These Shrimp Boats with Garlic-Chili Butter are a stunning way to serve shrimp. Delicately placed over nests of vermicelli noodles, each shrimp is infused with a fragrant garlic-chili butter sauce and then steamed to perfection. This dish is quick to prepare and packed with savory, spicy, and umami flavors, making it perfect for a light but satisfying meal.

Shrimp boats placed on rice noodles and topped with garlic-chili butter.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Bold Flavors: A balance of garlic, spice, umami, and a touch of sweetness.
Light Yet Satisfying: The delicate noodles and shrimp make for a filling meal without being heavy.
Elegant Presentation: Perfect for entertaining or a special meal at home.

Ingredients

Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe as they hold their shape well when butterflied and steamed.

Rice Vermicelli: These thin noodles cook quickly and absorb flavors well. Be sure to soak them just until tender to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Fish Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount slightly or use a light soy sauce substitute.

Sesame Oil: Enhances the nutty aroma of the shrimp. Use toasted sesame oil for a richer flavor.

See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

Rice noodles shaped into nests are placed on a white plate.

Step 1: Place the rice vermicelli in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Soak for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Drain well. Divide the noodles into small, round nests and arrange them on a heatproof plate or shallow steamer tray.

Butterfly the shrimp and make it into boat shape.

Step 2: Butterfly the shrimp by slicing them almost in half lengthwise but keeping them attached. Gently press the shrimp flat and make a small slit at the base. Insert the tail through the slit to create a “boat” shape.

Step 3: Toss the shrimp with lime zest, fish sauce, and sesame oil.

Garlic-chili sauce cooked in a saucepan.

Step 4: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to bubble. Add the garlic and chili, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds and remove from heat.

Step 9: Drizzle half the garlic-chili butter sauce over the shrimp and noodles.

Step 6: Place the shrimp boats in a steamer and steam over high heat for 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked.

Perfectly cooked shrimp boats topped with garlic butter.

Expert Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will elevate the dish’s flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly, so remove them from the steamer as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer it milder, reduce the chili flakes or omit them. For a smokier heat, use a pinch of Korean gochugaru or crushed dried Thai chilies.
Ensure Even Cooking: Place the shrimp boats in a single layer in the steamer for uniform cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a Thai cucumber salad or a simple mango and avocado salad for a refreshing contrast.
Pair these shrimp boats with crispy spring rolls, or Vietnamese-style pickled vegetables to balance the softness of the shrimp and noodles.
Serve alongside a light soy-based dipping sauce with a splash of lime juice.

Shrimp and noodles picked using chopsticks.

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