Shrimp Shiitake Noodles

These Shrimp Shiitake Noodles are a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of shiitake mushrooms and succulent shrimp, all nestled among perfectly cooked noodles. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that will impress family and friends alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and soy sauce creates a savory experience that bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins to customize the recipe to your taste.
• Healthy Option: With fresh ingredients and no heavy sauces, these noodles provide a balanced meal without compromising on taste.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys it.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools to make preparing these Shrimp Shiitake Noodles easier.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Cooking pot
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Pasta strainer

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: Provides enough space for cooking ingredients evenly and allows for easy tossing of the noodles.
• Pasta strainer: Ensures you can drain your noodles quickly without losing any in the process.

Ingredients

These Shrimp Shiitake Noodles are loaded with earthy shiitake mushrooms, juicy, plump shrimp and oodles of noodles in a yummy soy sauce and butter sauce. Best of all, dinner in 30 minutes! Get your slurp on!

For the Noodles

• 12 ounce noodles or pasta (I used bucatini pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Shrimp

• ¾ pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

For the Sauce

• 5 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 large shallots (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Mushrooms

• 12 ounce shiitake mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)

For Flavoring

• ½ cup white grape juice
• 1½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 3 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Final Touches

• 1½ cups pasta water
• 3 green onions (sliced)

How to Make Shrimp Shiitake Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Cook your noodles or pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook on both sides for about 1 to 2 minutes or until the shrimp is pink and starts to get golden brown. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Aromatics

Add the butter and sesame oil to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the shallots and garlic. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until shallots have softened and garlic is aromatic.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the shiitake mushrooms and stir so that they get coated in the butter mixture. Turn down heat to medium and cook until they start to lightly brown—this should take about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Deglaze

Deglaze the skillet with white grape juice, stirring to scrape up all brown bits from the bottom. Cook for about 1 minute until mushrooms soak up all grape juice.

Step 6: Add Sauces

Stir in dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and reserved pasta water. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Add cooked noodles into the skillet with everything else. Toss well. Add shrimp back into skillet and garnish with sliced green onions.

Step 8: Serve

Serve while warm for a delicious meal that’s sure to please!

How to Serve Shrimp Shiitake Noodles

Serving Shrimp Shiitake Noodles can elevate your dining experience. These noodles are versatile and can be paired with various sides or garnishes to enhance their flavor profile.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant taste that complements the earthy mushrooms.
• Basil: Offers a sweet aroma and pairs well with the soy sauce.
• Mint: Provides a refreshing contrast, adding complexity to each bite.

Pair with Crunchy Vegetables

• Cucumber Salad: A light, crisp side that balances the rich flavors of the noodles.
• Steamed Broccoli: Adds nutritional value and a satisfying crunch.
• Carrot Slaw: The sweetness of carrots contrasts nicely with the savory noodles.

Enjoy with Dipping Sauces

• Soy Sauce Mix: A blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped scallions for added flavor.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick alongside their meal.

How to Perfect Shrimp Shiitake Noodles

Perfecting your Shrimp Shiitake Noodles involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shiitake mushrooms and shrimp will enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook until just pink; overcooking makes them tough and chewy.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps thicken the sauce and create a better texture for the noodles.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to modify salt and spice levels.
• Toss Gently: When mixing ingredients in the skillet, use gentle motions to avoid breaking the noodles.
• Serve Immediately: These noodles are best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet while they’re warm and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Shiitake Noodles

Complement your Shrimp Shiitake Noodles with these delicious side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly.

1. Edamame: Lightly salted edamame beans bring protein and a satisfying bite.
2. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup enhances the umami flavors found in your main dish.
3. Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh vegetables wrapped in rice paper offer a light, crunchy side that’s easy to prepare.
4. Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar add brightness to your plate.
5. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick sautéed bok choy provides a nutritious green addition that’s full of flavor.
6. Tempura Vegetables: Crispy tempura adds texture and fun elements to your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Shrimp Shiitake Noodles, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Pasta Water: Many people forget to reserve pasta water. This starchy liquid helps bind the sauce and noodles together, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Overcooking Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque; this usually takes 1-2 minutes per side.
• Not Using Enough Seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland noodles. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or soy sauce accordingly for balanced flavor.
• Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Using subpar ingredients affects the dish’s overall taste. Invest in fresh shrimp and quality shiitake mushrooms for the best results.
• Rushing the Sauce: Allow time for the sauce to reduce and flavors to meld. Rushing this process can result in a watery sauce that lacks depth.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Shrimp Shiitake Noodles

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Shrimp Shiitake Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread noodles on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Shrimp Shiitake Noodles?

Shrimp Shiitake Noodles are a delicious dish that combines succulent shrimp, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and flavorful noodles tossed in a savory sauce.

Can I customize the recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also switch up the protein if desired.

How long does it take to make Shrimp Shiitake Noodles?

This recipe is quick! You can have it ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

What type of noodles work best?

While bucatini works great, other noodles like udon or rice noodles can also be used depending on your preference.

Can I make Shrimp Shiitake Noodles ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving.

Conclusion

These Shrimp Shiitake Noodles are not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. The combination of juicy shrimp and earthy mushrooms makes each bite delightful. Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personal touch!

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