There’s a certain excitement that fills the kitchen when I decide to whip up a stir-fry. The vibrant colors of fresh vegetables stir the senses while the sizzling sounds create a lively atmosphere. Today, I’m diving into an irresistible dish that holds a special place in my heart: Garlic Prawn Udon.
Imagine the tender prawns glistening alongside the cheerful crunch of cabbage, all enveloped in silky udon noodles. Each bite offers a delightful dance of flavors spanning from nutty sesame oil to the savory depth of soy sauce. Best of all? This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or when you simply crave something delicious yet uncomplicated. Join me as we transform everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’s sure to please!
Why will Garlic Prawn Udon become your favorite?
Simplicity: With only a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly.
Flavor Explosion: The pairing of garlic prawns and umami-rich soy sauce creates an unforgettable taste.
Quick Cooking: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe saves you precious time on busy evenings.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the vegetables or proteins for endless variety in your meals.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, everyone will love this vibrant, satisfying dish!
Garlic Prawn Udon Ingredients
• Dive into flavor with this Garlic Prawn Udon recipe and its simple yet delightful ingredients.
For the Noodles
- Pre-cooked udon noodles – A chewy base that absorbs flavors beautifully; fresh ones work well if pre-cooked are not on hand.
For the Stir-Fry
- Sesame oil – Infuses the dish with a rich, nutty essence; use canola oil for a lighter touch if needed.
- Vegetable oil – Essential for sautéing; any neutral oil like grapeseed or sunflower will do.
- Cabbage – Adds crunch and a nutritious volume; bok choy or spinach can be swapped for variety.
- Garlic – Offers an aromatic kick; fresh is best, but garlic powder is a suitable substitute in a pinch (1/8 tsp).
- Chili flakes – Provides heat and a hint of spice; adjust to taste or use fresh chili for a vibrant kick.
- Spring onion – Brightens up the dish with fresh flavor; chives or green onions are great stand-ins.
- Chives – A mild garnish adding depth; you can skip these or add more spring onion if necessary.
For the Flavor
- Soy sauce – Key for that umami depth; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Oyster sauce – Adds a sweet and savory richness; replace it with mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option.
- Sugar – Balances the flavors and aids in browning; brown sugar enhances the sweetness beautifully.
For the Protein
- Prawns – The star of this dish, bringing delightful seafood flavor; firm tofu can be used as a vegetarian substitute.
How to Make Garlic Prawn Udon
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Boil water in a large pot, and prepare the udon noodles. Add the noodles and gently separate them with tongs. Once separated, transfer them to a bowl and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
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Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the sliced cabbage and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to char slightly, adding a wonderful depth to the flavor.
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Season the cabbage by adding ½ teaspoon sugar and ½ tablespoon soy sauce. Stir-fry for an additional minute until the cabbage is beautifully caramelized.
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Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 20 seconds, allowing that gorgeous aroma to fill the kitchen.
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Incorporate the prawns and sprinkle in the chili flakes. Stir-fry until the prawns turn pink and are cooked through, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
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Mix in the pre-cooked udon noodles along with the remaining soy sauce, additional sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until everything is well combined and the sauce starts to thicken.
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Fold in the chopped spring onion just before serving, adding a fresh crunch to this delightful dish.
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds or serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Garlic Prawn Udon?
Elevate your dining experience with these delicious pairings that enhance the flavors of your vibrant stir-fry.
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Steamed Edamame: Simple and nutritious, these green soybeans bring a light and slightly salty crunch that complements the richness of the udon.
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Crispy Tempura Vegetables: The delicate batter and tender veggies create a contrasting texture, adding fun to your meal while celebrating Japanese flavors.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is comforting and provides umami depth, making it a harmonious starter before diving into the main dish.
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Pickled Ginger: The sharp, tangy notes of pickled ginger serve as a cleansing palate refresher, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad introduces a cool crunch that beautifully balances the heat from the chili flakes in the udon.
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Green Tea: A delightful beverage choice, green tea offers earthy undertones that perfectly meld with the savory notes of the prawns and soy sauce.
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Mochi Ice Cream: Finish off your meal with a sweet treat! The chewy texture of mochi ice cream paired with delightful flavors like matcha or red bean rounds out the experience beautifully.
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Sesame Soba Noodles: These chilled noodles provide a nutty flavor and a cool contrast, perfect for a complementary dish when entertaining guests.
Storage Tips for Garlic Prawn Udon
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
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Freezer: Freeze Garlic Prawn Udon in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Gently reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to avoid mushy noodles. Stir frequently until heated through.
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Freshness: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so plan on making just what you need when possible for optimal texture and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Prawn Udon noodles are a perfect option for meal prep, making your weeknights much simpler! You can prep the vegetables and prawns up to 24 hours in advance; simply slice the cabbage and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its crunch. Additionally, you can also pre-cook your udon noodles and toss them in a little sesame oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, just heat up a wok, sauté the prepared ingredients, and finish by adding the udon noodles along with the sauces. This way, your dish will still taste fresh and delicious, saving you time without compromising quality!
Expert Tips for Garlic Prawn Udon
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Prep First: Ensure all ingredients are chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. This avoids overcooking the prawns and ensures a seamless stir-fry.
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Wok Heat: Preheat your wok properly. A hot pan will give you that ideal sear on the cabbage and prawns, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
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Prawn Cooking Time: Don’t overcook the prawns; they only need a few minutes. Watch for their color change to ensure tenderness.
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Sauce Balance: Taste your sauce before serving. If it’s too salty, a pinch more sugar can balance it out beautifully in this Garlic Prawn Udon.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to get creative! Adding seasonal vegetables or even swapping out the prawns for chicken or firm tofu makes for delightful variations.
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Serving Hot: This dish tastes best fresh off the stove. If making ahead, store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain texture.
Garlic Prawn Udon Variations
Embrace your culinary creativity and tailor this dish to your taste preferences.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a sweet, soy-free alternative that still packs a flavor punch.
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Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers or snap peas for an extra crunch, enriching the dish with a colorful flair and additional nutrients.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute udon noodles with rice noodles or quinoa to cater to dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
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Heat Level: Swap chili flakes with fresh sliced jalapeños for a vibrant, fresh kick, adjusting the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
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Protein Swap: Replace prawns with chicken or beef for a different protein experience, tailoring the dish for even more family favorites.
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Sesame Twist: Incorporate toasted sesame seeds as a garnish for an added nutty crunch that beautifully complements the dish’s texture.
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Sauce Variations: Experiment with teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a sweet twist, giving your garlicky stir-fry a fun, different flavor profile.
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Sautéed Greens: Toss in some baby spinach or bok choy towards the end for added greens, enriching both the nutritional value and the visual appeal of the dish.
Garlic Prawn Udon Recipe FAQs
What type of udon noodles should I use?
You can use pre-cooked udon noodles for convenience. If you can’t find pre-cooked ones, fresh or frozen udon noodles work wonderfully as well. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times.
How long can I store Garlic Prawn Udon in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the noodles and veggies.
Can I freeze Garlic Prawn Udon?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the cooled Garlic Prawn Udon in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to revive the dish.
What can I do if my prawns are overcooked?
If you accidentally overcook the prawns, you might notice that they become rubbery. To remedy this, ensure that you are not cooking them longer than 2-3 minutes. If they’ve already been overcooked, serving the dish with a sauce or garnish, like lime or lemon zest, can balance the texture and add brightness.
Are there any dietary considerations for Garlic Prawn Udon?
Yes, this recipe includes seafood and soy sauce, which might pose allergies for some. You can replace prawns with firm tofu for a vegetarian option and use tamari soy sauce to make it gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to accommodate any available allergies.
How can I add more vegetables to my Garlic Prawn Udon?
Great question! You can easily boost the veggie content by adding carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas. Simply slice them thinly and stir-fry alongside the cabbage for an extra crunch, flavor, and nutrition. Aim for about 1-2 cups of additional vegetables, depending on your preference.
Garlic Prawn Udon: Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil water in a large pot, and prepare the udon noodles. Add the noodles and gently separate them with tongs. Once separated, transfer them to a bowl and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the sliced cabbage and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to char slightly.
- Season the cabbage by adding ½ teaspoon sugar and ½ tablespoon soy sauce. Stir-fry for an additional minute until the cabbage is beautifully caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 20 seconds.
- Incorporate the prawns and sprinkle in the chili flakes. Stir-fry until the prawns turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the pre-cooked udon noodles along with the remaining soy sauce, additional sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until everything is well combined.
- Fold in the chopped spring onion just before serving.