Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp, Bean Sprouts, and Tamarind Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick Asian-inspired stir-fried noodle dish featuring plump shrimp, crunchy bean sprouts, and tangy tamarind sauce. This asian-inspired noodles ready in about 35 minutes pairs rice noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp palm sugar until sugar dissolves to create the sauce.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 large peeled shrimp and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start to turn pink.
  4. Step 4: Push the shrimp to one side and crack in 1 large egg. Scramble the egg quickly, then mix with the shrimp.
  5. Step 5: Add the soaked and drained 8 oz rice noodles and pour in the tamarind sauce. Toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and 2 chopped green onions. Cook for 1 more minute until sprouts are just tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and plate. Garnish with 1/4 cup crushed peanuts and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp, Bean Sprouts, and Tamarind Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp, Bean Sprouts, and Tamarind Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp, Bean Sprouts, and Tamarind Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp, Bean Sprouts, and Tamarind Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp, Bean Sprouts, and Tamarind Sauce?

Asian noodles like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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