Craving a quick and tasty meal? Look no further than Minute Spicy Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles! This dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just minutes. With its perfect blend of spices, garlic, and savory shrimp, you’ll have your dinner sorted in no time. Get ready to wow your taste buds and impress your friends with this simple yet delicious recipe. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of spicy noodles!
Ingredients
To make Minute Spicy Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles, you need these simple ingredients:
– 8 oz (225g) rice noodles
– 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust for spiciness)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Each ingredient plays a key role. The rice noodles form the base. Shrimp adds protein and flavor. Vegetable oil helps cook the garlic and shrimp. Garlic gives a nice aroma and taste.
Red chili flakes bring heat. Soy sauce adds umami, while fish sauce deepens the flavor. Lime juice balances the dish with a tangy kick. Brown sugar adds sweetness, rounding out the flavors.
Green onions add freshness and crunch. Cilantro gives a pop of color and herbaceous notes. Salt and pepper elevate everything, making each bite taste better.
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. You’ll enjoy the dish more when everything is ready and fresh.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Rice Noodles
First, you need to cook the rice noodles. Boil water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Stir-Frying the Garlic and Shrimp
Next, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant, not burnt. Now, sprinkle in 1-2 teaspoons of red chili flakes. Let them toast in the oil for a moment. This step deepens the flavor and adds heat. Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Combining Sauces and Noodles
While the shrimp cooks, mix your sauces. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Once the shrimp is ready, pour this sauce over them. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly. Now, add the drained rice noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles soak up the spicy sauce.
Plating and Serving
Finally, toss in 2 chopped green onions and stir for an additional minute. This adds both flavor and color. Serve your spicy chili garlic shrimp noodles hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a touch of brightness. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Adjusting Spiciness
To control the heat, start with 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Taste your dish, and add more if you like it spicier. You can also use fresh chili peppers for a different kick. Slicing them thin gives a nice heat boost. Remember, everyone’s spice level is different, so adjust to your taste!
Choosing the Right Shrimp
When picking shrimp, look for firm, pink ones that smell fresh. If frozen, choose shrimp that are well-packaged and free from ice crystals. Large shrimp work best for this dish, as they have a great texture. Avoid shrimp labeled as “washed” or “treated,” as they may lose flavor. Always peel and devein them for the best taste.
Cooking Noodles Perfectly
For perfect rice noodles, boil them for 4-5 minutes until tender. Don’t overcook! They should be soft but not mushy. After draining, rinse them under cold water to stop cooking. This also helps keep them from sticking. Toss them in a little oil if you’re not using them right away. This keeps them ready for your spicy mix!
Variations
Adding Vegetables
You can easily boost flavor by adding vegetables to your noodles. Consider using bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just chop them up and add them to the skillet when you cook the shrimp. This way, they will soak up all the tasty sauce. You can also add carrots or zucchini for added crunch. If you want a fresh taste, toss in some baby spinach near the end. This adds color and nutrients.
Protein Alternatives
If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can try chicken or tofu. For chicken, use thin strips and cook them until no longer pink. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian dish. Just cube the tofu and fry it until golden. Both options work well with the same spicy sauce. Feel free to mix things up by using scallops or even beef. Each protein will add its own twist to the dish.
Gluten-Free Options
For a gluten-free meal, stick with rice noodles as they are naturally gluten-free. Check your soy sauce label to ensure it is gluten-free, as some brands include wheat. You can also use tamari as a soy sauce substitute. It has a similar flavor but is safe for those avoiding gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy the spicy chili garlic noodles without worry.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Minute Spicy Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them down first. This way, the noodles stay fresh. They will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any smell or change in color, it’s best to toss them.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. You can use a microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place the noodles in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. If you use a skillet, add a splash of water or oil. Heat over medium until warm, stirring often.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the noodles. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last for up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above. Avoid freezing the shrimp, as they may lose texture.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Minute Spicy Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles?
It takes about 20 minutes to make this dish. You can prepare the rice noodles in just 4-5 minutes. Cooking the shrimp and mixing everything takes only about 10-15 minutes. This quick recipe is great for busy days.
Can I use fresh or frozen shrimp?
You can use both fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first. Rinse them under cold water until they are fully defrosted. This way, they cook evenly and taste great.
What else can I add to this recipe?
You can add many extras to the noodles. Vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli work well. You can also try adding cashews or peanuts for crunch. These additions can make your meal even more filling and colorful.
Are there any substitutions for fish sauce?
Yes, you can use soy sauce as a substitute. If you want a similar flavor, mix soy sauce with a bit of lime juice. Another option is to use coconut aminos, which is a good choice for a lighter taste.
This blog covered how to make Minute Spicy Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles. I shared the key ingredients, like rice noodles and shrimp, and gave you easy steps to follow. You can adjust the heat and add more veggies for your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them well.
Cooking can be fun, and this dish lets you experiment. Enjoy making this delicious meal!
