Imagine transporting your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Thailand without leaving your kitchen. This mouthwatering Thai Shrimp and Sesame Noodles recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession. Packed with bold flavors, succulent shrimp, and perfectly seasoned noodles, this dish promises to deliver a restaurant-worthy meal that's both quick and incredibly delicious. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving an exotic culinary adventure, this recipe is your ticket to an unforgettable dining experience.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they will sear properly. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining sesame oil. Quickly whisk together soy sauce and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, pouring the soy sauce mixture over them. Toss the noodles to coat evenly and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently mix with the noodles to reheat and combine flavors.
- Transfer the noodles and shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion has an equal distribution of shrimp and noodles.
Tips
- Shrimp Searing Secrets: Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden sear. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect shrimp!
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice color. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Sesame Oil Magic: Use toasted sesame oil for an extra depth of flavor. A little goes a long way in creating an authentic Asian-inspired taste.
- Noodle Preparation: Rinse noodles with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro and green onions as a garnish to add brightness and a pop of color to your dish.
- Customize Your Heat: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you want to kick up the spice level.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and chop ingredients in advance to make cooking even quicker on a busy night.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
