If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need on your table tonight. The tender shrimp cooked with fragrant garlic and a vibrant, spicy sauce coats every strand of noodles for a delightful experience that balances heat, sweetness, and umami perfectly. Whether served for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and incredibly rewarding to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together this delicious Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe is all about fresh, straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays an essential role, from providing texture to enhancing flavor and adding that wonderful pop of color in your bowl.
- 1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for ease and to soak up all the garlicky, spicy flavors.
- 8 oz noodles: Use spaghetti, rice noodles, or your favorite type to carry the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp perfectly.
- 1 tbsp butter: Gives a luscious silkiness to the overall sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: The star aromatic ingredient that brings warmth and depth.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Provides a salty, savory backbone.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a subtle, sweet umami punch.
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce: Contributes a hint of sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tbsp chili paste or Sriracha: Gives the dish its signature spicy kick—adjust to your preferred heat level.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the savory and spicy notes for harmony on the palate.
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that finishes the sauce elegantly.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps create just the right sauce consistency.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a little tang to cut through the richness.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone wanting extra heat and a bit more punch.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh garnish that lifts the entire dish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds crunch and a subtle nutty finish.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Brightens the dish with a pop of herbal freshness.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. This simple step ensures they hold up well when tossed later in the sauce without getting mushy. Once done, drain and set the noodles aside to await their flavorful makeover.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Cook Shrimp
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt. The aroma fills your kitchen and hints at the deliciousness to come. Next, add the shrimp and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink and opaque—this is when they’re perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside for later.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili paste or Sriracha, sugar, sesame oil, water, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This is the magical moment when all these simple sauces melt into one delicious, savory, spicy sauce that will cling to every bite.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Shrimp
Throw the cooked noodles into the skillet with the simmering sauce, tossing them gently to make sure every strand is coated beautifully. Then, add your shrimp back into the pan and toss everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step warms the shrimp while ensuring the noodles soak up all the saucy goodness, unifying the dish into a colorful, fragrant, and lip-smacking meal.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
For an optional extra layer of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for color, freshness, and a touch of crunch. Serve immediately—you’ll want to dive right in to enjoy your creation at its best!
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to bring freshness and visual appeal to the spicy garlic shrimp noodles. I love adding bright green onions because they add a mildly sharp crunch that contrasts the silky noodles. Sesame seeds give a satisfying nuttiness while fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This robust Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with a light, crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy to balance out the heat and richness. For something heartier, a simple bowl of miso soup or spring rolls offer complementary flavors without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try serving the noodles in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or thinly sliced red chili for a pop of color. Another fun way is to plate the shrimp on top with a sprinkle of toasted nuts like cashews for added texture and creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to intensify over time, making leftovers just as tasty, if not better. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before storing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the noodles tend to lose their texture and the shrimp can become rubbery once thawed. For the best experience, try to enjoy all of it fresh or store partial portions in the fridge instead.
Reheating
When reheating your Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the noodles from drying out. Microwave works in a pinch but be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or they may turn tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can work just fine. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet, which can dilute the sauce.
What type of noodles work best?
Spaghetti or rice noodles are both excellent choices. Spaghetti gives a familiar texture while rice noodles add a slightly chewy, delicate bite that’s delicious with this sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on how much chili paste or Sriracha you add. Start with less if you prefer mild spice, then adjust to taste. The optional red pepper flakes can boost the heat further if desired.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap shrimp for tofu or your favorite veggies like mushrooms and snap peas, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce to keep the umami flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives, and choose rice noodles instead of wheat-based noodles to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe brings together bold flavors and quick preparation that anyone can enjoy. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together so easily, making it perfect for busy nights or impressing friends without fuss. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp and noodles!
Print
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A quick and flavorful Spicy Garlic Shrimp Noodles recipe combining succulent shrimp with a bold, garlicky, and spicy sauce tossed with your choice of noodles. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that delivers both heat and savory depth.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Noodles
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, rice noodles, or your choice)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
- 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. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- 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, making sure it does not burn to develop a rich, aromatic base.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili paste, sugar, sesame oil, water, and rice vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat to blend the flavors.
- Toss Noodles and Shrimp: Add the cooked noodles to the simmering sauce, tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to warm through and combine flavors fully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the dish if additional heat is desired. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro to add fresh, crunchy, and nutty notes. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can use spaghetti, rice noodles, or any preferred noodles as a base.
- Adjust chili paste quantity to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Garnishes like sesame seeds and cilantro add texture and freshness but are optional.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the shrimp.
