Quick & Easy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Egg Noodles: A Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Looking for a delicious, quick, and easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this shrimp stir-fry with egg noodles! This recipe is packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is sure to become a family favorite. The succulent shrimp pairs perfectly with the tender egg noodles and a vibrant, flavorful stir-fry sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Stir-Fry

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavorful: The combination of shrimp, noodles, vegetables, and a savory stir-fry sauce creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and protein sources.
• Healthy: Packed with protein and vegetables, this stir-fry is a nutritious and balanced meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Using readily available ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for this shrimp stir-fry:

• Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Size doesn’t matter too much – medium, large, or jumbo shrimp will all work well, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the classic choice for stir-fries, but you can also use other types of noodles like lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or even rice noodles.
• Vegetables: This is where you can get creative! I recommend using a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), broccoli florets, carrots, snow peas, and snap peas. Other great options include bok choy, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts.
• Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are essential for adding depth and flavor to the stir-fry sauce. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best results.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is the base of the stir-fry sauce and adds a savory, umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor to the stir-fry sauce. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of sugar.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the stir-fry. Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the stir-fry sauce.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the sauce. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Cooking Oil: Use a neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil.
• Green Onions (for garnish): Sliced green onions add a fresh and vibrant touch to the finished dish.

Detailed Recipe with Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the recipe! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect shrimp stir-fry every time.

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. To prevent them from sticking together, toss them with a little bit of sesame oil.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: While the noodles are cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them to brown properly.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all of your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers, carrot, and green onions. Trim the broccoli florets and snow peas.
4. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
5. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.
6. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Then, add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the snow peas during the last minute of cooking.
7. Combine Everything: Pour the stir-fry sauce over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked shrimp and egg noodles to the skillet and toss to combine. Make sure everything is well coated with the sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Stir-Fry

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can be tough and rubbery. Cook the shrimp just until it turns pink and opaque.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is best done over high heat, which helps to cook the vegetables quickly and evenly while retaining their crispness.
• Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Stir-fries cook quickly, so it’s important to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Chop the vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and prepare the sauce ahead of time.
• Use a Wok (If You Have One): A wok is a traditional Chinese cooking pan that’s perfect for stir-frying. Its sloped sides allow for even heat distribution and easy tossing of ingredients. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just fine.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to your liking. Taste the sauce before adding it to the vegetables and shrimp, and make any necessary adjustments.
• Add Protein of your Choice: Feel free to add chicken, beef, or tofu instead of shrimp.

Variations and Substitutions

This shrimp stir-fry is a versatile dish that you can easily customize to your liking. Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:

• Vegetables: Use any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, bok choy, or spinach.
• Noodles: Use different types of noodles, such as lo mein noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti.
• Protein: Substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, pork, tofu, or tempeh.
• Sauce: Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or peanut sauce.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired spice level, or add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Also, use rice noodles instead of egg noodles.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Add Pineapple: Add chunks of pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

This shrimp stir-fry is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with the following sides:

• Steamed rice
• Spring rolls
• Egg rolls
• Soup (such as wonton soup or egg drop soup)
• A simple salad

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover shrimp stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips for Reheating

• Skillet: Reheating in a skillet is the best way to maintain the texture of the shrimp and noodles. Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to prevent the stir-fry from drying out.
• Microwave: If you’re reheating in the microwave, cover the stir-fry with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Make Ahead Tips

To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare some of the ingredients in advance:

• Chop the Vegetables: Chop the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together the stir-fry sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles and toss them with a little bit of sesame oil. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Fiber: 5-7g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them until they are thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.

2. Can I use different types of noodles?
   Yes, you can use different types of noodles. Lo mein noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti will work well in this stir-fry.

3. Can I make this stir-fry vegetarian or vegan?
   Yes, you can make this stir-fry vegetarian or vegan by substituting the shrimp with tofu or tempeh. Also, make sure to use a vegetarian or vegan oyster sauce alternative.

4. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this stir-fry. Some great options include mushrooms, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, bok choy, and spinach.

5. Can I make this stir-fry spicier?
   Yes, you can make this stir-fry spicier by adding more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or chili garlic sauce.

6. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
   To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them with a little bit of sesame oil after cooking. You can also rinse them with cold water to remove excess starch.

7. Why is my stir-fry sauce watery?
   If your stir-fry sauce is watery, it may be because you didn’t use enough cornstarch or the heat wasn’t high enough. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce before adding it to the skillet. Also, cook the sauce over medium-high heat to allow it to thicken.

Conclusion

This shrimp stir-fry with egg noodles is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, it’s a recipe that you can make again and again. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying stir-fry!