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To make Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles, gather these ingredients: - 8 oz. rice noodles - 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 cup snap peas (or your choice of vegetables) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish These ingredients create a tasty and vibrant dish. You can adjust the flavors to fit your taste by changing the amounts. Using fresh shrimp gives you a sweeter and firmer texture. It usually has a better taste. However, frozen shrimp is convenient and often just as good. When buying frozen shrimp, look for ones that are flash-frozen. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Always thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge for the best results. You can easily adapt this dish to fit your needs. For a vegetarian option, use tofu instead of shrimp. Replace oyster sauce with extra soy sauce for flavor. If you want fewer carbs, try zucchini noodles or whole grain noodles. For a gluten-free dish, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce. These swaps keep the dish flavorful while meeting your dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To begin, you need to cook the rice noodles. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is bubbling, add the noodles. Cook them according to the package directions, usually around 4 to 6 minutes. After they are soft, drain the noodles. Rinse them under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the shrimp. Next, we’ll marinate the shrimp. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and coat each piece well with the mixture. Let the shrimp sit for about 10 minutes. This wait gives the shrimp time to soak up the flavors. The sesame oil adds a lovely nuttiness, while the soy sauce brings depth. Now, let’s cook! Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 sliced red chili peppers. Stir them for about 1 minute. You want to smell that great aroma! Next, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque when done. This is a good sign they are ready. After that, toss in 1 cup of snap peas. Stir-fry everything for another 2 minutes, until the snap peas are tender but still crunchy. Finally, add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet. Pour in the remaining soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Toss everything together for 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure the noodles are well mixed and heated through. Now your dish is ready! Plate it up and top with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! To sauté garlic and chili, start with a hot pan. Use medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and sliced chili peppers. Stir them often. This helps the garlic cook evenly. You want it to smell great without burning. Cook for about one minute. When it turns golden, it's ready for the shrimp. For great noodles, follow the package instructions. Cook the rice noodles just until tender. After cooking, drain and rinse them in cold water. This step stops the cooking process. Rinsing keeps them from sticking together. When you add the noodles to the pan, they should be warm but not mushy. Toss them gently with the shrimp and sauces. When cooking shrimp, avoid overcooking. Shrimp cooks fast, about 2-3 minutes is enough. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. If you cook them too long, they get tough. Always marinate shrimp for flavor, but don’t let them sit too long. Ten minutes is perfect. This gives them good taste without making them soggy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for the freshest shrimp available. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds from the chili peppers or use fewer peppers. For more heat, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving. Don't Overcook the Noodles: Rice noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Cook them just until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the snap peas for other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or bok choy. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Chili Garlic Noodles. Instead of shrimp, use tofu. Tofu soaks up all the flavors well. Just cut it into cubes and marinate it like the shrimp. Use the same sauces and spices. You’ll still get that tasty garlic and chili kick. Feel free to add more veggies to your dish. Snap peas are great, but you can also try bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Just cut them thin so they cook fast. Adding vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. More colors on your plate mean more vitamins! If you love spice, there are many ways to heat things up. Add more chili peppers or use chili flakes. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving. Test the heat as you go. You want it spicy, but still tasty! To keep your Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to cool the noodles to room temperature before sealing the container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid adding garnishes like cilantro and green onions until you're ready to eat. This keeps them crisp and fresh. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a bit of oil to help with the steam. Stir the noodles gently to warm them evenly. This method keeps the noodles from getting too dry. Heat for about five minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer a microwave, place the noodles in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to save your Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles for later, freezing is an option. Start by letting the noodles cool completely. Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the noodles for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavors will still be delicious! To make Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles spicy, increase the amount of red chili peppers. You can also add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Try using different chili varieties for more heat. Remember, spice can vary based on the type you choose. Taste as you go to find your perfect level. Yes, you can prepare some parts of this dish ahead of time. Cook the rice noodles and store them in the fridge. Marinate the shrimp in advance too. Just remember not to combine everything until you are ready to serve. This keeps the noodles fresh and prevents them from sticking. Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles go well with simple side dishes. Try a fresh cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. You can also serve it with spring rolls for a light touch. A bowl of hot and sour soup complements the flavors nicely too. These sides enhance the meal without overpowering it. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles. We compared fresh and frozen shrimp and suggested alternatives for diet needs. I gave detailed steps on preparing rice noodles, marinating shrimp, and cooking the dish. Finally, I shared tips to sauté garlic and chili, perfect noodle texture, and common cooking mistakes. You can tweak the recipe for a vegetarian option, add veggies, or adjust spice levels. Store leftovers well and enjoy them later. With these insights, you'll master this dish and make it your own.

Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles

A spicy and flavorful dish featuring shrimp, rice noodles, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pieces red chili peppers, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 pieces green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup snap peas (or your choice of vegetables)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow to marinate for 10 minutes.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sliced chili peppers to the pan, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Toss in the snap peas and continue to stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
  • Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan along with the remaining soy sauce and oyster sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Plate the noodles garnished with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.

Notes

You can substitute the vegetables with your choice for variety.
Keyword noodles, quick meal, shrimp, spicy