Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in a flash? This Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles is your answer. Forget takeout menus and long cooking times; this recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes. It’s packed with plump, juicy shrimp, tender-crisp vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles, all tossed in a savory garlic ginger sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something both incredibly tasty and incredibly fast.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this easy-to-follow guide will help you master the art of the stir fry. Let’s dive in and create a meal that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Why This Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles is a Weeknight Winner
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is the epitome of a quick weeknight dinner.
- Packed with Flavor: A simple yet powerful sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger coats every single bite with savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor.
- Easily Customizable: Don’t have broccoli? Use bell peppers. Prefer udon to lo mein? Go for it! This recipe is a fantastic base for whatever vegetables and noodles you have on hand.
- Better Than Takeout: Not only is it faster and more affordable than ordering in, but it’s also much healthier. You control the ingredients, sodium, and oil.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this shrimp stir fry with noodles recipe is its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Stir Fry Sauce
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The savory, umami base of our sauce.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness. Maple syrup is a great substitute.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Provides a deep, nutty aroma and flavor that is essential for a great stir fry.
- Rice Vinegar: A hint of acidity to brighten everything up.
- Fresh Garlic & Ginger: The aromatic power duo. Grate them fresh for the best flavor.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to a glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles and shrimp.
For the Main Dish
- Noodles: Lo mein, ramen, or even spaghetti work perfectly. Use your favorite!
- Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen; just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely.
- Avocado or Canola Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is crucial for stir-frying.
- Vegetables: We’re using a classic combination of broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and snow peas for color and crunch.
- Optional Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, finishing touch.
How to Make Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this dish is all about timing and having your ingredients ready to go. We call this ‘mise en place’ in the culinary world. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain them just before they are fully cooked (al dente) and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and carrots and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the snow peas and cook for another minute until all vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them!
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is well-coated and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Stir Fry
Want to elevate your homemade stir fry? Here are a few expert tips to ensure success.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the ingredients instead of searing them, preventing that delicious stir-fried texture.
- High Heat is Key: A hot wok or skillet is essential for getting a quick sear on your ingredients, locking in flavor and texture.
- Prep Everything First: Stir-frying is a very fast cooking process. Have all your vegetables chopped, your sauce mixed, and your ingredients measured and ready before you turn on the heat.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook in just a few minutes. The moment they turn pink and curl, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. For more shrimp inspiration, you might love this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Mix and match ingredients to find your perfect combination.
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, baby corn, and water chestnuts are all fantastic additions.
- Switch Up the Protein: This recipe works great with sliced chicken, beef, or tofu. For another Asian-inspired chicken dish, check out this Black Pepper Chicken.
- Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Add Some Crunch: Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews for a delightful textural contrast. If you love savory and sweet, these Honey Garlic Chicken Bites are another must-try.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This shrimp stir fry with noodles makes for excellent leftovers. Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or, for best results, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the stir fry sauce up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk before using it, as the cornstarch may settle.
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly. For the best results, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes.
The key is to not overcook them. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 1-2 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Remove them from the heat immediately.
The best noodles are quick-cooking ones that hold sauce well. Lo mein, ramen, udon, and even spaghetti or linguine are all excellent choices for this shrimp stir fry recipe.
This recipe is very versatile! Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers (any color), mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or water chestnuts. Add them with the broccoli and carrots.
Your New Favorite Shrimp Noodle Stir Fry
This Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients. It’s fast, fresh, and endlessly adaptable.
We know you’ll love making this dish as much as we do. If you try it, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! For more visual recipe inspiration, follow us on Pinterest.
Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles
Shrimp Stir Fry with Noodles: A Quick & Easy Weeknight Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients: soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and carrots and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Add snow peas and cook for 1 more minute. Remove vegetables from the skillet.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the skillet. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet. Add the drained noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
Tip 2: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Tip 3: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding ingredients to get a proper sear rather than steaming them.
