There’s something undeniably satisfying about the vibrant colors and enticing aromas that fill my kitchen when I whip up a plate of Garlic Prawn Udon. The first whiff of sautéed garlic mingling with fresh prawns tugs at my heart, reminding me of cozy dinners spent with loved ones. This dish, brimming with crisp cabbage and perfectly cooked noodles, is a delightful escape from the monotony of takeout and fast food.
After a long week, I found myself craving something comforting yet exciting. I opened my pantry, and there they were: my trusty udon noodles. Throwing caution to the wind, I decided to create a stir-fry that would tantalize my taste buds. The best part? This Garlic Prawn Udon comes together in just minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels special.
Join me as we dive into the simplicity of flavors that transform everyday ingredients into a culinary delight, one sizzling moment at a time!
Why is Garlic Prawn Udon so special?
Quick and Easy: This delightful dish comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The aromatic garlic combined with juicy prawns creates a mouthwatering melody that will leave you craving more.
Crispy and Colorful: With vibrant cabbage and herbs, every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice to suit your palate.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings or intimate dinners. Treat yourself to a homemade meal that feels both special and effortless!
Garlic Prawn Udon Ingredients
For the Noodles
• Pre-cooked udon noodles – these are ready to use, ensuring a quick cooking process.
• Sesame oil – adds a nutty flavor and a slight sheen to the noodles.
For the Stir-Fry
• Vegetable oil – perfect for high-heat cooking, giving a nice sear to the veggies.
• Cabbage – contributes crunch and nutrients; it’s ideal for stir-frying.
• Sugar – balances the flavors by enhancing the natural sweetness of the veggies.
• Soy sauce – a salty umami burst that brings everything together.
• Garlic – the star ingredient that delivers its aromatic goodness, making this Garlic Prawn Udon irresistible!
• Prawns – use fresh or frozen shrimp for that juicy seafood flavor.
• Chilli flakes – a dash of heat to complement the richness of the prawns.
• Oyster sauce – thickens the sauce while adding a depth of flavor.
• Spring onion – fresh and mild, it adds a fragrant finish.
• Chives – provide a mild onion flavor, adding brightness to the dish.
How to Make Garlic Prawn Udon
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Boil the Noodles: Place the pre-cooked udon noodles into a pot of boiling water. Use tongs to gently separate them. Once they’re apart, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with sesame oil for that delicious nutty flavor.
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Heat the Wok: In a wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering. This will give your ingredients a nice sear.
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Cook the Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the hot oil, stir-frying until just starting to char. Sprinkle in the sugar and pour in ½ tbsp of soy sauce, cooking for another minute until the cabbage is vibrantly colored but still crunchy.
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Add Garlic and Prawns: Toss in the finely chopped garlic, stir-frying for about 20 seconds before adding the prawns and chilli flakes. Stir-fry until the prawns turn pink and are cooked through.
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Combine Everything: Now, add the cooked udon noodles, remaining soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for an additional half a minute until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles beautifully.
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Finish with Herbs: Finally, fold in the sliced spring onion and chives, allowing their fresh flavors to meld with the hot stir-fry. Serve immediately!
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra crunch and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Garlic Prawn Udon Variations
Feel free to explore these tantalizing twists that will elevate your Garlic Prawn Udon experience!
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Vegetarian: Replace prawns with firm tofu for a plant-based delight. Simply cube and stir-fry until golden for a satisfying alternative.
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Spicy: Add sliced fresh chilies or a dash of sriracha for an extra kick! The heat will beautifully complement the sweetness of the sautéed garlic.
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Nutty: Toss in a handful of crushed peanuts or cashews before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances those nutty notes from the sesame oil.
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Veggie-Packed: Incorporate a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy. Their vibrant colors and flavors will make your dish even more enticing.
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Coconut Variation: Swap half the vegetable oil for coconut milk in the sauce. This infuses a creamy, tropical twist, making your stir-fry feel like a mini-vacation!
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Garlic Lovers: Increase garlic to 6 cloves and add roasted garlic for an intense flavor hit. The aroma will create a wonderful symphony that garlic aficionados will adore.
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Umami Boost: Mix in a tablespoon of miso paste or a sprinkle of fish sauce to deepen the flavor profile. This will take your udon to the next level of savory deliciousness.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of udon for a guilt-free twist. The flavors remain hearty and satisfying!
By adapting these variations, you’re bound to create a version of Garlic Prawn Udon that resonates with your taste buds!
Make Ahead Options
Garlic Prawn Udon is perfect for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy a quick and delicious dinner with minimal effort. You can prepare the garlic, cabbage, and prawns up to 24 hours in advance. Simply chop the garlic and slice the cabbage, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The prawns can also be cleaned and prepped; just keep them covered and refrigerated. When it’s time to cook, stir-fry the cabbage and garlic first, add in the prawns until they’re just cooked, and then incorporate the udon noodles along with the sauces. This way, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready to serve in no time, just as delightful as if cooked fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Prawn Udon
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat your Garlic Prawn Udon in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally, adding a little oil or water to keep it moist.
Freshness Tip: For the best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy your Garlic Prawn Udon fresh, but it can be magically revived after storage with the proper reheating techniques!
What to Serve with Garlic Prawn Udon?
Complement your vibrant Garlic Prawn Udon with sides that enhance its delightful flavors and textures, creating a well-rounded meal.
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Ginger-Sesame Broccoli: The crunch of broccoli combined with the warmth of ginger adds a fresh twist to the meal.
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Miso Soup: This comforting broth complements the umami flavors of the udon while adding warmth and depth. A light, savory sip before your meal!
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These delicious bites deliver a satisfying crunch and are perfect for dipping in soy sauce or sweet chili sauce. The contrast is simply delightful.
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Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame provides a fresh and nutty flavor and a protein boost that pairs beautifully with the seafood in the udon.
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Spicy Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad offers a cool contrast with a kick of spice that matches perfectly with the udon’s savory elements.
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Green Tea: A warm cup of green tea enhances the meal’s zen ambiance, cleansing the palate with its mild earthiness.
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Chocolate Mochi: For dessert, the chewy texture and rich flavors of chocolate mochi round off your meal, leaving you thoroughly satisfied!
Expert Tips for Garlic Prawn Udon
• Perfectly Cooked Prawns: Ensure you don’t overcook the prawns; they should be opaque and pink. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are done for the best texture.
• Crispy Cabbage: Stir-fry the cabbage until it starts to char but remains crunchy. This adds a delightful texture to your Garlic Prawn Udon.
• Watch the Heat: Keep your wok or frying pan at high heat throughout the cooking process. This gives a lovely sear on the ingredients without making them soggy.
• Customize Sauce Levels: Feel free to adjust the amounts of soy sauce and oyster sauce according to your taste preference, but avoid oversaucing to maintain a balanced flavor.
• Enhance with Aromatics: For even more depth, consider adding ginger or a splash of rice vinegar to elevate the profile of your Garlic Prawn Udon.
Garlic Prawn Udon Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting cabbage?
When choosing cabbage for your Garlic Prawn Udon, look for heads that are firm and heavy with vibrant green leaves. Avoid any cabbage with dark spots or wilting leaves, as these are signs of spoilage. Fresh cabbage will be crisp and have a nice sheen.
How should I store leftovers of Garlic Prawn Udon?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s helpful to add a splash of water to the pan to prevent the noodles from sticking together. This way, your delicious dish stays moist and enjoyable!
Can I freeze Garlic Prawn Udon?
Absolutely! You can freeze portions of your Garlic Prawn Udon in airtight containers for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply move the container to the fridge the night before you want to eat it, and reheat gently in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of oil or water to keep it from drying out.
What if my noodles clump together after cooking?
If your udon noodles clump together after boiling, try tossing them with a bit more sesame oil right after cooking. If they’re already cooled and clumped, gently reheating them with a splash of water or broth in a pan will help separate them and revive their texture.
Are just veggies fine for a vegetarian version?
Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version of Garlic Prawn Udon by simply omitting the prawns and adding extra vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. You could also toss in some tofu for added protein, keeping the dish vibrant and satisfying!
Is this dish safe for pets?
While Garlic Prawn Udon is a delicious meal for humans, it’s not recommended for pets. Ingredients like garlic can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always keep human foods out of reach of pet meals for their safety!
Sizzle Up Garlic Prawn Udon in Just 15 Minutes!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the Noodles: Place the pre-cooked udon noodles into a pot of boiling water. Use tongs to gently separate them. Once they’re apart, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with sesame oil.
- Heat the Wok: In a wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the hot oil, stir-frying until just starting to char. Sprinkle in the sugar and pour in ½ tbsp of soy sauce, cooking for another minute.
- Add Garlic and Prawns: Toss in the finely chopped garlic, stir-frying for about 20 seconds before adding the prawns and chilli flakes. Stir-fry until the prawns turn pink.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked udon noodles, remaining soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for another half a minute.
- Finish with Herbs: Fold in the sliced spring onion and chives, allowing their fresh flavors to meld with the stir-fry. Serve immediately!
