There is something truly magical about the Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe that just makes your taste buds sing. This dish brilliantly combines tender shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a crispy, golden cake of egg noodles all drenched in a savory, luscious sauce. The texture contrast between the crunchy noodles and the juicy, flavorful stir fry is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just jazzing up a weeknight dinner, this recipe always delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe lies in its straightforward, reliable ingredients. Each one serves a vital purpose, whether it’s adding crunch, color, bite, or balancing rich flavors perfectly for an unforgettable dish.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy base on the noodles without sticking.
- Egg noodles: The star carbohydrate that crisps up into a satisfying cake with just the right chew.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness when cooking the shrimp that elevates the dish.
- Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp bring a sweet, delicate protein to the stir fry.
- Garlic salt: A quick way to infuse the shrimp with savory depth.
- Oil (additional): For stir frying the colorful medley of vegetables to tender-crisp perfection.
- Baby bok choy: Adds vibrant green color and a slight crunch, balancing the heavier egg noodles.
- Mushrooms: Earthy flavor that complements the shrimp and sauce beautifully.
- Zucchini: Light and fresh, contributing subtle sweetness and texture.
- Carrots: Bright orange slices that add a natural sweetness and crunch.
- Onions: A slightly sweet bite that deepens the overall flavor.
- Chicken stock: The savory, rich base for the sauce that ties everything together.
- Oyster sauce: Brings savory umami punch and a hint of sweetness.
- Shoyu (soy sauce): Adds saltiness and depth to the sauce complexity.
- Granulated sugar: Balances out the salty and umami components with subtle sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a toasty, nutty aroma and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance and season all the ingredients just right.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect clingy texture.
- Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce.
How to Make Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Create the Crispy Noodle Cake
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat—it’s essential you get it nice and hot to achieve that perfect crisp. Spread the cooked egg noodles evenly so they form a single layer and resist the urge to stir. Let them cook undisturbed until the bottom turns a golden brown crust. When you’re confident one side is crispy, gently flip the entire noodle cake to crisp the other side without breaking it. This part takes patience but is key to getting that delightful texture contrast in the Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
In a separate pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter until foamy and fragrant. Toss in the shrimp along with garlic salt, and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn an opaque pink. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside, ready to join the vegetable stir fry later.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Using another tablespoon of oil, add mushrooms, bok choy, zucchini, carrots, and onions. Stir fry these colorful veggies just until they begin to soften but still maintain a crisp bite—about 2 to 3 minutes. The freshness and crunch of these vegetables really elevate this Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe and keep it from feeling heavy. Remove from the pan and set aside with the shrimp.
Step 4: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine chicken stock, oyster sauce, shoyu, sugar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly blended and bring the mixture to a simmer. This sauce is where all the savory notes unite and it beautifully coats the shrimp and vegetables later on.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, creating the slurry. Slowly drizzle this into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to a luscious, glossy consistency that clings perfectly to each bite—a crucial finishing step to elevate the Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked vegetables to the pan, add the shrimp back in, and pour the thickened sauce over the mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly on medium heat until everything is heated through and every piece is coated in that flavorful sauce. This harmonious union is the heart of the dish.
Step 7: Serve with the Crispy Noodle Cake
Place your golden, crispy noodle cake onto a large serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the steaming shrimp and vegetable stir fry with sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately to fully enjoy the delightful contrast of textures in the Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe.
How to Serve Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions make ideal garnishes, adding a burst of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also adds a wonderful nutty crunch that complements the textures already present in this dish.
Side Dishes
Since this stir fry is filling and packed with vegetables and protein, light sides work best. A simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame can offer freshness and a cool contrast. Alternatively, pickled vegetables can provide a tangy brightness that balances the savory stir fry beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stir fry in individual lettuce cups or wrapped in large leafy greens for a handheld delight. Another interactive option is to allow guests to break apart the crispy noodle cake and mix it themselves with the shrimp and veggies for a rustic, family-style experience. Presentation really amps up the excitement around this beloved Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stir fry and crispy noodle cake should be stored separately in airtight containers. This helps maintain the crunch of the noodles while preserving the vibrant taste and texture of the shrimp and vegetables. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 2 days for best quality.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for the crispy noodles, as they will lose their texture and become soft when thawed. The shrimp and vegetable stir fry can be frozen in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. For the noodle cake, rewarming in a hot pan with a little oil is best to try and restore some crispness rather than microwaving, which will make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like rice noodles or even thin chow mein noodles. Just be mindful that cooking times and crisping techniques may vary.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work fine; just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper searing.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Sure thing! Simply skip the shrimp and either add extra mushrooms, tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein. You can also replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and oyster sauce with mushroom sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is this stir fry?
This recipe is mild and focuses on savory and umami flavors. However, you can easily customize the heat by adding chili flakes, fresh chili slices, or a splash of chili oil to your taste.
What’s the best way to keep the noodle cake crispy?
Make sure your pan and oil are hot enough before adding the noodles, avoid stirring once spread, and flip carefully to maintain its integrity. Serving immediately while hot also preserves that appealing crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to whip up at home. The satisfying crunch of the noodle cake paired with the juicy shrimp and vibrant veggies in a luscious, savory sauce makes it a winner every time. I cannot wait for you to try this recipe and add it to your regular rotation—it’s truly comfort food with a wow factor!
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
This Crispy Cake Noodle Stir Fry features golden-browned egg noodles topped with a savory stir fry of shrimp and crisp-tender vegetables in a rich, glossy oyster-soy sauce. The dish combines crispy textures with succulent shrimp and vibrant veggies, finished with a flavorful sauce thickened to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound egg noodles, cooked to package directions
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Stir Fry
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 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
For the 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
- Prepare the crispy noodles: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the cooked egg noodles, spreading them evenly into a flat layer. Leave undisturbed until the bottom side browns and crisps up. Carefully flip the noodle cake to brown the other side as well, keeping its shape intact. Once crisp and golden, remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In another pan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with 1 teaspoon garlic salt, tossing to coat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir fry the vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan used for the shrimp. Add sliced mushrooms, chopped bok choy, zucchini, carrots, and onions. Stir fry the vegetables over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly softened but still crisp. Avoid overcooking. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons shoyu (soy sauce), 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the ingredients and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine shrimp, vegetables, and sauce: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan, add the cooked shrimp, then pour the thickened sauce over. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and warm through over medium heat.
- Serve the stir fry over crispy noodles: Arrange the crispy noodle cake on a large serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the shrimp and vegetable stir fry with sauce over the top of the noodles. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Use cooked egg noodles per package instructions for best results.
- Be careful when flipping the noodle cake to keep it intact.
- Adjust seasoning in the sauce to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- To keep vegetables crisp, do not overcook during stir fry.
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock and oyster sauce with vegetable alternatives.
