Mandy Croft
Garlic noodles with shrimp is a beloved dish that perfectly marries rich garlic-infused butter sauce with succulent shrimp and tender noodles. This easy-to-make recipe is a satisfying comfort food that’s full of complex, umami flavors and can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you crave a quick dinner after a busy day or want a delicious meal that pairs wonderfully with seafood, garlic noodles with shrimp is a versatile, crowd-pleasing choice.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Noodles with Shrimp
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Flavorful: Garlic butter combined with Asian-inspired sauces creates a deeply savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor profile.
- Versatile: Use different noodles, swap shrimp for other seafood or proteins, and add veggies for extra nutrition and variety.
- Comforting: Rich buttery noodles with garlicky shrimp deliver cozy satisfaction with every bite.
- Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats easily for leftovers.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
- Noodles: Wide, flat noodles like Taiwanese Guanmiao Mian are ideal for holding sauce, but spaghetti, fettuccine, ramen, or rice noodles can work well.
- Shrimp: Fresh raw shrimp add juicy, tender texture and pair perfectly with the garlic sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the backbone of flavor—sautéed until fragrant—and is complemented by fried garlic for extra crunch.
- Butter: Adds rich creaminess and depth to the sauce that oil alone can’t achieve.
- Oyster Sauce: Brings earthy, salty umami notes common in Chinese cooking.
- Fish Sauce: Adds a distinctive savory depth with a subtle seafood essence, common in Thai cuisine.
- Maggi Sauce or Soy Sauce: For umami-enhancement (Maggi preferred if available).
- Brown Sugar: Balances saltiness with a trace of sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Imparts a nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors.
- Green Onions: Provide a fresh, crisp garnish to brighten the dish.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Cook the Noodles
Boil noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness when tossed in sauce.
2. Make Fried Garlic (Optional)
Heat vegetable oil over medium heat, add chopped garlic, and cook until golden and crispy. Strain and save both fried garlic and garlic-infused oil for garnishing and extra flavor.
3. Sear the Shrimp
Pat dry fresh shrimp and sear them in a hot skillet with oil and garlic until just cooked through (2-3 minutes per side). Add oyster sauce to the shrimp for an extra layer of umami. Remove shrimp and set aside.
4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter, then add minced garlic and cook until aromatic. Whisk in oyster sauce, fish sauce, Maggi sauce (or soy sauce), garlic powder (optional), sugar, and a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
5. Toss Noodles and Shrimp in Sauce
Add the cooked noodles back to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. Return shrimp to the pan, gently combining everything so the flavors meld perfectly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with fried garlic, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Garlic Noodles with Shrimp
- Use fresh—not frozen or pre-cooked—shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Never overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp; cook in batches if needed.
- Make sure to dry your shrimp thoroughly before cooking to achieve a good sear.
- Avoid substituting key Asian sauces like fish sauce and oyster sauce; they provide signature umami flavors.
- Don’t skip the green onions and fried garlic garnish—these add important texture and freshness.
- Customize by adding sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy to boost nutrition.
- This dish tastes fantastic with other seafood like scallops, crab, or clams or with chicken, tofu, or beef if preferred.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.
Garlic noodles with shrimp is a simple yet indulgent dish that offers bold, layered flavors and ease of preparation. Whether you are craving a comforting weeknight meal or entertaining guests with a flavorful Asian-inspired dish, this recipe delivers satisfying results every time.
Enjoy this delightful combination of garlicky buttery noodles and tender shrimp, garnished with fried garlic and scallions — a true comfort food classic that’s sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your cravings!
