These Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles are a flavorful combination of savory shrimp, spicy chili garlic sauce, and soft noodles, making every bite packed with flavor. The shrimp adds a touch of sweetness while the garlic and chili bring in the heat, creating a perfect balance.
This dish is quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight meal. The combination of fresh shrimp, rich sauces, and tender noodles can be customized to your spice preference, making it both versatile and delicious. It’s a satisfying meal that will impress your guests or simply treat yourself to something amazing!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 oz noodles (any type, e.g., rice noodles, egg noodles)
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/2 cup water
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
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Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
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Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together.
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Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
A Quick and Tasty Solution for Busy Days
What makes this dish so appealing is its simplicity. In just a few steps and with minimal ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The dish incorporates udon noodles—known for their thick, chewy texture—which are ideal for absorbing the spicy, garlicky sauce. Paired with juicy shrimp that soak up the flavors, every bite of this dish is an explosion of deliciousness.
This recipe is versatile too! If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily swap them out for chicken, tofu, or other protein sources. The sauce is the star of the dish, so you can experiment with different vegetables or proteins based on your personal preferences. Additionally, the spiciness level can be adjusted to your liking by controlling the amount of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), making it adaptable to both mild and fiery palates.
The Key Ingredients that Make this Dish Stand Out
At the heart of this recipe is the special sauce, a combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and gochugaru, among other key ingredients. This unique blend creates a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy base that coats the noodles beautifully. It adds a depth of flavor that’s both bold and satisfying, without overwhelming your taste buds.
The addition of garlic and green onions gives the dish a savory fragrance, while the shrimp adds a succulent, juicy element to the overall texture. The dish is finished off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and garnish, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Why Udon Noodles Work Perfectly Here
Udon noodles are the perfect vehicle for this sauce because of their unique texture. Their chewy nature allows them to hold onto the sauce without becoming soggy, providing a satisfying bite with every mouthful. Unlike other noodles, udon has a dense texture that contrasts well with the tender shrimp, creating a well-balanced dish that you’ll want to make over and over again.
If you can’t find frozen or fresh udon noodles, don’t worry—other noodles like lo mein or even spaghetti can serve as a substitute, though they won’t provide quite the same experience. However, the dish still works with other noodle varieties, ensuring it remains delicious no matter the substitutions.
Customizing Your Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles
One of the great things about this dish is its flexibility. If you’re in the mood for a more vegetable-forward version, feel free to add your favorite cooked veggies to the noodles. Bok choy, garlic green beans, or stir-fried snow pea leaves make excellent additions that will complement the dish’s flavors without overpowering the shrimp and noodles.
For a lighter version of the dish, you can also adjust the amount of oil used or opt for a healthier, low-sodium soy sauce. The recipe is already pretty low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking for a quick, healthy, yet satisfying meal.
If you prefer your dish extra spicy, increase the amount of gochugaru or add some fresh chili peppers for an added kick. For those who prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the spice level by using fewer chili flakes or omitting them altogether.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles is a versatile recipe that works for any time of day, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family. It’s an ideal weeknight meal because it doesn’t require hours of preparation or hard-to-find ingredients. The dish uses easily accessible ingredients like frozen shrimp and udon noodles, meaning you can make it whenever you have these items on hand. Plus, the recipe can be doubled or tripled if you’re cooking for more people.
For those with busy schedules, this dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook it in advance, store it in an airtight container, and reheat it the next day for a quick, satisfying meal. Leftovers last for up to four days, making this dish an excellent option for those looking to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending much time in the kitchen each day.
Conclusion: A Perfect Harmony of Spicy, Savory, and Sweet Flavors
Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles is a flavorful, quick, and easy recipe that packs a punch of spices, garlic, and savory goodness in every bite. It’s a one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve for guests. The combination of chewy udon noodles, succulent shrimp, and a rich, aromatic chili garlic sauce makes it a standout meal that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.
The flexibility of the dish allows you to adjust the level of spiciness, substitute proteins, and add vegetables of your choice, making it an incredibly customizable meal. Whether you’re a fan of shrimp or prefer another protein, this dish can be tailored to fit your tastes.
So, next time you’re craving something spicy and satisfying, give these Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles a try. With a few simple ingredients and minimal time, you’ll have a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.