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When it comes to Asian cuisine, few dishes are as beloved as yaki udon. This dish of stir-fried noodles with shrimp can be made with a variety of ingredients, making it perfect for any palate. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. If you’re looking for something new to try in your Asian cuisine rotation, be sure to give shrimp yaki udon a go. You won’t regret it!
What Is Yaki Udon?
Yaki udon is a stir-fried noodle dish that typically features shrimp. It can be made with a variety of ingredients, making it perfect for any palate. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. If you’re looking for something new to try in your Asian cuisine rotation, be sure to give yaki udon a go. You won’t regret it!
Yaki Udon is a type of Japanese noodle dish that is cooked in a hot pot. The noodles are made from a flour, water, and salt mixture that is stirred together and then boiled. After boiling, the noodles are dipped in a mixture of egg, oil, and soy sauce and then cooked in a hot pot. Yaki Udon is popular in Japan and can be found in many restaurants.
Shrimp Yaki Udon
Types Of Udon Noodles Are Used For This Dish
- Fresh udon noodles – These are cooked fresh and served straight from the pot.
- Refrigerated udon noodles – These are pre-boiled noodles that have been stored in a refrigerated environment.
- Dried udon noodles – These are pre-boiled noodles that have been dried. They tend to be thinner and have a less pronounced flavor than fresh or refrigerated udon noodles.
- Sanuki Udon Noodles – These are a type of udon noodles that are made from a specific type of rice called Sanuki, and are popular in Japan.
Ingredients
There are a few things you need to make yaki udon:
THE SHRIMP YAKI UDON:
- Udon noodles preferably vacuum-packed: 1 pack (200g)
- Neutral oil: 2 tbsps
- Shrimp: 8-10 (100g)
- Garlic minced: 1
- Yellow onion sliced: 1
- White mushrooms sliced: 8 (120g)
- Carrot cut matchstick-style: 1
- Spring onion green & white separately chopped: 1
- Regular soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Pepper and pinch salt
THE SAUCE:
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dark soy sauce NOT regular one: 1 tsp
- Rice vinegar: 1 tsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tsp
- Freshly crushed black pepper: ⅓ tsp
- Toasted sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt
How To Make Yaki Udon With Shrimp
Yaki udon is a simple dish to make. All you need is a pot or wok and some noodles. Once you have your ingredients ready, all you need to do is cook the noodles until they’re soft. Then, add the shrimp and cook until they’re cooked through. Finally, add the sauce and serve.
- Cut up the vegetables: Start by cutting up the vegetables. Slice the onion and garlic into thin pieces, and cut the mushrooms and carrots into matchsticks.
- Stir fry the vegetables: In a hot wok or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the garlic and onion to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Boil the noodles: Next, bring a pot of boiling water to the stove and add the udon noodles. Cook them until they’re soft, then drain and rinse them with cold water.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat another tablespoon of oil in the wok or pan and add the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until they’re cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add the noodles and sauce: Add the noodles to the pan with the vegetables and stir-fry together for a few minutes. Then add the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, freshly crushed black pepper, and toasted sesame oil. Stir everything together until the sauce is evenly distributed.
- The toppings: Lastly, sprinkle some finely chopped green and white onion on top of the noodles. Serve warm with a side of soy sauce or chili garlic sauce.
Watch Video How To Make It
Recipe Tips & Variations
– You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini to the dish.
– If you don’t have fresh udon noodles, you can also use refrigerated or dried udon noodles.
– For a spicier version of yaki udon, add some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
– To make vegetarian yaki udon, simply omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth in place of regular soy sauce.
– If you’re looking for a heartier meal, add some cooked chicken or beef to the dish.
– Yaki udon can be served as a side dish or main course. It’s also great as a cold dish, so feel free to refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy them the next day.
– For an extra boost of flavor, you can add some freshly grated ginger or garlic to the sauce.
– To make vegan yaki udon, simply use vegetable oil instead of regular oil and use vegan oyster sauce.
– To make gluten-free yaki udon, substitute the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Serving Suggestions
Yaki udon is a versatile dish that can be served with many different accompaniments. Some of our favorite ways to serve it include:
– On top of steamed white or brown rice.
– With a side of miso soup and pickled vegetables.
– As part of a bento box with egg rolls and other Japanese-style dishes.
– With a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and edamame.
– As part of a vegetarian lunch bowl with grilled tofu and fresh greens.
– Paired with an Asian-style salad or veggie stir fry.
No matter how you serve it, don’t forget a dash of salt for the final touch! This will add a nice balance to all the flavors and make your yaki udon even more delicious. Enjoy!
Storage And Reheating Shrimp Udon
Yaki Udon is best enjoyed freshly cooked, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the noodles and vegetables in a pan over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of water or vegetable broth. Stir until everything is heated through, then serve.
More Japanese Recipes:
How To Make Shrimp Yaki Udon
Frequently Asked Questions
What Else Can I Add To My Udon Noodles?
You can add almost any type of vegetable to yaki udon. Some popular additions include bell peppers, spinach, bok choy, and snow peas. You could also try adding some cooked chicken or beef for a heartier meal.
What Does Yaki Udon Have In It?
Yaki udon is a classic stir-fry dish of Japanese origin made with chewy udon noodles and fresh vegetables. It’s usually flavored with oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Other ingredients such as shrimp or meat can also be added.
Are Udon Noodles Healthier Than Regular Noodles?
Udon noodles are made from wheat flour, so they’re higher in carbohydrates than other types of noodles. However, they are a great source of fiber and can be a healthier alternative to refined white pasta.
What Does Udon Mean In Japanese?
Udon (うどん) is a Japanese noodle dish made from wheat flour, water, and salt. It’s often enjoyed in soups or stir-fries and is a staple of Japanese cuisine.
What Is Udon Flavor?
Udon flavor is a savory and slightly sweet blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. It’s commonly used to season udon noodles and other Japanese dishes.
Conclusion
Yaki udon is a quick and easy dish that can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. With its flavorful sauce, chewy udon noodles, and colorful vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite! Feel free to experiment by adding different proteins or vegetables to the mix. Liliana Kitchen hope you have enjoyed learning about Yaki Udon and all the delicious ways you can prepare it.
This is a great dish for those who are looking to try something new, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights as well. With its savory flavor, versatile ingredients, and delicious texture, yaki udon noodles will soon become one of your favorite dishes. Give it a try today!
Ingredients
- THE SHRIMP YAKI UDON:
- Udon noodles preferably vacuum-packed: 1 pack (200g)
- Neutral oil: 2 tbsps
- Shrimp: 8-10 (100g)
- Garlic minced: 1
- Yellow onion sliced: 1
- White mushrooms sliced: 8 (120g)
- Carrot cut matchstick-style: 1
- Spring onion green & white separately chopped: 1
- Regular soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Pepper and pinch salt
- THE SAUCE:
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dark soy sauce NOT regular one: 1 tsp
- Rice vinegar: 1 tsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tsp
- Freshly crushed black pepper: ⅓ tsp
- Toasted sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt
Instructions
1. Start by boiling the udon noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. When the oil is hot, add garlic and onion, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant then add mushrooms, carrots, shrimp and season with pepper and pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are lightly cooked and the shrimp is pink.
3. Add the udon noodles to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Gently toss everything together with a pair of tongs, ensuring all ingredients get nicely coated with the sauce.
4. Finish by adding spring onion whites and cook for another minute, then turn off the heat and mix in the sesame oil.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of spring onion greens on top as garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you cannot find vacuum-packed udon noodles, use dried ones and follow the instructions on the package.
- If you want to add more flavor to your dish, try adding a pinch of red chili flakes or some freshly grated ginger.
- To make this dish vegan, simply swap out the shrimp for extra vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers.
- If you want to make this dish spicier, add some chili oil or hot sauce to the finished product.
- You can also substitute the regular soy sauce with a gluten-free version if needed.
