touch.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal note that pairs beautifully with the spicy garlic flavors.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Noodles
Start by boiling your choice of noodles according to the package instructions. This step sets the foundation for your dish, so be sure not to overcook—al dente noodles have the best texture to hold onto the sauce. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside so they’re ready for the stir-fry.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic for Maximum Aroma
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This garlic base is the heart of our sauce, so be careful not to let it burn—it needs to release its richness without bitterness.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Until Just Right
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to your skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. Shrimp cook fast, and when done right, they stay tender and juicy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside for now.
Step 4: Bring the Sauce Together
In the same skillet, pour in your soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili paste, sugar, sesame oil, water, and rice vinegar. Stir everything thoroughly and let it simmer gently over medium heat. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly and the aromas blending into a gorgeous, savory-spicy mixture.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Shrimp with the Sauce
Add your cooked noodles back into the skillet, tossing them to coat in the flavorful sauce. Then toss the shrimp back in as well, stirring just long enough to ensure everything is heated through and generously covered in that delicious sauce. This final toss is where the magic really happens.
Step 6: Add Heat and Garnish
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want an extra pop of spice. Finish off with plenty of chopped green onions, and if you like, sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a fresh, crunchy, and aromatic finish that makes your dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Step 7: Serve Immediately and Enjoy!
This Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe is best enjoyed right away while it’s hot and bursting with vibrant flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish from delicious to dazzling. Chopped green onions provide mild pungency and fresh crispness, while sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Cilantro lends a fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the bold heat and garlic.
Side Dishes
Pair your Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles with light, refreshing side dishes like a simple cucumber salad or steamed greens. The crispness and coolness of these sides help balance the dish’s spicy richness, keeping every bite exciting and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a chili lime wedge for added zest, or pile them high in a pretty serving platter. Garnishing with extra cilantro sprigs and sesame seeds gives a pop of color that invites everyone to dig in eagerly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles may soak up some sauce during storage, so when you reheat, adding a splash of water helps refresh the texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp and noodles separately to maintain quality. Wrap them tightly in freezer-safe packaging and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed, ensuring the shrimp stay tender and the noodles warm through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry, and remove excess moisture before cooking. This prevents steaming and keeps the shrimp nicely seared and flavorful.
How can I adjust the spice level in the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe?
You can easily tailor the heat by adjusting the amount of chili paste or Sriracha. Start with less if sensitive to spice and add more as you cook or serve with extra chili flakes for guests who like it hotter.
What type of noodles work best for this dish?
This recipe is quite versatile; you can use spaghetti, rice noodles, or even fresh egg noodles. The key is to cook them al dente so they hold up well when tossed in the sauce.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes! Chicken, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef can be great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cook quickly, so protein swaps may need more or less time.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be, if you opt for gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, and choose gluten-free noodles. Double-check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably addictive about this Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe. It’s vibrant, quick to prepare, and offers a wonderful fusion of flavors and textures that make every bite satisfying and exciting. I truly hope you give it a try and soon find it becoming a beloved staple on your dinner table just as it is in mine.
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Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles recipe featuring tender shrimp, savory sauces, and a hint of heat, all tossed with perfectly cooked noodles for a satisfying and quick meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Noodles
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, rice noodles, or your choice)
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste or Sriracha (adjust for heat level)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to use later in the recipe.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili paste, sugar, sesame oil, water, and rice vinegar. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Toss Noodles and Shrimp: Add the cooked noodles into the skillet with the simmering sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and fully coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you desire extra heat. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro as preferred. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can use any type of noodles you prefer including spaghetti, rice noodles, or egg noodles.
- Adjust the chili paste or Sriracha quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dish can be paired with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
