TikTok Garlic Shrimp Noodles with Sweet Soy Sauce

What’s Up, Hungry People

I’m always on a search for the easiest weeknight dinners—and I think I’ve found the one I’ll be making on repeat for… forever. Ready in just 15 minutes, these garlic shrimp noodles are coated in a sweet and spicy chili sauce that was inspired by my trip to Indonesia.

There’s something magical about a dish that comes together fast but still feels like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen. You don’t need any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a few simple things that you might already have stashed in your pantry or fridge. The garlic and shrimp cook up in a flash, and when you toss in the sweet soy sauce, chili flakes, and a squeeze of fresh lemon, you’re left with a sauce that’s got just the right balance of sweet, heat, and tang.

This recipe was definitely a winner on those lazy nights when I just couldn’t muster the energy for anything complicated but still wanted to eat something tasty and comforting. The noodles soak up every bit of the sauce, wrapping all those flavors around each bite of juicy shrimp. Plus, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but craving something a little more exciting than the usual pasta night. So, grab your skillet, get those noodles boiling, and let’s make dinner a little less boring and a whole lot more delicious.

Making the BEST Garlic Chili Shrimp Noodles

The key is in the ingredients.

Here’s What You Need:

• Shrimp: Fresh (not frozen) and peeled shrimp cook quickly and pack in a lot of protein.
• Olive Oil: This helps sauté the shrimp and forms the base of the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy kick.
• Garlic Cloves: Thinly sliced, garlic brings tons of flavor and fragrance to the dish.
• Green Onion: Adds both color and flavor—don’t forget extra for topping!
• Korean Chili Flakes: Different from regular red pepper flakes, these have a fruity flavor and are often used in dishes like kimchi.
• Coconut Palm Sugar: Made from palm sap, it adds a deep caramel note that balances the spice.
• Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis): A thicker, sweeter version of soy sauce with a molasses-like consistency.
• Dark Soy Sauce: You can substitute this with tamari or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
• Egg Noodles: These noodles soak up all the delicious sauce while bringing their own savory flavor to the dish. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water for the sauce!

Southeast Asian Inspiration

These noodles are a mash-up of flavors, like sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) and Korean chili flakes, both of which I discovered while we honeymooned in Indonesia. Thankfully, these ingredients are becoming more common and can often be found in Asian markets or even regular grocery stores. And if you’re really stuck, Amazon has your back for those hard-to-find items.

Kecap manis, also known as sweet soy sauce, is thick, sticky, and has a flavor reminiscent of molasses. In this recipe, it’s balanced with coconut palm sugar—a Southeast Asian staple that plays on the line between sweet and earthy, adding depth to the dish.

Korean chili flakes were another new favorite I picked up. Unlike regular red pepper flakes, these aren’t overly spicy and have a fruity-sweet flavor that’s similar to a sweet red bell pepper but with more depth, akin to ancho chilies.

The egg noodles cook on the side while you whip up the shrimp and sauce. Before draining the noodles, remember to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water. This little trick helps the sauce stick to the noodles, making the dish even more cohesive.

Let’s Cook

First up, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Keep an eye on them—you want them al dente, so they hold up nicely when mixed with the sauce. Right before draining, scoop out a cup of that pasta water and set it aside. It’s the secret ingredient for your sauce, so don’t skip this step!

Sautéing the Shrimp and Building the Sauce

While the noodles are cooking, heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil moves freely in the pan. Toss in the garlic slices and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let them burn! Add the shrimp to the skillet and give them a quick sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Next, sprinkle in the Korean chili flakes, coconut palm sugar, sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir it all together until the shrimp are almost cooked through and nicely coated in the sauce, another 2-3 minutes should do the trick.

Bringing It All Together

Now, add the cooked egg noodles straight into the skillet with the shrimp. Pour in that reserved pasta water, and stir everything together so the sauce coats every noodle and shrimp. Let it all simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up a bit.

Finishing Touches

Serve your noodles topped with the green parts of the green onions for a pop of color and a fresh bite. That’s it—dig in and enjoy!

Extra Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Noodles:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast! Keep an eye on them, as overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
• Adjusting the Spice Level: If you’re not into too much heat, start with less Korean chili flakes and add more to taste. You can always amp up the heat, but you can’t take it back!
• Using Frozen Shrimp: If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp work just fine—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
• Leftover Sauce: If you’ve got some leftover sauce, it makes a great marinade for chicken or a quick stir-fry base for veggies.

Common Questions About Garlic Shrimp Noodles:

• Can I use other types of noodles? Yes! Udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti can work. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
• What if I don’t have coconut palm sugar? Brown sugar is a good substitute, though it’ll have a slightly different flavor. Regular white sugar can work in a pinch, too.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce ingredients in advance. If reheating, do so gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
• Is this dish gluten-free? Swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free noodle and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free, too (tamari or coconut aminos are great options).

Check It Out on TikTok

@fictionalfeastfelicia making one of my favorite weeknight meals – but this time I'm using ingredients inspired by my trip to Southeast Asia #15minutemeals #recipesforyou #noodles #recipe #weeknightmeals #fyp #recipetok ♬ Lofi Vibes – Gentle State

And there you have it, Hungry People! These garlic shrimp noodles are the perfect way to bring some bold Southeast Asian flavors straight to your dinner table in no time. It’s a super quick meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you just need something fast but still crave a touch of adventure on your plate.

The combo of juicy shrimp, savory egg noodles, and that sweet-spicy sauce is seriously hard to beat. Trust me, this is one dish that’ll have you licking the bowl clean and reaching for seconds. So go ahead, whip up these noodles, and let the flavors take you somewhere warm and delicious.

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