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If you love noodles, you will love this shrimp yaki udon recipe. Yaki udon is a Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that is loaded with flavor and texture. You can make it with your choice of protein and vegetables, but I like to use shrimp, mushrooms, carrots, and green onions for a simple yet satisfying meal.

What is yaki udon?

Shrimp Yaki Udon Recipe is similar to yakisoba, another popular Japanese stir-fried noodle dish, but it uses thick and chewy udon noodles instead of thin and curly soba noodles. Udon noodles are made from wheat flour and water, and they have a neutral taste that absorbs the sauce well.

Types of udon

Sanuki Udon

Sanuki udon is arguably the most famous type of udon noodle in Japan. It originates from Kagawa prefecture, which is also known as the “udon prefecture” because of its high consumption and production of udon noodles.

Inaniwa Udon

Inaniwa udon is a traditional type of udon noodle from Akita prefecture. It is made by hand-stretching thin strips of dough into long and smooth noodles. Inaniwa udon has a slightly yellowish color and a silky texture that makes it easy to slurp.

Mizusawa Udon

Mizusawa udon is a specialty of Gunma prefecture. It is made by kneading wheat flour with mineral-rich spring water from Mizusawa mountain. Mizusawa udon is thinner than regular udon noodles but still has a chewy texture.

How to make the sauce?

The sauce for yaki udon is a simple mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, dark soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient according to your preference.

How to make shrimp yaki udon?

This shrimp yaki udon recipe is very easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave some comforting noodles.

Ingredients

1 pack (200g) of udon noodles preferably vacuum-packed
2 tablespoons 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
Regular soy sauce, 1 tablespoon
pinch salt and pepper

For The Sauce

Oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon
Dark soy sauce NOT regular one, 1 teaspoon
Rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon
Brown sugar, 1 teaspoon
Freshly crushed black pepper, ⅓ teaspoon
Toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon
pinch salt

Step By Step Instructions To Make Shrimp Yaki Udon

Step 1

Prepare udon noodles according to package directions. Afterward, drain the water and rinse it with cold water. Set aside and drizzle some oil over it.

Step 2

Toast the minced garlic in 1 tablespoon oil for 1 minute, then add the mushrooms. Turn the heat up to high and stir until the food is cooked. After that, add the onions, the white part of the spring onions, and carrots. After 2-3 minutes, stir again. Remove the veggies from the oven and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Fry the shrimp in the same pan with an additional 2 tablespoons of oil. Then add a pinch of salt and a splash of soy sauce.

Step 4

Cook till the shrimp are no longer pink.

Step 5

Then add the udon noodles. Fry on high heat, stirring continuously so the noodles slightly crisp up evenly.

Step 6

Pour the sauce. Stir.

Step 7

Then toss in the veggies.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and sprinkle spring onion. Take it out on a plate and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp should I use?

You can use any kind of shrimp that you like, as long as they are peeled and deveined. I prefer medium-sized shrimp (about 20 per pound) because they cook quickly and evenly.

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can use chicken, beef, pork, tofu, or any other protein that you like. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use other vegetables instead of mushrooms, carrots, and green onions?

Yes, you can use any vegetables that you have on hand or that you enjoy eating. Some good options are cabbage, bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, snow peas, baby corn, and bean sprouts.

How do I store leftover yaki udon?

You can store leftover yaki udon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat it, microwave it for a few minutes or stir-fry it in a skillet over medium-high heat until heated through.

How do I make vegan yaki udon?

To make vegan yaki udon, replace the oyster sauce with vegan oyster sauce or mushroom sauce. Replace the shrimp with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. You can also add some vegan cheese on top if you like.

Conclusion

And that’s it! You’ve just made a delicious Shrimp Yaki Udon Recipe in less than 30 minutes. This Shrimp Yaki Udon Recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or for impressing your guests with some Japanese flavors. You can enjoy it as it is, or add some toppings like sesame seeds, scallions, or bonito flakes for extra crunch and umami. The noodles are chewy and satisfying, the shrimp are tender and juicy, and the sauce is savory and sweet. You’ll love this simple yet flavorful recipe!

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