If you love kicky, flavor-packed meals that come together in a snap, you’re about to fall for Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles. Imagine silky noodles, juicy shrimp, and a glossy sauce loaded with garlic, ginger, and just the right amount of heat. It’s exactly the kind of weeknight dinner that feels both a little special and totally effortless—one bite, and you’ll see why it’s a repeat favorite in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this recipe is purposely chosen to stack layers of taste and texture, making the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles incredibly satisfying. The best part? Each ingredient serves a star role, adding bold flavor, a pop of color, or that crave-worthy bite you’ll want in every forkful.
- Rice noodles or spaghetti (8 oz): These make the perfect canvas, absorbing all that garlicky, spicy sauce; use what you have—both work wonderfully!
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Shrimp soak up flavor fast and bring juicy, savory protein to the dish.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A drizzle for nutty aroma that instantly reminds you of your favorite takeout spot.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Neutral oil that helps prevent burning and ensures everything cooks up golden and glossy.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The absolute soul of the sauce; the more, the merrier for true garlic lovers!
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Fresh ginger gives the dish zesty warmth and depth you’ll taste in every twirl.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds that rich, salty backbone to the noodles and ties all the flavors together.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon, or hoisin for vegetarian): Provides savory-sweet depth and a glossy finish—don’t skip it!
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (1 tablespoon): The heat factor! Adjust for your perfect level of spiciness.
- Brown sugar (1 teaspoon): A little sweet balances the bold spice and saltiness—trust me, it makes a difference.
- Lime juice (juice of ½ lime): Fresh acidity brightens up the rich, saucy noodles right at the end.
- Green onions (2, sliced): For crunch and freshness, these add vibrant pops of color to every bite.
- Chopped cilantro and sesame seeds (for garnish): Fragrant herbs and a sprinkle of seeds round things out and add that final, irresistible touch.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking your rice noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Whether you soak the rice noodles or boil the pasta, you want them tender but still pleasantly chewy—think al dente. Once they’re done, drain and set aside. If you’re not quite ready to use them, toss the noodles with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (or hoisin), sriracha, brown sugar, and fresh lime juice. This powerhouse combo is what transforms the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles into something you’ll crave on repeat. Feel free to taste now and tweak the heat (or sweetness) to fit your mood.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic, Ginger & Shrimp
Heat both the sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add in the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds until their fragrance fills the kitchen—try not to eat them straight out of the pan! Next, toss in the shrimp. Sauté each side for 2–3 minutes until they turn a vibrant pink and become just opaque. Remove the shrimp to a plate so they don’t overcook.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked noodles straight into the skillet. Pour over that bold sauce and gently toss everything together, making sure those noodles are thoroughly coated and glossy. Slide the shrimp back in and let everything cook together for just another minute so all the flavors meld perfectly and the shrimp re-warm.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and shower your Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles with sliced green onions, heaps of chopped cilantro, and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve the noodles hot and watch as the garnishes make the dish pop both in looks and flavor.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles
Garnishes
The fresh garnishes truly take these noodles to the next level; a handful of sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a shake of toasted sesame seeds bring cool, crunchy, and aromatic bites that balance the rich, spicy-sweet sauce. If you like extra spice, a dusting of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil doesn’t hurt!
Side Dishes
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles are a meal on their own but shine even brighter alongside Asian-inspired sides. Think crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or sautéed bok choy for veggie freshness. A bowl of miso soup or light broth is always welcome, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add some pickled veggies for a tangy counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests (or just feeling fancy), pile the noodles into individual bowls and top each with a perfectly seared shrimp. For a party, try serving them in cute takeout boxes with chopsticks tucked in, or go family-style and let everyone help themselves straight from a giant platter—this dish is made for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool fully, then store in an airtight container. The flavors get even richer overnight, so they make a fabulous next-day lunch!
Freezing
While fresh is best (especially to keep the shrimp just right), you can freeze cooled noodles and shrimp in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. To prevent mushiness, try undercooking the noodles slightly before freezing and skip the cilantro garnish until serving.
Reheating
For the very best texture, reheat Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen up the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep those shrimp from getting rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps get a nice sear and prevents excess water from watering down your sauce.
Are rice noodles or spaghetti better for this recipe?
Both work really well, so use what you love or have handy. Rice noodles create an authentic Asian noodle bowl feel, while spaghetti gives a satisfying, toothsome bite. The sauce clings beautifully to either!
Is there a vegetarian option?
Definitely. Swap the shrimp for cubes of extra-firm tofu and use hoisin instead of oyster sauce. They soak up all that spicy garlic flavor and make the dish totally plant-based.
How spicy are these noodles?
With one tablespoon of sriracha, the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles have a solid kick, but it’s easy to adjust. Start with less if you’re spice-shy, or sprinkle in extra chili flakes if you love it hot.
What’s the best way to double the recipe?
Simply double all the sauce and ingredient amounts, but sauté the shrimp in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. This keeps everything perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles are the kind of quick, crowd-pleasing comfort food you’ll turn to again and again—whether for a speedy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal with friends. Give this bold, saucy noodle dish a try and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
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Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles are a delicious Asian-inspired dish that’s quick and easy to make. Tender shrimp are cooked with garlic, ginger, and a spicy sauce, then tossed with rice noodles for a flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Rice Noodles:
- 8 oz rice noodles or spaghetti
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin for vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- juice of ½ lime
Garnish:
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Chopped cilantro and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sriracha, brown sugar, and lime juice.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a skillet, add garlic and ginger, then cook the shrimp until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Toss and garnish: Add cooked noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well, return shrimp to the pan, and cook briefly. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level to taste.
- Shrimp can be substituted with tofu or chicken.
- Leftovers reheat well for a tasty next-day lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
