Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic-Chili Sauce

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

Tender rice noodles stir-fried with succulent shrimp and a bold garlic-chili sauce for a spicy, savory Asian-inspired dish. This asian-inspired noodles ready in about 35 minutes blends rice noodles, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until softened but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained rice noodles to the wok along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss continuously for 2 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the wok and stir to combine for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup sliced green onions, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with 2 tbsp crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic-Chili Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic-Chili Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic-Chili 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 Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic-Chili 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 Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic-Chili 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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