Looking for a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s both quick and easy to prepare? The Lemongrass Stir-Fried Shrimp Rice Noodle Bowl is a fantastic choice. This dish combines tender shrimp with aromatic lemongrass, crisp vegetables, and rice noodles for a satisfying and delicious meal. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a bowl that bursts with fresh flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir-Fried Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped (or 2 tablespoons lemongrass paste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the Rice Noodles:
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil or mint leaves, chopped
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Noodles
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes, until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Toss with a little vegetable oil to keep them from clumping together.
- Season the Noodles: In a bowl, mix the cooked noodles with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon oyster sauce. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemongrass Stir-Fried Shrimp
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Season the Shrimp: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat the Oil: In another skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, snap peas, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss the vegetables with the cooked rice noodles and stir to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice Noodle Bowl
- Base Layer: Divide the noodle and vegetable mixture evenly among bowls.
- Top with Shrimp: Spoon the lemongrass stir-fried shrimp over the top of the noodle bowls.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh basil or mint leaves, and cilantro. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
Tips for Perfect Lemongrass Stir-Fried Shrimp Rice Noodle Bowl
- Fresh Lemongrass: For the best flavor, use fresh lemongrass. If you can’t find it, lemongrass paste is a convenient alternative.
- Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They should be pink and opaque but still juicy.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the chili flakes or use less.
Conclusion
The Lemongrass Stir-Fried Shrimp Rice Noodle Bowl is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender shrimp, aromatic lemongrass, and a medley of crisp vegetables, this bowl is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Enjoy your culinary creation!
For more great recipes and cooking tips, be sure to explore our other articles. Happy cooking!