Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce
Delicate rice noodles stir-fried with succulent shrimp and a tangy tamarind sauce, accented by fresh herbs and crushed peanuts. This vietnamese-inspired noodles ready in about 50 minutes blends dried flat 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 480 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried flat rice noodles
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2, thinly sliced shallots
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
- 2, lightly beaten eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3, chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup, crushed roasted peanuts
- 1 lime, cut into wedges lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 8 oz dried flat rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until pliable but still firm; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced shallots, stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 12 peeled and deveined shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Push shrimp and aromatics to one side.
- Step 4: Pour 2 lightly beaten eggs into empty side of wok, scramble gently until just set.
- Step 5: Add drained noodles to wok along with 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp palm sugar. Toss everything together over high heat for 2-3 minutes until noodles are coated and heated through.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and 3 chopped green onions, cook for another minute until bean sprouts soften slightly.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 8: Serve immediately garnished with 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (35 min prep + 15 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 Tamarind 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 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 Rice Noodles with Shrimp 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 Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce?
Vietnamese 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.
