Thai Lime Shrimp & Noodles
The flavors just keep popping in this quick dinner! Use as much lime peel and chili paste as you like. My family is into spicy foods, but I kept the heat moderate in this version.
The flavors just keep popping in this quick dinner! Use as much lime peel and chili paste as you like. My family is into spicy foods, but I kept the heat moderate in this version.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 can (13.66 ounces) coconut milk
- 1-1/2 pounds uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound) peeled and deveined
- 1 cup minced fresh basil
- 4 teaspoons thai red chili paste
- 12 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons grated lime zest
- Carbohydrate 32.6363849303968 g
- Cholesterol 41.390303726 mg
- Fat 2.10779403366287 g
- Fiber 0.162761112722039 g
- Protein 6.70177462542254 g
- Saturated Fat 0.293649093595261 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (78g)
- Sodium 15.5380575676941 mg
- Sugar 32.4736238176747 g
- Trans Fat 0.462392024522686 g
- Calories 177 calories
Step-by-step
- Place the first five ingredients (salt, garlic, cornstarch, 2 teaspoons olive oil, ginger) in a blender; cover and process until blended.
- Remove 1 tablespoon of the blended mixture; toss with the shrimp.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add half of the shrimp mixture; stir-fry 2-4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
- Remove from pan; keep warm.
- Repeat with remaining oil and shrimp mixture.
- Add broth, coconut milk, salt and remaining basil mixture to the same pan.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Stir into broth mixture.
- Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Stir in lime zest.
- Drain pasta; add pasta and shrimp to sauce, tossing to coat.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Thai Lime Shrimp & Noodles
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve developed a repertoire of quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that the whole family loves. This Thai Lime Shrimp & Noodles dish is a perfect example. It's ready in under 30 minutes, and the vibrant flavors are a welcome change from the usual weeknight routine. The sweet, tangy, and spicy notes dance on your tongue, making it a truly satisfying meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the preparation is straightforward. I usually prep everything ahead of time – mincing the garlic and ginger, measuring out the spices – so when it’s time to cook, it’s a breeze. The vibrant colors of the shrimp, noodles, and fresh basil are almost as appealing as the taste itself. It’s a dish that's visually stunning and incredibly delicious, which is a major win in my book. I often find myself making a double batch because leftovers are just as good (if not better!) the next day. It also reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal-prep option.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili paste. If you're not a fan of spicy food, simply omit it altogether. I sometimes experiment with different types of noodles – rice noodles, spaghetti, or even linguine – depending on what I have on hand. The shrimp can also be substituted with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless!
A quick tip: To save even more time, I often use pre-cooked shrimp. It cuts down on cooking time considerably, making it perfect for those incredibly busy weeknights. And don't underestimate the power of fresh basil! The fragrant herbs add a delightful touch of freshness that elevates the entire dish. The combination of the lime zest and juice creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile, making it a refreshing and incredibly satisfying meal.
This recipe is more than just a quick weeknight dinner; it's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. It's a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a recipe I wholeheartedly recommend to any busy individual or family looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe allows me to connect with my family on a deeper level. The act of preparing and sharing a meal together creates a sense of togetherness and warmth that I truly cherish. It's a small moment in a busy day, but it's one that I wouldn't trade for anything. And that, my friends, is the true magic of cooking: it’s not just about the food, it’s about the love and memories we create around the table.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that the whole family will love, give this Thai Lime Shrimp & Noodles a try. I guarantee it will become a new staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy!
