How to Make the Perfect Spicy Peanut Noodles with Shrimp
Asian Fusion · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Bold peanut sauce coats silky noodles and tender shrimp in this quick weeknight dinner. A perfect balance of heat, salt, and richness.
Why this recipe works
This Spicy Peanut Noodles with Shrimp recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, then rinse noodles under cold water to stop cooking.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add two to four tablespoons of reserved pasta water and whisk until smooth and pourable.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat with a drizzle of neutral oil. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for one to two minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan or the shrimp will steam instead of sear.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Reduce heat to medium and add the drained noodles to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the peanut sauce over the top and toss vigorously to coat everything evenly. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce feels too thick.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Divide noodles into bowls and top with sliced green onions. Optionally add crushed peanuts, lime wedges, or extra sriracha for serving. Serve immediately while warm.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- lo mein noodles → spaghetti or rice noodles
- shrimp → thinly sliced chicken breast or tofu
- sriracha → chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the shrimp until rubbery by leaving them in the pan too long
- Skipping the pasta water which is essential for loosening the peanut sauce
- Using noodles that are too thick which causes the sauce to clump rather than coat
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 32g protein, 58g carbs, 18g fat, 4g fiber.
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