Easy Stir-Fried Shrimp Garlic Noodles (Great for Parties!)
Want to make something easy and tasty for your next party or family dinner? These stir-fried shrimp garlic noodles are just right! The garlic smells amazing, the shrimp are juicy, and the noodles are buttery and full of flavor. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just a few basics and one big pan. This recipe makes enough for 6–8 people, so it’s great for get-togethers or meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 large wok
- 1 mortar and pestle to make garlic paste
Ingredients
- 1 lb 16 oz spaghetti
- 1 bunch green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 20 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb 16 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup butter
- White sesame seeds optional, for topping
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Gather everything you need. Finely chop the green onions and mince the garlic. Using a mortar and pestle, mash the garlic into a paste with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, then cook the spaghetti until it’s almost al dente — about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.Tip: Save about 1 cup of pasta water — you can use it if the noodles start to dry out while tossing.Tip: Toss the drained noodles with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the shrimp: While the pasta cooks, heat a wok over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then cook the shrimp with a bit of garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 1–2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from the wok and set aside.Tip: Don’t overcook shrimp — once they curl and turn pink, they’re done.
- Cook the garlic butter: Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same wok, melt the butter, then stir in the seasoned garlic paste. Let it sizzle gently for about 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Bring it all together: Add the cooked spaghetti to the garlic butter, along with a splash of pasta water. Toss and mix well. Return the shrimp to the wok and toss everything together. Pour in the fish sauce and soy sauce, stirring well to coat the noodles evenly. If the noodles feel dry, add a bit more reserved pasta water.
- Add the green onions: When the noodles are almost done, stir in the chopped green onions. Give everything one final toss and cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve: Transfer the noodles to a plate or large bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and any crispy garlic bits you saved. Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic gives a stronger, richer flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic from jars if you want the best taste.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink—about 1–2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
- Undercook the noodles slightly: Boil the noodles until they're almost done (1–2 minutes less than package directions). This keeps them firm when stir-frying.
- Rinse noodles after boiling: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking and prevents them from sticking together.
- Use a large pan or wok: A bigger pan makes it easier to toss noodles evenly and keeps everything hot.
- Toss noodles gently: Use tongs or chopsticks to mix without breaking the noodles apart.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking: Stir-frying moves fast. Have everything chopped, measured, and ready before you turn on the heat.
- Add chili flakes or chili oil for spice: Want a little heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil at the end.
- Save some garlic for topping: Set aside a spoonful of golden fried garlic to sprinkle on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal