This Quick and Delicious Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles is creamy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. It's one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull together on a weeknight. Your family is going to love this one!
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Pro Tips
Storage & Meal Prep
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of udon noodles should I use?
Fresh or frozen udon noodles from the Asian section have the best chewy texture. Dried udon noodles work too but cook according to the package — they take longer than fresh.
2. How do I cook udon noodles perfectly?
Boil fresh udon for 1-2 minutes (frozen for 2-3 minutes) until just tender. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. They finish cooking in the stir-fry sauce.
3. What makes the garlic sauce for udon?
Soy sauce, sesame oil, mirin, minced garlic, and a touch of chili flakes create a savory, aromatic sauce. Add a teaspoon of butter for extra richness.
4. What size shrimp works best with udon?
Large (21-25 count) shrimp pair best with the thick udon noodles. The proportions look and taste balanced. Smaller shrimp get lost among the chunky noodles.
5. How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook the shrimp separately first — just 2 minutes per side until pink — then remove and add back at the very end when tossing with noodles and sauce.
6. Can I add vegetables to garlic shrimp udon?
Bok choy, snap peas, mushrooms, and scallions are excellent additions. Quick-cooking vegetables that hold their crunch complement the soft, chewy udon perfectly.
7. Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe has a mild garlic flavor. Add sriracha, gochujang, or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat according to your preference.
8. Can I use spaghetti instead of udon?
In a pinch, thick spaghetti or linguine tossed with sesame oil mimics the texture. The flavor will be slightly different since udon has a unique chewy, wheat-based character.
9. How fast does this recipe come together?
About 15-20 minutes from start to finish. Prep the shrimp and garlic while the noodles boil, then everything comes together quickly in the wok or skillet.
10. How do I reheat leftover udon noodles?
Reheat in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of soy sauce and water. Udon noodles firm up when cold, so the extra liquid helps soften them back to their chewy texture.
Watch How to Make This
Quick and Delicious Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot over high heat, briefly cook the Japanese-style udon noodles for about 30 seconds to separate them. Transfer the noodles to a mixing bowl.
- Toss the udon noodles with sesame oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- In a large skillet over high heat, add vegetable oil and sauté shredded cabbage with soy sauce and sugar until caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cleaned shrimp to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for added spice.
- Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet and toss with oyster sauce until well combined.
- Garnish with finely sliced green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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