Name: 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.10 lb udon noodles (frozen or fresh, prepared according to package instructions); 10 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 green onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnishing; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or red pepper flakes (double the amount for more spice); 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar or cane sugar; ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder; ½ teaspoon Chinese black vinegar (can substitute apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or white vinegar); 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons regular soy sauce

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 50 reviews

If you love bold flavors and crave a quick yet satisfying meal, the 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe is going to be your new go-to dinner hero. Picture perfectly bouncy udon noodles drenched in an aromatic chili garlic oil, paired with juicy, tender shrimp that come together in a flash. This recipe is not only a fantastic balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes but also incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you need a delicious meal without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the bottom right holds a block of pale beige noodles with thick, round strands. Above it and slightly to the left is a medium bowl containing several raw shrimp with a translucent gray color and visible tails. To the right of the shrimp bowl is a small bowl filled with light yellow oil. Above the noodle bowl and to the left is the smallest bowl with bright green chopped spring onions. The scene is bright and clean, with natural lighting highlighting the textures of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the careful selection of ingredients that bring a burst of flavor and pleasing textures. Each component plays a crucial role — from the chewy udon noodles to the punchy chili garlic oil — creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

1.10 lb udon noodles (frozen or fresh): These thick, chewy noodles absorb the sauce beautifully and provide a wonderful bite.
10 jumbo shrimp (peeled & deveined): Adds succulent protein that cooks quickly to keep the dish light yet filling.
1 green onion (finely chopped): Offers a fresh, mild sharpness to brighten the overall flavor.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Any neutral oil works; it’s perfect for cooking shrimp without overpowering the flavors.
1 clove garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with its signature aromatic warmth and depth.
½ teaspoon sesame seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and nutty note as a finishing touch.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: Provides a rich, toasted aroma that ties the sauce together.
1 teaspoon gochugaru or red pepper flakes: Delivers just the right amount of smoky heat. Double it if you like things spicier!
1 teaspoon white granulated sugar or cane sugar: Balances the heat and acidity with a touch of sweetness.
½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder: Enhances umami and deepens the savory profile without overpowering the shrimp.
½ teaspoon Chinese black vinegar (or alternative vinegars): Brings tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the oil and soy sauce.
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce: Adds a deeper color and slightly sweeter soy flavor.
2 teaspoons regular soy sauce: Balances saltiness and rounds out the sauce.

How to Make 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Udon Noodles

Start by loosening your frozen udon noodles by soaking them briefly in hot boiling water for about 30 seconds. This step softens them just enough for perfect texture without overcooking. Once they’re loosened, drain and set aside. This ensures your noodles stay bouncy and ready to absorb the flavors later on.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, curl up, and are just cooked through — this should only take a couple of minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery. Once ready, remove the shrimp and set them aside so they’re ready to be tossed back in later.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and finely chopped green onions to the pan. Sauté for about 10 seconds until fragrant, making sure you don’t let the garlic burn. This step releases those wonderful aromas that set the flavor foundation for your noodles.

Step 4: Add Sauce Ingredients

Quickly add the sauce ingredients in this specific order to avoid burning and evenly incorporate flavors: sesame oil, gochugaru or red pepper flakes, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, Chinese black vinegar, dark soy sauce, and regular soy sauce. Stir them well to blend everything together, creating a luscious chili garlic base.

Step 5: Toss Noodles and Shrimp

Add the udon noodles to the pan and mix thoroughly so every strand is coated with that flavorful sauce. Then gently fold in the cooked shrimp, allowing the residual heat to meld the components together before removing the pan from heat.

How to Serve 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe

This image shows a black bowl filled with thick, dark brown noodles mixed with large shrimp that have a light orange color and visible grill marks. The noodles shine with a sauce and are topped with small green onion pieces and white sesame seeds scattered evenly over the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds subtle crunch and nutty flavor. Don’t be shy with extra chopped green onions either — their freshness really livens up the bowl and adds a pleasant pop of green that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serve this spicy and flavorful noodle dish alongside something light and cooling like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy tossed with garlic. These sides balance the richness and heat while keeping your meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chili garlic shrimp noodles in individual small bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg for extra richness. Alternatively, garnish with fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime to add an unexpected citrusy brightness. Presentation can truly elevate the enjoyment of your quick homemade meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight but the noodles may absorb some sauce, so don’t add too much sauce initially if you plan to store leftovers.

Freezing

While the shrimp and noodles don’t freeze exceptionally well due to texture changes, you can freeze just the sauce portion separately in a small container for up to one month. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat quickly for a fresh batch anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or oil if the noodles seem dry. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the garlic from burning again. A quick stir-fry refresh works best.

FAQs

Can I use dried noodles instead of udon?

Dried noodles can work but may require longer cooking times and won’t have quite the same chewy texture as udon. If using dried noodles, cook them according to the package instructions and adjust soaking time accordingly.

Is gochugaru essential for this recipe?

Gochugaru adds a distinctive Korean chili flavor and mild smokiness, but if you don’t have it, red pepper flakes are a fine substitute. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference to keep the dish balanced and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian or vegan, swap the shrimp for firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth powder instead of chicken bouillon. The umami and spice from the sauce will still shine beautifully.

How spicy is this dish?

This chili garlic shrimp noodles recipe offers moderate heat that can be easily adjusted by changing the amount of gochugaru or red pepper flakes. Start with the suggested amount and double it only if you love a good spicy kick.

What type of vinegar works best?

Chinese black vinegar provides a deep, slightly sweet tang perfect for this dish, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or even white vinegar depending on what’s available. Each will slightly alter the flavor but still deliver that necessary acidic balance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably satisfying about whipping up a vibrant, flavorful meal in just 15 minutes, and this 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Noodles Recipe does exactly that. It’s perfect for those nights when time is short but you still want a dish packed with layered tastes and textures. I encourage you to try it and make it your signature quick dinner that friends and family will keep asking for.