By Jessica B. •
6 min read
If you’re craving a quick yet satisfying meal, Japanese garlic butter shrimp udon is the perfect choice. This dish combines chewy udon noodles with succulent shrimp, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s simply irresistible. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dinner that’s sure to impress your family or friends.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Here is a detailed list of ingredients I use to make Japanese garlic butter shrimp udon along with substitutes for each item in case you need them.
Ingredients
- Udon Noodles: 400 grams of fresh or frozen udon noodles. If unavailable, substitute with soba or rice noodles.
- Shrimp: 300 grams of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. For a different protein, use scallops or chicken.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Substitute with vegan butter or olive oil.
- Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. For gluten-free options, use tamari.
- Mirin: 2 tablespoons of mirin. If not available, substitute with a mixture of equal parts sugar and rice vinegar.
- Green Onions: 2 stalks of green onions, sliced for garnish. Substitute with chives or shallots.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for added flavor. Can be replaced with canola oil if necessary.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for heat. Omit for less spice or use fresh chili for an alternative.
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Udon Noodles | 400 grams | Soba or rice noodles |
| Shrimp | 300 grams | Scallops or chicken |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons | Vegan butter or olive oil |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | 1 teaspoon garlic powder |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tablespoons | Tamari |
| Mirin | 2 tablespoons | Equal parts sugar and rice vinegar |
| Green Onions | 2 stalks | Chives or shallots |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tablespoon | Canola oil |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1 teaspoon | Fresh chili or omit |
With these ingredients and their substitutes, I can easily prepare my Japanese garlic butter shrimp udon according to what I have on hand.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Measure 8 ounces of udon noodles and have 1 pound of shrimp ready. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and chop 2 green onions. Set aside 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Cook the Udon Noodles
In a large pot of boiling water, add the udon noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside. - Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally. - Add the Sauce
Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine the ingredients well and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. - Combine Noodles and Shrimp
Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure the noodles are fully coated in the garlic butter sauce.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes I can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them in cold water before cooking. Pat them dry to ensure they sauté well.
2. What if I don’t have mirin?
If I don’t have mirin I can substitute it with a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar. For every tablespoon of mirin required I can use 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar mixed with 1 teaspoon of sugar.
3. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! I can add more red pepper flakes or even some sliced fresh chili for an extra kick.
4. How should I store leftovers?
I can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture of the shrimp and noodles.
5. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes I can create a vegetarian version by replacing shrimp with tofu or mushrooms. I can also use vegetable broth instead of the sauce for added flavor.
6. What sides pair well with Japanese garlic butter shrimp udon?
I enjoy pairing this dish with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
7. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes I can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before adding it to the shrimp and noodles.
Japanese Garlic Butter Shrimp Udon: Quick & Delicious 20-Minute Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of udon noodles
- 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of mirin (or substitute with 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Udon NoodlesBring a large pot of water to a boil.Add the udon noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the ShrimpIn a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet.Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Combine IngredientsPour in the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to meld for another 2 minutes.
- Add Udon NoodlesAdd the cooked udon noodles to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce.Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated in the rich garlic butter sauce
- Garnish and ServeRemove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!
Nutrition
I hope you’re inspired to try making Japanese garlic butter shrimp udon at home. This dish not only delivers on flavor but also on convenience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests it’s sure to become a favorite.
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste. I’d love to hear about your variations or any tips you discover along the way. If you enjoyed this recipe let me know in the comments or share your thoughts on social media. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
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