"Spicy Garlic Shrimp Udon is a vibrant dish featuring chewy udon noodles, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables tossed in a rich, spicy garlic sauce, and garnished with crispy fried garlic and fresh green onions. The blend of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors and diverse textures makes this dish both satisfying and exciting."
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Udon
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Recipe Description
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Udon is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the tender chewiness of fresh udon noodles with succulent shrimp and a medley of crisp vegetables in a spicy sauce. This dish is a beautiful arrangement of textures and tastes, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty yet balanced meal. The combination of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a hint of citrus creates a harmonious blend that is satisfying and exciting to the palate.
The preparation begins with fresh udon noodles, which are known for their thick and chewy texture. These noodles are a staple in Japanese cuisine and are often used in soups and stir-fries.
Next, the shrimp are prepared. The shrimp are seasoned with salt and ground black pepper and sautéed in vegetable oil until they turn pink and opaque, signifying they are done. The shrimp add a delightful protein element to the dish, with their natural sweetness enhanced by the spicy and savory flavors they are cooked in.
The sauce is a critical component of Spicy Garlic Shrimp Udon. Minced garlic and grated ginger are sautéed until fragrant, releasing aromatic oils into the dish. Adding julienned carrot and thinly sliced red bell pepper adds a colorful visual appeal and introduces a satisfying crunch to contrast with the soft noodles and tender shrimp. Chopped green onions are also added at this stage, imparting a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
The sauce is a rich blend of chili paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, creating a balance of spicy, salty, tangy, and sweet flavors. The juice of one lime is added, providing a refreshing citrusy note that brightens the overall taste profile. Vegetable broth is incorporated to create a cohesive sauce that coats every strand of noodle and piece of shrimp.
Once the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, the cooked udon noodles and shrimp are added back into the skillet. At this stage, freshly chopped cilantro is stirred, infusing the dish with its distinctive, herbaceous aroma and flavor. The noodles and shrimp are tossed to coat them in the sauce thoroughly, and everything is heated to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Fried garlic can be used for garnishing. Thinly sliced garlic cloves are fried until golden brown and crispy, adding a delightful crunch and a rich garlic flavor that enhances the overall dish. Chopped green onions are sprinkled on top for a burst of color and a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the spicy and savory elements.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Udon can also be served with lime wedges, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lime juice over their dish for an extra zing. The final presentation is visually appealing and promises a satisfying and flavorful experience. The combination of textures and flavors from the chewy noodles, tender shrimp, crispy fried garlic, and spicy sauce makes this dish a delight. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, Spicy Garlic Shrimp Udon is sure to impress with its complexity and deliciousness.
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Prep time: 20mins
Cook time: 25mins
Serves or Makes: 4
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 1 pound fresh udon noodles
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 large julienned carrot
- 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 4 whole chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 juiced lime
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- to taste salt and ground black pepper
- for serving lime wedges
- for garnish chopped green onion
Method
Step 1
Prepare the Udon Noodles: Cook the fresh udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
Cook the Shrimp: Season the shrimp generously with salt and ground black pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Step 3
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the julienned carrot, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onion to the same skillet or wok. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Make the Sauce: Add the chili paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and lime juice to the skillet. Stir to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and for it to thicken up.
Step 5
Combine Noodles, Shrimp, and Cilantro: Add the cooked udon noodles and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles and shrimp in the sauce. Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro. Keep warm for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 6
Garnish: Transfer the spicy garlic shrimp udon to serving bowls. Sprinkle the reserved chopped green onions on top for garnish. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an optional citrus kick.