Asian Noodles with Grilled Shrimp and Lime

One look at this recipe and I knew I would like it.  I have several excellent recipes for Asian noodle dishes, but this one is a little different and less involved than most.   It's garlicky, spicy and bright with lime, and the marinated grilled shrimp are perfect with the vibrant flavors of the dish.  The fried shallots deliver the knockout punch.

Asian Noodles with Grilled Shrimp and Lime...adapted from a recipe in Food and Wine magazine

8 ounces Chinese egg noodles

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoons tamari

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon agave syrup

2 large shallots, thinly sliced and separated into rings

6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined

Salt

2 scallions, finely chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste

Lime wedges for serving

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add the noodles and cook, stirring, until tender.  Drain and rinse under cold water.  In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the oil with the soy sauce, tamari and agave syrup.  Add the noodles and toss.

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil.  Add the shallots and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden brown and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shallots to paper towels.  Add the garlic to the skillet and cook over low heat until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes.  Transfer the garlic to the paper towel.

Light a grill or preheat a grill pan.  In a bowl combine the lime zest and juice with the remaining 1 tablespoon of the oil.  Stir in the shrimp and season with salt. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.  Grill the shrimp over high heat, turning once, until glazed and just white throughout, about 3 minutes.

Arrange the noodles on a large platter.  Sprinkle with the scallions, cilantro, crushed red pepper and the fried shallots and garlic.  Arrange the shrimp on top and serve with lime wedges alongside.

It's Foodie Friday again and there's a party going on over at Designs by Gollum.  I hope you will head on over for a visit to see who's participating in this week's event.  You're the hostess with the mostess, Michael, thanks for getting us all together again.