Shrimp Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe – Quick Sambal Oelek & Soy Sauce

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Shrimp Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe – Quick Sambal Oelek & Soy Sauce

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Shrimp Noodle Stir-Fry is exactly that. I first made this when I was craving something spicy and satisfying, and it’s been a weeknight staple ever since. It’s seriously ready in under 20 minutes – perfect for those busy evenings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another stir-fry. The combination of succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked noodles, and that amazing kick from the sambal oelek is seriously addictive. It’s a flavour bomb! Plus, it’s super customizable – you can easily adjust the spice level and add your favourite veggies. Honestly, it’s a winner for the whole family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Shrimp Noodle Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp light cooking oil
• 2 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 20-25 small frozen shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 1 tbsp sambal oelek or any chili sauce
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 500 gms spaghetti noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Finely chopped green onion for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Sambal Oelek – its origins and heat level

Sambal oelek is a chili paste originating from Indonesia. It’s made from ground chili peppers, vinegar, and salt. It brings a lovely fruity heat – not overwhelmingly spicy, but definitely noticeable! You can find it in most Asian grocery stores, or even in the international aisle of larger supermarkets.

Light Soy Sauce – differences from dark soy sauce

We’re using light soy sauce here, which is saltier and lighter in colour than dark soy sauce. Dark soy sauce is thicker and sweeter, and is usually used for colour. Light soy sauce is your go-to for adding that umami flavour.

Spaghetti Noodles – can other noodles be used?

I love using spaghetti noodles for this recipe because they hold the sauce beautifully. But feel free to experiment! Udon noodles, ramen noodles, or even linguine would work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, heat the oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. This is important – you want the pan nice and hot so the shrimp get a good sear.
2. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Don’t let it burn! Burnt garlic is no fun.
3. Now, add the shrimp and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Mix in the sambal oelek and light soy sauce, making sure the shrimp are evenly coated. The aroma at this point is amazing.
5. Toss in the cooked noodles into the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles are well combined with the sauce and shrimp.
7. Finally, garnish with finely chopped green onions and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re making a larger batch, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they get properly seared.
• Make sure your noodles are cooked al dente – they’ll continue to cook a little in the pan.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the amount of sambal oelek and soy sauce to your liking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Spice Level – Mild, Medium, Hot

• Mild: Use ½ tbsp sambal oelek.
• Medium: Stick to the 1 tbsp in the recipe.
• Hot: Add an extra ½ – 1 tbsp sambal oelek, or a pinch of chili flakes!

Gluten-Free – using gluten-free noodles

Simply swap the spaghetti noodles for gluten-free noodles. There are some great rice noodle options available these days.

Vegan – using plant-based shrimp alternative

Use a plant-based shrimp alternative instead of real shrimp. There are some really good options available now that mimic the texture and flavour of shrimp surprisingly well.

Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation

Pre-chop your garlic and have the sambal oelek and soy sauce measured out before you start cooking. This will save you even more time!

Serving Suggestions

This Shrimp Noodle Stir-Fry is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch too. My family loves it with a side of crispy spring rolls!

Storage Instructions

This dish is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce, so you might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Is this dish best served immediately?

Yes, absolutely! The noodles tend to get a bit sticky if left to sit for too long.

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Definitely! Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp will cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them.

What other vegetables can I add to this stir-fry?

The possibilities are endless! Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and onions all work beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I wouldn’t recommend making the entire dish ahead of time, as the noodles will get soggy. However, you can prep the ingredients (chop the garlic, measure out the sauce) in advance.

What is a good substitute for Sambal Oelek?

If you can’t find sambal oelek, you can use sriracha or another chili garlic sauce. Just adjust the amount to your desired spice level.