Yaki Udon with Shrimp

Yaki Udon with Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Japan to your dinner table in just 20 minutes. This quick and delicious stir-fry features udon noodles tossed with tender shrimp and colorful veggies, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of savory sauces elevates the flavor, while the vibrant ingredients ensure a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this meal even on the busiest nights.
• Flavor-Packed: The blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh vegetables creates a rich taste that will impress your family and friends.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping shrimp for chicken or beef if desired.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan not only saves time but also makes cleanup a breeze.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish offers a balanced meal without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Yaki Udon with Shrimp efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything comes together smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: A wide surface allows for even cooking and easy stirring of ingredients without spills.
• Pot for boiling noodles: Ensures that the udon noodles cook evenly and thoroughly before they are added to the stir fry.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for quickly chopping vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safe chopping.

Ingredients

This Yaki Udon is a quick and delicious Japanese noodles stir fry dish with shrimp and veggies.

For the Noodles

• 1 pack (200g) udon noodles (preferably vacuum-packed)

For the Stir Fry

• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 8-10 shrimp (approx 100g)
• 1 garlic (minced)
• 1 yellow onion (sliced)
• 8 white mushrooms (sliced, approx 120g)
• 1 carrot (cut matchstick-style)
• 1 spring onion (green & white separately chopped)

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp regular soy sauce
• pinch salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (NOT regular one)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1/3 tsp freshly crushed black pepper
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• pinch salt

How to Make Yaki Udon with Shrimp

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

1. Boil the udon noodles according to the package instructions.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
3. Drizzle some oil over the noodles to prevent sticking; set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Toast the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms; stir-fry until cooked through.
4. Add sliced onions, white parts of spring onions, and carrot matchsticks; stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper; remove veggies from pan.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. In the same pan, add an additional 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat.
2. Add shrimp; cook until they turn pink.
3. Pour in regular soy sauce along with a pinch of salt; mix well.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

1. Add udon noodles to the pan; fry on high heat while stirring continuously until they slightly crisp up evenly.
2. Pour in oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, crushed black pepper, and toasted sesame oil; stir well to combine all flavors.

Step 5: Add Veggies

1. Toss back in the sautéed vegetables into the noodle mixture; gently mix until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve

1. Turn off heat; sprinkle chopped green parts of spring onions over the top.
2. Serve hot on plates, enjoy your Yaki Udon with Shrimp!

How to Serve Yaki Udon with Shrimp

Yaki Udon with Shrimp is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate this delicious noodle dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro or Basil: Add fresh cilantro or basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nuttiness.

Pair with a Side Salad

• Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing complements the noodles perfectly.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with rice vinegar enhances the flavors of Yaki Udon.

Serve in a Bowl or Plate

• Bowl Presentation: Serve the noodles in deep bowls for an authentic look, allowing guests to enjoy the warmth.
• Plate Arrangement: For a more formal presentation, arrange the noodles neatly on a plate and decorate with veggies.

How to Perfect Yaki Udon with Shrimp

To ensure your Yaki Udon with Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and seasonal vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: Follow package instructions carefully; undercooked udon noodles retain a great bite.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying on high heat gives a nice char and keeps ingredients crisp.
• Adjust Sauce Levels: Feel free to modify soy sauce or oyster sauce amounts based on your taste preferences.
• Toss Quickly: When combining everything, work quickly to ensure even coating without overcooking.

Best Side Dishes for Yaki Udon with Shrimp

Complement your Yaki Udon with Shrimp by serving it alongside these delicious side dishes. They will enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile.

1. Edamame: Steamed edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt make for a healthy and tasty appetizer.
2. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth to your meal and balances flavors nicely.
3. Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers provide a crispy contrast.
4. Seaweed Salad: This refreshing salad provides a unique texture and umami flavor that pairs well with udon.
5. Pickled Vegetables: A mix of pickled radish and cucumber adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the dish.
6. Gyoza Dumplings: Pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables or shrimp make for an excellent side option that adds variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Yaki Udon with Shrimp, it’s essential to avoid a few common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using overcooked noodles: Be sure to boil the udon noodles according to package instructions. Overcooking can lead to mushy noodles that won’t hold up in your stir fry.
• Skipping the cold rinse: After boiling, rinse the noodles under cold water. This step helps stop the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together.
• Not heating the pan enough: Make sure your pan is hot before adding ingredients. A hot pan ensures that everything cooks quickly and retains its crunch.
• Ignoring ingredient prep: Cut all vegetables and shrimp before you start cooking. Having everything ready allows for a smoother cooking process and helps maintain freshness.
• Adding sauces too soon: Pouring sauces in at the wrong time can lead to soggy noodles. Wait until the noodles are added before pouring in your sauces for better flavor distribution.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Ensure the dish has cooled down before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing Yaki Udon with Shrimp

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
• Separate servings with parchment paper to make thawing easier.

Reheating Yaki Udon with Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil to a skillet over medium heat, add yaki udon, and stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Yaki Udon with Shrimp.

Can I use different protein options in Yaki Udon?

Yes! You can easily substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different taste.

How do I make Yaki Udon vegetarian?

Simply omit the shrimp and replace it with your favorite vegetables or tofu. Adjust the sauces accordingly.

What is the best type of udon noodle for this recipe?

Vacuum-packed udon noodles are ideal as they maintain a perfect texture during cooking.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Yaki Udon with Shrimp is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding various proteins or vegetables based on your preference. Give this delightful recipe a try—it’s sure to become a favorite!