Garlic Butter Shrimp Ramen Noodles

I wasn’t expecting simple ramen noodles to turn into such a satisfying shrimp dinner, but that sizzling garlic butter sauce makes every bite worth going back for. Juicy seared shrimp and glossy, saucy noodles come together in a rich garlic butter broth, turning a pantry staple into something genuinely craveable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elevated instant ramen. A simple pack of noodles gets transformed with a rich, savory garlic butter sauce.
• Juicy seared shrimp. Seasoned and seared separately, they add great texture and flavor throughout.
• Ready in 25 minutes. A fast, satisfying dinner that doesn’t rely on the seasoning packet.
• Adjustable heat. Red pepper flakes let you control the spice level to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Seasoned Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Ramen

• 3 packs instant ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¾ cup chicken broth or seafood broth
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ to 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Ramen Noodles

1. Cook the ramen. Boil the ramen noodles for just 2 minutes, until loosened but still slightly firm. Drain well and set aside.

2. Season the shrimp. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently so the seasoning coats the shrimp evenly.

3. Sear the shrimp. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink, lightly golden, and just cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.

4. Make the garlic butter sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Build the broth. Pour in the chicken broth or seafood broth. Add the onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Toss the ramen. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the garlic butter sauce. Toss for 1 to 2 minutes until the noodles absorb some of the flavorful broth and become glossy and saucy.

7. Add the shrimp. Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and gently toss with the garlic butter ramen. Add the fresh lemon juice, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, if using.

8. Serve hot. Spoon the garlic butter shrimp ramen into bowls and finish with extra parsley or red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Ramen

• Don’t overcook the noodles in the first boil. Two minutes is enough since they’ll continue absorbing sauce in the skillet.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. One to two minutes per side is enough; they’ll turn rubbery if left too long.
• Toss the noodles well in the sauce. This helps them soak up flavor and become glossy rather than sitting in a separate broth.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste. Start with less if you’re unsure, since you can always add more at the end.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Ramen

This dish is a satisfying meal on its own, but a simple side of steamed vegetables or a cucumber salad can round things out if you’d like something extra.

Frequently Asked Questions