Super Easy Microwave Shrimp Aglio e Olio
Impress Your Guests Effortlessly: Microwave Shrimp Aglio e Olio for Any Occasion
When unexpected guests arrive and your pantry only contains instant ramen, don’t panic! Transform a simple packet of ramen into an elegant and flavorful Shrimp Aglio e Olio using just your microwave. This recipe is your secret weapon to appearing like a culinary genius in under 10 minutes, perfect for impromptu gatherings or when you crave something beyond ordinary noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 packet instant ramen (noodles only)
- 6 shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasoning & Aromatics
- Extra virgin olive oil, generously
- 5 dried red chilies (peperoncino) or substitute, adjust to taste
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced offers superior flavor!)
- 1/3 packet of the instant ramen soup base
- Pinch of dried parsley, for garnish
- A few whole black peppercorns, freshly ground
- Extra virgin olive oil, generously
- 5 dried red chilies (peperoncino) or substitute, adjust to taste
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced offers superior flavor!)
- 1/3 packet of the instant ramen soup base
- Pinch of dried parsley, for garnish
- A few whole black peppercorns, freshly ground
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by selecting a microwave-safe bowl with some depth. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the bowl. If you’re a big garlic fan, feel free to add a little more! Using freshly minced garlic will significantly enhance the authentic aroma of Aglio e Olio.
Step 2
Next, pour enough extra virgin olive oil into the bowl to generously cover the minced garlic. The olive oil is crucial for infusing flavor, so don’t be shy with it.
Step 3
Now, add the dried red chilies (peperoncino). I’m using 5 here, but feel free to adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. You can add them whole or lightly crush them to release more heat and flavor.
Step 4
Once the garlic, olive oil, and chilies are combined, place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 2 minutes. This brief heating period allows the garlic and chili flavors to infuse beautifully into the olive oil.
Step 5
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Pour 200ml of water into the infused oil. This will form the base liquid for cooking your ramen noodles.
Step 6
Add only the noodle block from your instant ramen packet to the liquid. Set the soup packet aside for later. Place the bowl back into the microwave and cook for 4 minutes. The noodles will begin to soften.
Step 7
If using frozen shrimp, rinse them under cold water to thaw. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Adding the shrimp towards the end ensures they cook perfectly without becoming tough.
Step 8
About halfway through the noodle cooking time (after the initial 2 minutes of the 4-minute cook), add the prepared shrimp on top of the noodles. Continue microwaving for the remaining 2 minutes. The shrimp will cook alongside the noodles, absorbing their flavor.
Step 9
After the final 2 minutes of microwaving, the shrimp should be perfectly cooked – tender and plump. Shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked, so this short cooking time is ideal for maintaining a pleasant texture. It takes about 2 minutes for them to cook through.
Step 10
Carefully transfer the cooked noodles and shrimp into a serving dish. Sprinkle in 1/3 of the ramen soup base to season. This unique step replaces the need for salt, providing a savory depth that perfectly balances the dish. It’s the clever secret to this quick recipe!
Step 11
Finally, garnish with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of dried parsley. Voilà! You have a stunning ‘Shrimp Aglio e Olio’ that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant. Your guests will be amazed by this delightful and surprisingly simple creation!
