Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs

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

Tender rice noodles stir-fried with succulent shrimp, garlic, and a medley of fresh Vietnamese herbs for a vibrant, flavorful dish. This vietnamese-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs dried flat rice noodles (banh pho), vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz dried flat rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or until pliable but not fully soft; drain well.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced shallots; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 large peeled and deveined shrimp to the wok; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn opaque and pink.
  4. Step 4: Add drained noodles to the wok along with 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until noodles are heated through and coated evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, and 2 sliced green onions until herbs are wilted but still vibrant.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs?

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 Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs?

Vietnamese seafood 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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