Chinese style shrimp noodles

Chinese-Style Shrimp Noodles are a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish that you can easily whip up at home. Juicy, tender shrimp are stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and a savory sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked noodles for a meal that’s packed with umami and ready in minutes. Fresh vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or bell peppers add crunch and color, making this dish both delicious and visually appealing.

The first time I made Chinese-Style Shrimp Noodles, I was blown away by how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich, glossy coating for the noodles, while the shrimp adds a burst of sweetness and protein. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—you can switch up the vegetables, add a spicy kick with chili flakes, or even swap out the noodles for rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, Chinese-Style Shrimp Noodles will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family gatherings
  • Dinner parties
  • Seafood lovers
  • Asian cuisine enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Chinese Style Shrimp Noodles will become your go-to dish:

  • Deliciously Savory: The perfect balance of sweet shrimp, savory sauce, and tender noodles.
  • Quick and Easy: A flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh shrimp and crisp vegetables for a wholesome meal.
  • Perfect Texture: The noodles are soft and chewy, complementing the crunchy vegetables and tender shrimp.
  • Authentic Flavors: The dish is packed with traditional Chinese seasonings and sauces for a truly authentic taste.
  • One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Healthy Option: Packed with protein from shrimp and fiber from vegetables, making it a nutritious option.
  • Great for Leftovers: The noodles taste just as great the next day, making them perfect for meal prep.
  • Suitable for All Ages: This dish is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Noodles:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz egg noodles or rice noodles
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 cup snap peas, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Optional Garnish:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Red pepper flakes

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: A lean source of protein that adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
  • Egg Noodles: Soft and chewy, they are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the sauce.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides the classic umami flavor that is essential in Chinese cuisine.
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Noodles:

  1. Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles or rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Shrimp: Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Cook the Shrimp and Vegetables:

  1. Stir-Fry Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add sliced onion, bell pepper, snap peas, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and rice vinegar.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Combine Noodles and Shrimp: Add the cooked noodles and shrimp back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to combine, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated.
  2. Stir-Fry Together: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the noodles to plates and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chinese Style Shrimp Noodles:

  • As a Main Course: Serve the noodles on their own for a fulfilling meal.
  • With Steamed Dumplings: Pair with pork or vegetable dumplings for an authentic Chinese meal.
  • For Meal Prep: Divide the noodles into individual portions for easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
  • With Soup: Serve with a light miso or hot and sour soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
  • For a Family Dinner: Make a larger batch to serve the entire family or guests.
  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple Asian cucumber salad for a fresh and light complement.
  • As a Buffet Dish: Great for parties or potlucks where it can be served alongside other Asian dishes.
  • With Steamed Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a more filling option.
  • As a Light Snack: Enjoy smaller portions as a quick snack or appetizer.
  • With Tea: Pair with green or jasmine tea for a light and refreshing beverage.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking and making it tough.
  • Customize the Veggies: Add or substitute vegetables like carrots, bok choy, or mushrooms based on your preferences.
  • Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier flavor, adjust the sugar or add more red pepper flakes.
  • High Heat for Stir-Frying: Stir-frying at high heat helps to lock in the flavors and keep the vegetables crisp.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian Noodles: Replace the shrimp with tofu or your favorite vegetable protein for a vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Shrimp Noodles: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
  • Garlic Noodles: Increase the amount of garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
  • Curry Shrimp Noodles: Add curry powder or paste for a unique, spiced twist.
  • Chili Oil: Drizzle some chili oil over the top for a spicy and aromatic finish.
  • Lemon Shrimp Noodles: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy kick.

Special Equipment

  • Wok or Large Pan: A wok is ideal for stir-frying as it allows for even cooking at high heat.
  • Strainer: To drain the noodles after cooking.
  • Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients.
  • Tongs or Chopsticks: For tossing the noodles and shrimp without breaking them apart.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just thaw them before cooking and pat them dry.
  2. How long do these noodles last in the fridge?
    The noodles can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  3. Can I freeze the noodles?
    Yes, you can freeze the shrimp noodles for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  4. Can I make these noodles without soy sauce?
    Yes, you can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
  5. How do I make the noodles spicy?
    Add more red pepper flakes or stir in a bit of chili paste or sriracha to spice up the dish.
  6. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve more people.
  7. How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
    Stir-fry the noodles immediately after cooking and toss them in a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
  8. Can I add other proteins?
    Yes, you can replace or supplement the shrimp with chicken, beef, or turkey for a different variation.
  9. Can I make this dish without hoisin sauce?
    Yes, you can substitute hoisin sauce with additional oyster sauce or a sweet soy sauce.
  10. What can I use for garnish?
    Garnish with chopped cilantro, roasted peanuts, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Chinese Style Shrimp Noodles is a savory and satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor. It features tender shrimp stir-fried with chewy noodles in a rich, umami-packed sauce, making it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold seasonings creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

To make this dish, fresh or frozen shrimp is seasoned and stir-fried with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and scallions. The noodles, often egg noodles or thin wheat noodles, are cooked and then tossed into the wok with a savory sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar for balance. Add a splash of chili oil or hoisin sauce for extra depth. Vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas are great additions to complement the flavors and add a pop of color. The shrimp stays juicy and flavorful, while the noodles soak up the sauce, creating a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

I can’t wait to see how your Chinese Style Shrimp Noodles turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!