Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This shrimp rice noodle recipe is your answer. It's a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This healthy meal is packed with protein and fresh vegetables, satisfying your hunger without weighing you down. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this simple yet impressive dish.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dried rice noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
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Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.
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Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining sesame oil to the wok. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and red pepper flakes.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles, shrimp, and vegetables to the wok. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Shrimp Rice Noodles:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles can become mushy. Follow the package directions carefully and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prep your ingredients: Mince the garlic, slice the vegetables, and measure out your sauces beforehand to make the cooking process smoother and faster.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken, tofu, or pork for the shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Peanut Butter Noodles: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter for a creamy and nutty twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fat: 15-20g
This shrimp rice noodle recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. It's a versatile recipe that allows for easy customization based on your preferences and what you have on hand. So, gather your ingredients and get ready for a flavorful and satisfying culinary adventure!