Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Vietnamese Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate rice noodles stir-fried with succulent shrimp and fresh Vietnamese herbs for a fragrant and satisfying meal. This vietnamese-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs dry rice vermicelli noodles, shrimp, peeled and deveined, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 7 oz dry rice vermicelli noodles in warm water for 15 minutes until pliable, then drain well.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced shallots; stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan; cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add drained noodles, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar to the wok. Toss vigorously to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender and coated.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 chopped green onions, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Vietnamese 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 dry rice vermicelli noodles from drying out.

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