Yaki Udon with Shrimp Recipe
Yaki Udon with Shrimp is a quick and flavorful Japanese stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender udon noodles, succulent shrimp, and a medley of fresh vegetables tossed in a savory soy-based sauce. This recipe highlights a perfect balance of textures and umami flavors, making it a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Noodles
- 1 pack (200g) udon noodles (preferably vacuum-packed)
Proteins
- 8–10 shrimp (approx 100g)
Vegetables
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 8 white mushrooms (sliced, approx 120g)
- 1 carrot (cut matchstick-style)
- 1 spring onion (green and white parts separated and chopped)
Oils & Sauces
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (NOT regular soy sauce)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
Seasonings
- Pinch of salt and pepper (divided)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/3 tsp freshly crushed black pepper
- Prepare the noodles: Boil the udon noodles according to the package instructions, usually for about 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a pan over high heat. Add the minced garlic and toast for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry on high heat until cooked through. Add the sliced yellow onions, white parts of the spring onions, and matchstick-cut carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same pan, add an additional one tablespoon of oil and heat it. Add the shrimp along with 1 tablespoon of regular soy sauce and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry until the shrimp turn opaque and are no longer pink, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Fry the noodles: Add the prepared udon noodles to the pan with the shrimp. Stir-fry on high heat, continuously tossing and stirring to allow the noodles to crisp slightly and heat evenly. This should take 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sauce: Pour in the sauce mixture made from 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/3 teaspoon freshly crushed black pepper, and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil. Stir well to coat the noodles and shrimp evenly.
- Toss in vegetables: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan and toss everything together to combine flavors and heat the vegetables through.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green parts of the spring onions on top for freshness. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy your delicious Yaki Udon with Shrimp!
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef strips for variation.
- Use freshly toasted sesame oil for the best aroma and flavor in the final dish.
- If udon noodles are not available, thick wheat noodles can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to taste for desired saltiness.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Keywords: Yaki Udon, Shrimp Udon, Japanese Stir Fry, Udon Noodles, Quick Dinner, Shrimp Recipe, Stir-fried Noodles