Shrimp Udon Stir Fry

There’s something magical about a meal that comes together faster than you can decide what to watch on TV. I’ll never forget the first time I made a Shrimp Udon Stir Fry on a frantic Tuesday evening. The clock was ticking, my family was getting hangry, and I had about 20 minutes to get something delicious on the table. That night, this Shrimp Udon Stir Fry didn’t just save dinner—it became a permanent fixture in our weekly rotation. It’s the kind of quick shrimp noodles dish that feels both comforting and exciting, a true weeknight dinner idea that never lets you down.

What I love most about this easy udon recipe is its beautiful simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you can create a vibrant, satisfying meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Asian restaurant. The plump shrimp, chewy udon noodles, and crisp-tender vegetables all come together in a savory sauce that coats every single strand. It’s a homemade udon experience that’s far superior to takeout, and it’s ready in the time it would take for delivery to arrive. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this 20 minute meal is designed to build your confidence and delight your taste buds.

If you enjoy this style of cooking, you might also love our Easy 20-Min Soy Egg Udon Stir Fry for another quick noodle option.

Shrimp Udon Stir Fry Ingredients

The foundation of this incredible Shrimp Udon Stir Fry begins with simple, fresh ingredients that work together in perfect harmony.

• 8 ounces fresh or frozen udon noodles
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water

Smart Substitutions:

• No fresh udon? Use dried udon or even thick rice noodles
• Vegetarian? Swap shrimp for tofu or extra vegetables
• Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce
• No oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce makes a great alternative

Shrimp Udon Timing

This quick shrimp noodles dish lives up to its promise of being a true 20 minute meal. Prep time takes about 8 minutes if you have your ingredients ready, while cooking time is just 12 minutes from start to finish. That’s about 40% faster than waiting for takeout, and you control exactly what goes into your bowl.

Step-by-Step Shrimp Udon Instructions

Making this Asian stir fry is as straightforward as it gets. The key is having everything prepped and within reach before you start cooking.

Step 1: Prepare Your Components

If using frozen udon noodles, run them under warm water to separate. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Having everything measured and ready is crucial for a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary for the best sear.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Add remaining oil to the same pan. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. The vegetables should retain some crunch for texture contrast.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add udon noodles to the pan along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together, using tongs to separate the noodles and coat them evenly. Return shrimp to the pan and toss to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and beautifully glazed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Nutritional Information

This homemade udon dish isn’t just delicious—it’s nourishing too. One serving provides approximately 380 calories, 28g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. The shrimp offers lean protein and selenium, while the vegetables contribute vitamins A and C. Using reduced-sodium soy sauce can make it even healthier.

Equipment Needed for Shrimp Udon Stir Fry

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this weeknight dinner idea shine. A large wok or skillet with high sides works perfectly for stir-frying. Good kitchen tongs make tossing the noodles much easier. Beyond that, just basic measuring spoons, a cutting board, and a sharp knife are all you need. If you want to get technical, a microplane for grating ginger and garlic makes preparation even faster.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Udon Recipe

This easy udon recipe has earned its place in my regular rotation for several compelling reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast—genuinely ready in 20 minutes from start to finish. Second, it’s versatile enough to accommodate whatever vegetables you have on hand. Third, the flavor profile is complex and satisfying without requiring hard-to-find ingredients. Fourth, it feels special enough for company but simple enough for a tired Tuesday. Finally, cleanup is minimal since everything comes together in one pan.

For another fantastic udon variation, check out our Irresistible Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe.

Healthier Alternatives for Shrimp Udon Stir Fry

This Asian stir fry adapts beautifully to various dietary needs and health goals. For a lower-carb version, use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of udon. To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce and limit additional salt. Increasing the vegetable content while slightly reducing the noodles boosts fiber and nutrients. For a higher-protein version, add an extra handful of shrimp or include edamame. Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce creates a soy-free alternative that’s equally delicious.

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Udon

This quick shrimp noodles dish stands beautifully on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even more special. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts adds wonderful texture. A wedge of lime for squeezing over top brightens all the flavors. For a complete meal, serve with a simple cucumber salad or miso soup. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider doubling the recipe—it disappears quickly! For presentation, serve in shallow bowls with chopsticks and small dishes for soy sauce for dipping.

If you’re exploring Japanese noodle dishes, our Japanese Stir-Fried Udon Noodles offers another delicious approach.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes have potential pitfalls. The most common mistake with this Shrimp Udon Stir Fry is overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Another error is adding the sauce too early, which can cause the noodles to become mushy. Wait until the noodles are in the pan before adding the sauce. Don’t skip the step of mixing your sauce beforehand—trying to add ingredients individually during cooking leads to uneven seasoning. Finally, avoid overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than sears the ingredients.

Storing Tips for Shrimp Udon Stir Fry

While this 20 minute meal is best enjoyed immediately, leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles may absorb some sauce, so when reheating, add a tablespoon of water or additional soy sauce to refresh the consistency. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the noodles and vegetables suffers. If you want to meal prep components, you can prepare the sauce and chop vegetables in advance, but cook everything fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

For those who love bold flavors, our Peanut Gochujang Udon offers a spicy, nutty alternative.

Shrimp Udon Stir Fry Conclusion

This Shrimp Udon Stir Fry truly embodies everything I love about quick, satisfying home cooking. It’s faster than takeout, healthier than most restaurant options, and flexible enough to make with whatever you have on hand. The combination of succulent shrimp, chewy noodles, and vibrant vegetables in that savory sauce creates a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of easy udon recipe that builds cooking confidence while delivering incredible flavor every single time.

I hope this Shrimp Udon Stir Fry becomes a trusted weeknight dinner idea in your home just as it has in mine. It’s proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. When you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—leave a comment below sharing your experience or any creative twists you added. Don’t forget to tag @Stacksipsnack on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful creations!

If you’re craving more Japanese-inspired noodle dishes, our Katsu Curry Udon offers a heartier, comfort-food variation that’s equally wonderful.

FAQs about Shrimp Udon Stir Fry

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