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- 8 oz rice noodles - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red chili, thinly sliced (adjust for spice level) - 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced - 2 cups baby spinach leaves - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 2 green onions, chopped - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Sesame seeds, for garnish Gathering fresh ingredients is key for this dish. Use good quality shrimp for the best flavor. The rice noodles should be firm but tender. The garlic and chili bring a punch of flavor. The bell pepper adds color and crunch. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. Brown sugar helps balance the spice with sweetness. I recommend using baby spinach for its mild taste. When chopping, keep the pieces small for easy mixing. Green onions add a fresh note. Cilantro gives a burst of flavor and looks great. Sesame seeds are the finishing touch for crunch. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by cooking 8 oz of rice noodles. Follow the package instructions so they reach al dente. Drain the noodles in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps keep them from sticking together. In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 thinly sliced red chili. Stir for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great and turn golden. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Spread them out for even cooking. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and set them aside. In the same pan, add 1 thinly sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften and look bright. Next, add 2 cups of baby spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1 minute. Lower the heat a bit. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Add the cooled rice noodles. Drizzle in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Toss everything together for about 1-2 minutes. This ensures every bite is coated in flavor. Remove the pan from heat. Garnish your dish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles hot. Enjoy the vibrant colors and great taste! To get the best results, follow these cooking times: - Rice Noodles: Cook for about 5-7 minutes until al dente. - Shrimp: Sauté for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Make sure the shrimp are fully cooked. If they are still gray, they need more time. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so watch closely. If you want to switch things up, consider these options: - Shrimp Alternatives: You can use chicken or firm tofu instead. Both options cook well with the same method. - Noodle Variations: Try egg noodles or whole-grain pasta for different flavors. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables like snap peas or broccoli. How you serve your dish can elevate the meal: - Use Shallow Bowls: This way, the colors pop and look more appealing. - Add Lime Wedges: Place a wedge on the side for a fresh, zesty touch. It adds brightness to the dish and lets everyone adjust the flavor to their liking. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, making it more enjoyable. Tip Title: Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of red chili based on your spice preference. Start with less if you're unsure and add more as needed. Tip Title: Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Ensure your rice noodles are cooked al dente for the best texture. They will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot ingredients. Tip Title: Garnish for Presentation: Use fresh cilantro and sesame seeds not only for flavor but also to make your dish visually appealing. {{image_4}} To change the heat of your Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles, you can easily adjust the chili used. If you want more heat, use two red chilis instead of one. You can also try using a hotter chili like a serrano. To decrease the heat, simply remove the seeds from the chili. This small step can make a big difference. You can make this dish more colorful and nutritious by adding more veggies. Consider using snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. These vegetables add crunch and flavor. You can also use seasonal produce, like asparagus in spring or squash in fall. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them with the other veggies. If you want to switch proteins, chicken and tofu are great options. For chicken, use boneless pieces cut into bite-sized parts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are no longer pink. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu and cut it into cubes. Sauté it for about 4-5 minutes until golden. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it cooks properly. To keep your spicy garlic shrimp noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let the noodles cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent sogginess. You can safely refrigerate them for up to three days. Eating them within this time frame ensures great taste and quality. You can freeze spicy garlic shrimp noodles if you want to save them for later. First, separate the shrimp and noodles from the veggies. Place each in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will stay fresh for about two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan over medium heat until heated through. Leftovers can be a fun way to mix things up. Try adding them to a salad for a crunchy twist. You could also use them as a filling for wraps or spring rolls. To brighten the dish, serve with a side of fresh lime wedges or a sprinkle of extra cilantro. These small changes make your leftovers exciting and enjoyable. To cook rice noodles, follow these steps: - Boil water in a large pot. - Add 8 oz of rice noodles. - Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender. - Drain in a colander. - Rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Rinsing helps keep the noodles from sticking. You want them al dente, which means they have a slight bite. This texture is key for the dish. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Here are some tips: - Cook the rice noodles and store them in the fridge for up to two days. - You can also sauté the shrimp and vegetables ahead of time. - Keep the sauce separate until you're ready to serve. This way, you save time! Just combine everything when it's time to eat. Some great sides to pair with your noodles include: - Steamed broccoli. - Crispy spring rolls. - A fresh green salad. These sides add color and crunch. They also balance the spice in the noodles. To scale the recipe, follow these steps: - Double or triple the ingredients based on the number of servings you need. - Keep the cooking times similar, but watch for doneness. - If you increase the shrimp, ensure your pan can hold them all. This way, everyone gets to enjoy these tasty noodles! In this post, we explored how to make tasty spicy garlic shrimp noodles. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. Remember, adjusting spice levels and adding veggies can change the flavor. Don't forget to try different protein options too. With the right storage tips, you can enjoy leftovers deliciously. Cooking can be fun, so experiment and make this dish your own! Enjoy every bite of your creation.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles

A flavorful dish featuring shrimp, rice noodles, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a spicy garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red chili thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • to taste fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • to taste sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Noodles: Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside, allowing them to cool slightly.
  • Sauté Garlic: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add in the minced garlic and sliced red chili. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden.
  • Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan, spreading them out to cook evenly. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
  • Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add the thinly sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften and become vibrant in color. Next, add the baby spinach and continue to stir-fry until it wilts and reduces in volume, about 1 minute.
  • Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat slightly and return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Then, add the pre-cooked rice noodles. Drizzle in the soy sauce, fish sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, and brown sugar. Toss everything together vigorously for even coating and to heat through, allowing all the flavors to meld, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish your dish with the chopped green onions (both green and white parts), fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve the Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles hot for the best flavor experience.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls for a beautiful presentation, and consider adding a lime wedge for extra zest.
Keyword garlic, noodles, quick meal, shrimp, spicy