Stir-Fried Rice Vermicelli with Shrimp and Crispy Shallots

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Delicate rice vermicelli stir-fried with plump shrimp, garlic, and topped with crunchy fried shallots for a satisfying Vietnamese noodle dish. This Vietnamese-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs dried rice vermicelli, large shrimp, vegetable oil 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 6 oz dried rice vermicelli in warm water for 10 minutes until pliable, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced shallots and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove shallots with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Add drained rice vermicelli, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until noodles are heated through and coated with sauce.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 chopped green onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  7. Step 7: Serve vermicelli topped with crispy fried shallots and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Rice Vermicelli with Shrimp and Crispy Shallots take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Vermicelli with Shrimp and Crispy Shallots?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Rice Vermicelli with Shrimp and Crispy Shallots?

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 Vermicelli with Shrimp and Crispy Shallots 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 Vermicelli with Shrimp and Crispy Shallots?

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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