Shrimp Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles
A quick and vibrant weeknight dinner featuring tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and slippery rice noodles tossed in a savory garlic-ginger tamari sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes!
For 4 servings
Cook noodles and prepare the sauce.
Boil 10 oz rice noodles according to package directions, typically 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, whisk together 0.25 cup tamari, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp water, 1 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper to create the stir-fry sauce.
- Boil 10 oz rice noodles until al dente, 3-5 minutes.
- Drain and rinse noodles with cold water.
- Whisk tamari, sesame oil, water, salt, and pepper for the sauce.
TIPRinsing rice noodles with cold water after boiling stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing them from clumping together.Stir-fry the vegetables.
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chopped bell peppers and boiled broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently, until the bell peppers are slightly tender-crisp and the broccoli is heated through. Remove vegetables from the wok and set aside.
TIPAvoid overcrowding the wok; stir-fry vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure they sear instead of steam, maintaining a crisp texture.Cook the shrimp and aromatics.
Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the hot wok. Add the 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Push the shrimp to one side, then add the minced 4 pcs garlic and 1 inch grated ginger to the empty side, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine all components.
Return the cooked vegetables and drained rice noodles to the wok with the shrimp and aromatics. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over all ingredients. Using tongs or spatulas, toss gently but thoroughly for 1-2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed.
Garnish and serve immediately.
Transfer the hot shrimp stir-fry with rice noodles to individual serving bowls. Garnish generously with the sliced 3 pcs green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best flavors and textures.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 2Don't overcook the shrimp or they will become tough and rubbery. They cook in just a few minutes.
- 3Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients to get a proper sear.
- 4Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or bok choy.
- 5To save time, you can use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp, either fresh or frozen (thawed).
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace shrimp with 1 block (14 oz) of firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Pan-fry the tofu until golden before adding to the stir-fry.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1 cup of shelled edamame along with the broccoli and bell peppers for an extra boost of plant-based protein.
low carbLow carb
Substitute rice noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice. Add the zoodles in the last minute of cooking to prevent them from getting mushy.
quickQuick
Use a bag of pre-chopped stir-fry vegetables and a store-bought stir-fry sauce to make this meal in under 20 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is a low-fat, high-protein food that helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
Packed with Vegetables
Broccoli and bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which support immune function and digestive health.
Naturally Gluten-Free
By using rice noodles and tamari instead of wheat noodles and soy sauce, this dish is naturally suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Sesame oil provides monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this shrimp stir-fry is a well-balanced meal. It provides lean protein from shrimp, complex carbohydrates from rice noodles, and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the broccoli and bell peppers.