30-Minute Shrimp Stir Fry With Noodles - Fast, Fresh, and Flavor-Packed

Ingredients

• 8 oz noodles (lo mein, rice noodles, or spaghetti)
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for shrimp)
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, avocado, or peanut)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 3 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin for sweeter flavor)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2/3 cup water or chicken/veggie broth
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the noodles: Boil according to package directions until just shy of done. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

2. 2

   Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.

3. 3

   Prep the shrimp: Pat dry. If you like a silkier sear, toss with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and a pinch of salt.

4. 4

   Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Transfer to a plate.

5. 5

   Stir-fry veggies: Add remaining oil. Stir-fry bell pepper, snap peas, carrot, and the white parts of green onions for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

6. 6

   Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. 7

   Sauce it up: Whisk the sauce again (cornstarch settles), then pour into the pan. Stir until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.

8. 8

   Combine: Add noodles and shrimp back to the pan. Toss until everything is coated and heated through, 1–2 minutes. Turn off heat and add green onion tops.

9. 9

   Finish and serve: Taste and adjust salt, sweetness, or heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime.