Garlic and Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti

A quick and vibrant solo dining meal featuring plump shrimp, rich garlic flavor, and fiery dried chili peppers tossed with al dente spaghetti.

Ingredients

• 200 g spaghetti
• 10-12 fresh shrimp
• 1 head garlic
• 5-6 dried chili peppers
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 0.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• to taste black pepper
• as needed cooking oil
• optional grated cheese
• optional dried parsley

Instructions

1. 1Prep the shrimp

   

   Peel and deveine the fresh shrimp, then place them into a clean metal bowl to prepare for seasoning.

   Tip: Make sure to remove the black intestinal tract along the shrimps back for the best texture and taste.
2. 2Season the shrimp

   

   Sprinkle black pepper over the peeled shrimp in the bowl and let them marinate for about 10 minutes.

   Tip: Allowing the shrimp to marinate briefly with pepper enhances the savory flavor base.
3. 3Prepare aromatics

   

   Slice fresh garlic cloves and chop dried chili peppers, keeping them ready in a small container for stir-frying.

   Tip: Thinly slicing the garlic helps release its rich aroma quickly when heated in oil.
4. 4Boil the spaghetti

   

   Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and gently fan out the spaghetti noodles as you add them into the water.

   Tip: Cook the spaghetti for approximately 8 minutes so it achieves an al dente texture.
5. 5Remove cooked pasta

   

   Use cooking chopsticks to lift the boiled spaghetti noodles out of the hot water.

   Tip: Test a strand to ensure it is cooked through but still firm to the bite before removing.
6. 6Heat oil in the pan

   

   Pour a proper amount of cooking oil into the pan and heat it up over the stove to prepare for stir-frying the aromatics and ingredients.

   Tip: Make sure the pan is heated evenly before adding oil.
7. 7Sauté garlic and chili

   

   Heat cooking oil in a pan, then add the sliced garlic and dried chili peppers, stirring continuously until fragrant.

   Tip: Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic, which can cause a bitter taste.
8. 8Pan-fry the shrimp

   

   Add the marinated shrimp into the pan with the aromatic garlic and chili, and pan-fry them until they change color.

   Tip: Ensure the shrimp are evenly spread out in the pan for consistent cooking.
9. 9Combine spaghetti and shrimp

   

   Add the pre-cooked spaghetti and 2 to 3 spoonfuls of pasta water directly into the pan with the cooked shrimp and aromatics.

   Tip: Pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.
10. 10Season the pasta

    

    Pour light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and other seasonings directly over the spaghetti and shrimp mixture in the pan, then mix well.

    Tip: Add dark soy sauce gradually to achieve the ideal rich color without over-salting.
11. 11Add final seasonings and toss

    

    Sprinkle black pepper and chili powder into the pan, then thoroughly toss and mix all the ingredients together until the sauce coats every strand of pasta.

    Tip: Freshly ground black pepper provides a sharper, more vibrant aroma.
12. 12Season the pasta and ingredients

    

    Add light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, black pepper, and chili powder to the pan containing the cooked spaghetti and shrimp, then mix thoroughly to coat everything in the savory, spicy sauce.

    Tip: Adjust the chili powder quantity according to your personal preference for heat.
13. 13Mix pasta and ingredients

    

    Use a wooden spatula to thoroughly toss and mix the spaghetti, shrimp, sauce, and seasonings together in the pan so every strand is well coated.

    Tip: Toss gently to avoid breaking the spaghetti noodles.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions