Name: Yaki Udon with Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 pack (200g) udon noodles (preferably vacuum-packed); 8-10 shrimp (approx 100g); 2 tbsp neutral oil (divided); 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); 1 tbsp regular soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp dark soy sauce (NOT regular soy sauce); 1 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp brown sugar; 1/3 tsp freshly crushed black pepper; pinch salt and pepper; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a quick yet incredibly satisfying meal to pep up your weeknight dinners, this Yaki Udon with Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with vibrant veggies, succulent shrimp, and chewy udon noodles all coated in a gorgeous blend of savory sauces, every bite feels like a warm, comforting hug. It’s a wonderful fusion of textures and flavors, coming together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for when you crave something delicious without fussing over complicated ingredients or techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side photos. On the left, a wooden board holds four layers of sliced vegetables arranged in separate groups: sliced white mushrooms in the bottom left, thinly sliced white onions above them, julienned bright orange carrots at the top right, and chopped green onions at the bottom right. The background shows part of an onion and garlic cloves resting on a white marbled surface. On the right side, a metal mesh strainer holds thick white noodles that appear soft and glossy, with the strainer set over a pot or bowl with the same white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Yaki Udon with Shrimp Recipe. Each item contributes something special, from the tender shrimp adding a lovely seafood sweetness, to the crunchy carrots and spring onions brightening every forkful. The sauces marry all the flavors with their umami richness and subtle sweetness, while the noodles provide that perfect chewy bite.

Udon noodles (1 pack, 200g): Preferably vacuum-packed for best texture and convenience.
Neutral oil (2 tbsp): Great for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
Shrimp (8-10 pieces, approx 100g): Adds juicy, tender seafood goodness; peel and devein before cooking.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
Yellow onion (1, sliced): Provides sweetness and a subtle crunch.
White mushrooms (8, sliced, approx 120g): Earthy and meaty, boosting the dish’s depth.
Carrot (1, cut matchstick-style): Adds vibrant color and a slight sweetness.
Spring onion (1, chopped – separate green and white parts): For freshness and garnish.
Regular soy sauce (1 tbsp): The salty base that ties everything together.
Salt and pepper (pinch each): Enhances all the flavors, seasoning to taste.
Oyster sauce (1 tbsp): Brings a rich, savory umami kick.
Dark soy sauce (1 tsp): Adds color and a deeper, slightly sweet soy flavor.
Rice vinegar (1 tsp): Balances the dish with a hint of tanginess.
Brown sugar (1 tsp): A touch of sweetness to complement the savory elements.
Freshly crushed black pepper (⅓ tsp): Adds mild heat and aroma.
Toasted sesame oil (2 tsp): For that unmistakable nutty finish at the end.

How to Make Yaki Udon with Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Udon Noodles

Start by boiling the udon noodles according to the package instructions — typically only a few minutes are needed for that perfect chewy texture. Drain well, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then drizzle a bit of oil on them to keep them from sticking. Having those noodles ready and separated is essential for easy stir-frying later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a pan over high heat. Add the minced garlic first and toast it just for about a minute until fragrant but not burnt—this step unlocks those incredible savory aromas. Toss in the sliced mushrooms next and keep them moving until they’re cooked through and lightly browned. Then stir in the sliced yellow onion, white parts of the spring onions, and matchstick carrots. After a couple more minutes and a pinch of salt and pepper, take the veggies out to set aside. This layering method keeps everything perfectly cooked without turning soggy.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Perfectly

In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and throw in your shrimp. Season with soy sauce and a pinch of salt, then cook on high heat stirring frequently until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This is where that fresh seafood flavor really starts to shine, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Crisp Up the Udon Noodles

Now add your prepped udon noodles to the pan with shrimp. Stir-fry on high heat while continuously tossing the noodles so they develop slight crisp edges but stay chewy inside. This contrast in texture is one of the best things about this dish and makes every bite exciting.

Step 5: Add the Flavorful Sauce

Mix together the regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and crushed black pepper in a small bowl. Pour this luscious sauce over the noodles and shrimp, stirring well until every strand is evenly coated in this umami-packed goodness. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy notes truly elevates this Yaki Udon with Shrimp Recipe.

Step 6: Toss in the Vegetables

Return the sautéed mushrooms, onions, carrots, and white spring onion parts back into the pan. Gently toss all the ingredients together so the vegetables mingle with the noodles and shrimp, soaking up the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Spring Onions

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green parts of the spring onion on top. This final touch adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a mild oniony kick that makes the dish feel bright and lively.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop your perfectly cooked Yaki Udon with Shrimp onto plates, grab your chopsticks, and dig in. Each mouthful will have you savoring the well-balanced blend of tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and saucy noodles — comfort food elevated to something special!

How to Serve Yaki Udon with Shrimp Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dark bowl filled with thick brown noodles mixed with small pieces of cooked shrimp and thin slices of vegetables like carrots and onions. The noodles are shiny and look well-cooked, with a slightly oily texture. Bright green slices of fresh green onions are sprinkled on top, adding a pop of color. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a blurred background gives focus to the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance both flavor and presentation, try garnishing your Yaki Udon with additional toasted sesame seeds for a pleasant crunch and an extra layer of nuttiness. A drizzle of chili oil or a few flakes of crushed red pepper can bring inviting heat if you’re a fan of spicy food. A wedge of lime on the side is also a brilliant option to squeeze over for a zesty brightness that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish stands powerfully on its own but pairs beautifully with light and refreshing sides. Consider a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil or a bowl of miso soup to complement the warm, savory flavors. For those wanting to round out the meal, edamame or steamed dumplings would make delightful accompaniments that keep the meal balanced without overwhelming.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Yaki Udon with Shrimp recipe in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table for that sizzling, restaurant-style wow factor. Alternatively, serve it in pretty, shallow bowls and sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for a pop of green. Wrapping the noodles and shrimp in butter lettuce leaves for a handheld bite offers a fun and casual twist that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping the noodles separate from any garnish helps maintain their texture. Before refrigerating, toss the noodles with a little oil to prevent clumping.

Freezing

While Yaki Udon with Shrimp tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. However, keep in mind the vegetables may soften upon thawing, so freezing might slightly affect the texture. To freeze, cool completely before sealing and freeze for up to one month.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to refresh the noodles and bring back their chewy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make the dish rubbery. Stirring constantly while reheating ensures everything warms evenly and stays delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly as long as you thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture during stir-frying.

What if I don’t have dark soy sauce?

You can substitute with regular soy sauce but reduce other salty ingredients slightly and add a touch of molasses or brown sugar to mimic the sweetness and color of dark soy sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian-friendly mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce to keep that savory depth.

How spicy is Yaki Udon with Shrimp Recipe?

This recipe is typically mild but can be easily spiced up by adding chili oil, red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chili according to your preference.

What’s the best way to cook udon noodles for stir-fry?

Boil the noodles until just tender according to package instructions, drain, rinse in cold water, and toss with a little oil. This prevents sticking and gives you noodles ready to crisp slightly in the pan.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Yaki Udon with Shrimp Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. It’s quick enough for busy days but rich with flavors and textures that make every bite memorable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this dish brings a touch of joyful warmth to the table that’s hard to beat.