If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s packed with flavor, texture, and a perfect balance of savory and fresh, this Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine golden, crunchy noodles forming a delightful base, topped with plump, juicy shrimp and vibrant vegetables all tossed in a luscious, savory sauce. It’s a complete dish that combines the best of crispy and tender in every bite, making it irresistibly satisfying and impressively easy to whip up on any weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish—from the crispy texture of the egg noodles to the bold umami of oyster sauce and the fresh crunch of veggies. They work together to create the perfect harmony in this Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe.
- Vegetable oil: For achieving that irresistibly crispy noodle cake base.
- Egg noodles (1 pound, cooked): These form the foundation with their chewy texture that crisps beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the shrimp and helps develop deep flavor.
- Shrimp (1/2 pound, peeled and deveined): Tender and juicy, the star protein of the dish.
- Garlic salt: A quick flavor booster for the shrimp.
- Additional oil (1 tablespoon): For stir-frying the fresh vegetables perfectly.
- Baby bok choy (1/2, chopped): A colorful, crisp green that adds freshness.
- Mushrooms (1/2 cup, sliced): Earthy notes and meaty texture.
- Zucchini (1/2 cup, sliced): Moist and tender with a mild flavor.
- Carrots (1/4 cup, sliced): Sweetness and vibrant color.
- Onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Slightly sweet with a bit of crunch.
- Chicken stock (1 1/2 cups): Deepens the sauce flavor with savory richness.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a salty-sweet umami punch.
- Shoyu/soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and saltiness to the sauce.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma.
- Salt and pepper: To season to taste and enhance all flavors.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): For thickening the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- Water (1/4 cup): Used to create a smooth cornstarch slurry.
How to Make Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Noodle Cake
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add your cooked egg noodles, spreading them into an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed so the bottom turns a gorgeous golden brown and gets beautifully crispy. Then, carefully flip to crisp the other side while trying to keep the cake shape intact. Once both sides are golden and crunchy, remove and set aside. This crispy noodle cake is what truly sets this dish apart.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
In another pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Toss in the shrimp with garlic salt and toss until the shrimp turn pink and opaque—usually just a couple minutes per side. The butter infuses a rich flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp perfectly. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add a little more oil to the pan and introduce your mushrooms, bok choy, zucchini, carrots, and onions. Stir fry these until they’re tender but still crisp, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t overcook here because the veggies should provide a fresh contrast to the crispy noodles and succulent shrimp. Once just softened, take the vegetables off the heat and set aside with the shrimp.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine chicken stock, oyster sauce, shoyu soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then whisk everything together thoroughly. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and get wonderfully aromatic.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly add this slurry to your simmering sauce while whisking constantly. This step thickens the sauce perfectly, creating a silky coating that will cling to your shrimp, veggies, and noodles for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp, Vegetables, and Sauce
Return your cooked vegetables to the pan, add the shrimp back in, and pour the luscious sauce over everything. Toss well over medium heat so all ingredients get coated in that glossy sauce and heated through. This fusion of textures and flavors is what makes the Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe so irresistible.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Place your crispy noodle cake onto a large serving plate or individual dishes. Generously spoon the shrimp and vegetable mixture over the top, allowing some sauce to drip enticingly over the edges. Serve this dish immediately while the noodles are still crisp and the sauce warm for a delightful meal full of contrasts.
How to Serve Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes this dish to the next level. Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Lightly toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that complements the sesame oil in the sauce. A wedge of lime on the side brightens up the flavors beautifully too.
Side Dishes
Since the main event here is already so vibrant and filling, simple side dishes are best. A crisp cucumber salad or a light Asian slaw balances the richness while enhancing the meal’s fresh elements. If you want some extra starch, a small serving of steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice pairs nicely without overpowering the crispy noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, consider plating the noodle cake whole and topping it generously with the shrimp and vegetable stir fry, creating a dramatic centerpiece. Alternatively, serve the noodle cake in smaller, individual portions for an elegant appetizer or snack. You can even nestle the dish inside a shallow bowl, spooning the saucy stir fry over the noodles and garnishing with chopped herbs for a cozy, comforting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The shrimp and vegetables will keep well for 2 to 3 days, but the noodles may soften over time. To maintain some crunch, store the noodle cake separately from the sauce and toppings if possible.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because the shrimp can become rubbery and the noodles lose their crispy texture. However, if needed, store the stir-fry mixture (without the noodles) in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp and vegetable mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce feels too thick. For the noodle cake, reheat in a non-stick pan with a little oil to help restore some of that gorgeous crispiness. Avoid microwaves as they can make everything soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles work beautifully for their texture and flavor, you can experiment with flat rice noodles or even instant ramen noodles—just keep in mind the cooking times and oil amounts might vary slightly.
What vegetables work best in this stir fry?
Mushrooms, bok choy, zucchini, carrots, and onions create a nice balance of flavors and textures, but feel free to swap in bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn to match what you have on hand or prefer.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I add heat?
This particular Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe isn’t spicy by default, making it great for everyone. If you love a kick, add sliced fresh chili, a dash of chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil during the sauce or as a garnish.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cooking and crisping the noodles ahead works well, and you can prep and chop the vegetables in advance. Keep the shrimp and vegetables separate until just before serving for the freshest texture.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp quickly?
Use kitchen shears to snip along the back of the shrimp and pull out the vein with the tip of a knife or your fingers. Buying shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined saves the most time, especially when you want to get cooking fast.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe is truly a celebration of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s a fantastic way to impress yourself and guests alike without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try soon—once you taste those crispy noodles topped with tender shrimp and vibrant veggies in a savory sauce, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A delicious Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry featuring crispy egg noodles topped with savory shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful oyster-soy sauce. This quick and easy recipe balances textures with crispy noodles and tender stir-fried ingredients, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Noodles and Oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
Protein
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Vegetables
- 1/2 baby bok choy, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1/4 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/4 cup onions, sliced
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons shoyu (soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Cook and Crisp the Noodles: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cooked egg noodles, spreading them into an even layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed until the bottom is browned and crispy. Carefully flip to brown the other side while keeping the cake shape intact. Remove the crispy noodle cake from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a separate pan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with 1 teaspoon garlic salt. Toss to combine and cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add chopped bok choy, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and onions. Stir fry over medium-high heat until vegetables soften slightly but remain crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcooking to retain texture. Remove vegetables and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine chicken stock, oyster sauce, shoyu (soy sauce), granulated sugar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture well and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the stir-fried vegetables to the pan over medium heat. Add the cooked shrimp and pour the thickened sauce over everything. Toss to coat evenly and heat through.
- Serve: Place the crispy noodle cake on a large serving dish or individual plates. Spoon the shrimp and vegetable stir fry with sauce over the top of the noodles. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and savory flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the noodles are dry before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce based on your salt preference.
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables to keep them crisp and fresh.
