Tamarind Shrimp Noodles with Cilantro and Lime
A vibrant Singaporean-inspired noodle dish featuring plump shrimp in a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce, finished with fresh herbs and citrus. This asian-inspired asian ready in about 25 minutes pairs rice noodles, shrimp, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 6 oz shrimp
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz rice noodles in boiling water for 4 minutes until tender; drain and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar until smooth. Slice 1 lime into wedges and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add 6 oz peeled shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and curled. Pour tamarind sauce over shrimp, stirring until glossy and slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Toss cooked rice noodles with shrimp and sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tamarind Shrimp Noodles with Cilantro and Lime take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Tamarind Shrimp Noodles with Cilantro and Lime?
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 rice noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind Shrimp Noodles with Cilantro and Lime?
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 Tamarind Shrimp Noodles with Cilantro and Lime for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tamarind Shrimp Noodles with Cilantro and Lime?
Asian asian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit with my family! The tamarind gave such a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the shrimp was cooked to perfection.
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh cilantro and lime at the end. Made for dinner tonight and everyone asked for seconds.
- ★★★★☆
The tamarind flavor was a bit too strong, but the dish was otherwise delicious. I'll adjust the sauce next time.
