Pak choi with shrimp and noodles

Delicious Pak Choi Recipe with Shrimp and Noodles

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

When it comes to quick and tasty dishes, the Pak Choi with Shrimp and Noodles recipe is the perfect choice. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavors and varied textures, from the crunchy pak choi to the juiciness of the shrimp and the soft noodles. A true feast that combines fresh ingredients and delicate flavors!

Ingredients
- 2 pieces of pak choi (approximately 400 g)
- 300 g pre-cooked shrimp
- 200 g noodles (preferably rice noodles or udon noodles)
- 150 g butter
- 6 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Water, for boiling

Recipe History
Pak choi, a type of Chinese cabbage, is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, valued for its crunchy texture and quick cooking time. This recipe is a perfect combination of simple ingredients that together create a sophisticated dish, suitable for both family dinners and special occasions.

Preparing the Ingredients
Start by washing the pak choi well under cold water to remove any impurities. Cut it into long strips, ensuring each piece is uniform for even cooking. Pre-cooked shrimp are an excellent choice, saving time and effort, and fresh garlic will add a wonderful aroma.

Step by Step
1. Preparing the pak choi: In a large skillet, melt 75 g of butter over medium heat. Add the whole garlic cloves, letting them soften for 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove the garlic from the skillet and set aside for serving, if desired.
2. Add the sliced pak choi to the skillet, along with about 50 ml of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it steam for 5-7 minutes until the leaves become tender but still remain crunchy.
3. Preparing the shrimp: In another skillet, melt the remaining butter (75 g) over medium heat. Add another 3 cloves of garlic, letting them sauté lightly for 1-2 minutes, then remove them from the skillet.
4. Add the pre-cooked shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Boiling the noodles: Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a large pot, add salt, and cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 6 minutes. Once done, drain them.
6. Assembling the dish: In the skillet with pak choi, add the sautéed shrimp and the cooked noodles. Mix all the ingredients well, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything heat for 2 minutes for the flavors to combine perfectly.

Serving
This dish is served hot, ideally on a large platter, garnished with fried garlic strips (if you saved them) and, why not, with some freshly chopped chili for a touch of spice. You can accompany this dish with a fresh salad or vegetable soup for a complete and balanced menu.

Useful Tips
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the shrimp with tofu or shiitake mushrooms, which will add a similar texture.
- For an explosion of flavors, add soy sauce or teriyaki sauce at the end, mixing well to coat each ingredient.
- The noodles can be replaced with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.

Nutritional Benefits
Pak choi is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making it an excellent antioxidant, while shrimp are a good source of lean protein. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, with approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of butter used.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen pak choi?
Answer: Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as frozen pak choi requires more time to soften.
2. Can I prepare the recipe in advance?
Answer: It is recommended to prepare this recipe fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients a day in advance and keep them in the refrigerator, then cook them later.

This Pak Choi with Shrimp and Noodles recipe is a perfect choice for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner. Enjoy every bite and savor the flavors that blend simplicity and elegance; it will surely become a family favorite!