Yaki Udon with Shrimp: A Flavor-Packed Stir-Fry Noodle Classic

Few dishes can rival the comforting, savory, and deeply satisfying experience of stir-fried noodles. And among them, Yaki Udon with Shrimp stands out for its chewy, thick noodles, vibrant vegetables, and succulent shrimp—all coated in a glossy umami-rich sauce. This dish is the kind of meal that transports you to a cozy Japanese izakaya, with just one bite.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, whip up a quick family meal, or explore Asian cooking from the comfort of your own kitchen, this Yaki Udon recipe offers flavor, flexibility, and simplicity in a single wok.

🍥 What is Yaki Udon?

Yaki Udon (焼きうどん) is a popular Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that originated in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture in southern Japan. It was invented in the 1940s as a budget-friendly alternative to yakisoba during food shortages. Instead of soba noodles, cooks used thick udon noodles—which are more filling and satisfying.

The name breaks down into:

• Yaki (焼き) = grilled or fried
• Udon (うどん) = thick wheat noodles

This dish is all about balance: a simple soy-based sauce that brings out the sweetness of vegetables, the savoriness of shrimp, and the rich chewiness of udon noodles.

🦐 Why Add Shrimp?

Shrimp adds a delicious briny depth and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with stir-fry sauces. It cooks quickly and holds up well with the texture of udon, making it a perfect protein for a fast weeknight meal.

🌿 Ingredients Breakdown

✅ Stir-Fry Ingredients

• 2 servings fresh or frozen udon noodles (about 400g/14 oz total)
• 200g shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for high-heat cooking)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (for nutty flavor)
• 1 petit oignon, thinly sliced
• 1 carotte moyenne, julienned
• 1 cup napa cabbage or green cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
• 2 gousses d'ailémincé
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

✅ Sauce Ingredients

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin (or substitute with 1 tsp sugar + 1 tsp rice vinegar)
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (adds rich color, optional)
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional for spice)

✅ Optional Garnishes

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Nori (seaweed) strips
• Pickled ginger
• Lime wedge
• Sriracha drizzle

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Udon Noodles

If using frozen udon, place them in a pot of boiling water for 1–2 minutes to loosen. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. If using vacuum-sealed fresh udon, soak them in hot water for 2–3 minutes and separate gently.

🔥 Pro Tip: Never overcook udon—they should remain chewy and bouncy.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, dark soy sauce, and chili flakes. Set aside so it’s ready to go during the stir-fry.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

🧄 Flavor Boost: Sprinkle a little garlic powder or a splash of lemon juice on the shrimp as they cook.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same wok, add l'huile de sésame, followed by garlic, ginger, and the white part of the green onions. Stir-fry for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Add sliced onions, cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still have some crunch.

🍅 Customize It: Add mushrooms, snap peas, zucchini, or bok choy to boost the veggie content.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Add in the udon noodles and pour the sauce over the entire mix. Use tongs or chopsticks to toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce begins to caramelize—about 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnir et Servir

Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds, the green part of the scallions, and optional garnishes like seaweed strips or pickled ginger.

Serve immediately while hot.

📝 Yaki Udon vs Yakisoba: What’s the Difference?

Yaki Udon offers a thicker, bouncier bite and leans more into soy-based flavors, while Yakisoba uses a tangier, sweeter sauce.

🧠 Tips & Tricks for Success

✅ Don’t Skimp on High Heat

The key to stir-fry is quick cooking over high heat. It helps vegetables stay crisp and gives shrimp a nice sear.

✅ Use Prepped Shrimp

Buying shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined saves time. If frozen, thaw completely before cooking to avoid excess water.

✅ Balance the Sauce

Taste your sauce before pouring it over. If it feels too salty, add a touch of sugar or mirin. Too bland? Add a dash more soy or a squeeze of lime.

🍷 What to Serve With Yaki Udon with Shrimp

• Miso Soup: A soothing warm-up to your meal.
• Seaweed Salad: Light, tangy, and great for digestion.
• Cucumber Pickles: Crunchy and refreshing.
• Steamed Edamame: Simple protein-packed snack.
• Green Tea: For a classic Japanese touch.

🧊 How to Store and Reheat

Stockage:
Place leftovers in an airtight container. Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Réchauffage:
Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Congélation:
Not recommended, as udon noodles and shrimp change texture after freezing.

🧑‍🍳 Variations to Explore

🔄 Protein Swaps

• Chicken: Thin slices of thigh meat work beautifully.
• Beef: Try thinly sliced flank steak or ribeye.
• Tofu: Great for vegetarians—use firm or extra-firm tofu, pan-seared.
• Egg: Stir in a scrambled egg for added richness.

🥦 Veggie Add-Ins

• Broccoli
• Baby corn
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Bean sprouts
• Snow peas

🔥 Spicy Version

• Add gochujang ou la sauce sriracha for Korean heat.
• Top with chili crisp oil for extra texture and fire.

🍜 Udon Noodles 101

Udon are thick, chewy Japanese noodles made from wheat flour, water, and salt. They’re popular in:

• Kake Udon (broth-based)
• Zaru Udon (cold dipping style)
• Yaki Udon (stir-fried)

Types of udon available:

• Frozen: Best texture and most authentic.
• Fresh (vacuum-sealed): Convenient, great for stir-fry.
• Dried: Less ideal for yaki udon, but doable if cooked properly.

🛒 Find udon noodles in the Asian or international section of major grocery stores, or at Asian markets.

📷 Perfect for Sharing: Presentation Ideas

• Serve in a black bowl for contrast.
• Garnish with a raw egg yolk (traditional izakaya style).
• Top with bonito flakes for extra umami.

Snap a pic and share with your foodie friends using hashtags:

⭐ Final Thoughts

Yaki Udon with Shrimp is a testament to how simple ingredients—when cooked right—can deliver unforgettable flavors. This dish is everything a home-cooked Asian noodle meal should be: bold, chewy, colorful, and crave-worthy. It’s one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again when you need something fast, delicious, and better than takeout.

Whether you’re new to Asian cooking or a seasoned wok-wielder, this dish offers the perfect balance of taste, texture, and convenience. So heat up your skillet, grab your chopsticks, and get ready to savor one of Japan’s most comforting and crowd-pleasing dishes.