Shrimp and Rice Noodles in Spicy Peanut Sauce

This dish brings together tender shrimp and silky rice noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something a little exotic.

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TIME45 min

SERVINGS4

RATING4.7 / 5

Shrimp and Rice Noodles in Spicy Peanut Sauce

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil ¾ white onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 pound frozen shrimp, thawed 2 (14.5 ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 1 teaspoon red chile paste, or more to taste 1 (8 ounce) package wide rice noodles hot water to cover ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste ¼ cup Greek-style yogurt, or to taste ¼ cup chopped peanuts, or to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes, and cook everything together until the garlic just starts to turn golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the shrimp and keep stirring until they start to firm up, which should take around 5 minutes. Next, stir in the tomatoes, peanut butter, and red chile paste, and bring the mixture up to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens nicely, about 20 minutes. While the sauce is cooking, place the rice noodles in a big bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak until they're soft, roughly 15 minutes, then drain and give them a good rinse. To serve, pile the noodles onto plates and spoon the shrimp and peanut sauce over the top. Finish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of yogurt, and some crunchy peanuts for a bit of texture.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook the rice noodles just until tender to avoid them becoming mushy.
- Toast the peanuts lightly before blending to enhance the sauce’s depth.

Why you’ll love it

This dish perfectly balances spicy, savory, and nutty flavors. The tender shrimp and soft rice noodles soak up the rich peanut sauce, making every bite satisfying. It’s quick to prepare and feels special enough for any night of the week.

Serving ideas

Serve with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime for added brightness. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad complements the richness and adds freshness.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid freezing, as the noodles may become too soft.