Name: Savory Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup You’ll Crave Always
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Water (Main component of the broth.); 2 tablespoons Instant Dashi Powder (Provides umami-rich base.); 12 ounces Udon Noodles (Can be substituted with soba or rice noodles.); 12 pieces Large Raw Shrimp (Star of the dish.); 1 cup Tempura Batter Mix (Follow package instructions or use homemade.); 2 cups Vegetable Oil (For frying.); 2 scallions Green Onions (Adds freshness.); to taste Soy Sauce (Enhances flavor.)

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There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup on a chilly evening. As the delicate udon noodles mingle effortlessly with the rich, umami-packed dashi broth, each slurp becomes a symphony of flavors that transports me straight to a bustling Tokyo eatery. What truly elevates this dish is the tantalizing crunch of golden-brown shrimp tempura, fresh out of the fryer, providing a delightful contrast to the soft noodles.

After a long week, I decided to swap out fast food for something splendidly homemade, and this recipe quickly became my go-to. Not only is it straightforward to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile—feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, depending on your cravings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or indulging in a solo dinner, this Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup promises to be a hit at your table. Dive into this culinary adventure and experience the magic of Japanese comfort food from the warmth of your own kitchen!

Why is Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup so satisfying?

Comforting Warmth: This soup embraces you with its warm and rich dashi broth, perfect for chilly evenings.
Delicious Crunch: The golden-brown shrimp tempura adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft udon noodles.
Customizable Flavors: Easily swap shrimp for chicken or tofu to fit your diet, making it versatile for everyone!
Quick & Easy: With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve it at gatherings, and watch your friends and family savor every warm, flavorful bite. Enjoy this remarkable dish that brings the essence of Japanese cuisine straight to your home!

Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup Ingredients

For the Broth
• Water – This is the main component of the broth, essential for dissolving dashi powder.
• Instant Dashi Powder – Provides the umami-rich base; for a different taste, consider using homemade dashi or miso.

For the Noodles
• Udon Noodles – Offers a chewy texture; you can substitute with soba or rice noodles for a gluten-free option.

For the Tempura
• Large Raw Shrimp – The star of the dish that becomes crispy when fried; feel free to swap with chicken or tofu for variations.
• Tempura Batter Mix – This creates the light and crispy coating; follow package instructions or use your homemade mix for a personal touch.
• Vegetable Oil – Necessary for frying the shrimp to achieve that golden crispiness; ensure the oil is at the proper temperature.

For Garnishing
• Green Onions – Adds freshness and color; try adding other veggies like bok choy or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Soy Sauce – Enhances the overall flavor, introducing a savory element to the soup before serving.

Embrace the joy of homemade Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup with these carefully selected ingredients that will surely make your cooking experience delightful!

How to Make Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup

Prepare the Broth: In a medium pot, simmer water and mix in instant dashi powder until it’s fully dissolved. Keep it warm over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cook Udon Noodles: Boil fresh water in another pot, then add udon noodles and cook them for about 3 minutes until they’re tender yet firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
Make Tempura Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the tempura batter mix with ice-cold water. Stir gently until smooth but ensure it remains slightly lumpy for that perfect texture.
Fry Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Dip each shrimp into the tempura batter and fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy.
Assemble Soup: In serving bowls, place the udon noodles elegantly, then ladle hot dashi broth over the noodles. Top with the crispy shrimp tempura and sprinkle sliced green onions for a pop of color.
Serve: Drizzle soy sauce over each bowl just before serving to enhance the flavor, inviting everyone around the table to dig in!

Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup?

The perfect meal pairing can elevate your nourishing bowl of noodles to a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds!

Tempura Vegetables: These crispy delights complement the udon soup beautifully, adding extra crunch and colorful veggies, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.
Japanese Pickles: The tanginess of pickled vegetables cuts through the savory broth, providing a refreshing contrast that brightens each bite of the soup.
Edamame: Steamed and lightly salted, these young soybeans offer a delightful pop of texture and protein that pairs wonderfully with the soft noodles.
Miso Soup: A small bowl of miso soup as a side dish amplifies the umami experience, creating a delightful meal that feels comforting and full-bodied.
Cucumber Salad: Light and crisp, a fresh cucumber salad balances the richness of the soup, making each slurp of udon even more enjoyable.
Sake or Green Tea: For a warm beverage, a light sake or some soothing green tea will enhance the entire dining experience and complement the flavors in the soup.

Enjoy creating a full meal that brings warmth, comfort, and a delightful range of textures and flavors to your dinner table!

Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup Variations

Feel free to get creative and put your unique spin on this comforting dish!

Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option that maintains great flavor. Each choice offers its own delightful taste and texture!
Gluten-Free Twist: Use rice noodles or soba noodles instead of udon for a gluten-free alternative that remains satisfying without sacrificing flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Add bok choy, mushrooms, or carrots to your soup for a nutritious burst of color and flavor. Consider sautéing them briefly before adding to the broth for enhanced taste.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a splash of chili oil or sriracha into the broth for an exciting heat that elevates your soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, or green onions into your soup right before serving for a vibrant and fresh finish that brightens every spoonful.
Savory Miso Enhancement: Mix in a tablespoon of miso paste into the broth for a deeper, richer umami flavor that complements the dashi beautifully.
Zesty Lemon Flavor: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into your bowl just before enjoying for a zesty pop that balances the richness of the broth and tempura.
Crisp Vegetable Garnish: Top your soup with pickled radish or tempura vegetables to introduce new textures and visual appeal, making your dish truly stand out!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own unique version of Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup

Fridge: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the broth and tempura shrimp separate to maintain the shrimp’s crispiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the broth and cooked udon noodles separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing tempura shrimp, as they lose their texture.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the broth overnight in the fridge, reheat gently on the stove, and fry fresh shrimp to maintain their crunch.

Serving Tip: Reassemble the soup by adding the noodles and garnish with green onions just before serving for a fresh taste of Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time during busy weeknights! You can make the dashi broth and udon noodles up to 3 days in advance. Simply simmer the water with instant dashi powder, cool it, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the udon noodles, cook them until al dente, then rinse with cold water and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, warm the broth and noodles, then fry the shrimp tempura fresh to maintain its crispiness—this will keep it just as delicious! Assemble your soup by adding the noodles to a bowl, ladle the hot broth over them, top with crispy shrimp, and garnish with green onions before enjoying your comforting meal.

Expert Tips for Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup

Right Oil Temperature: Ensure the vegetable oil is at 350°F (175°C) for the shrimp tempura to achieve that perfect, golden crunch without absorbing too much oil.
Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Cook udon noodles until they’re just al dente as they’ll continue to soften when you add them to the hot broth, preventing a mushy texture.
Homemade Dashi Option: For an even richer flavor, consider making your own dashi from kombu and bonito flakes, giving your Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup an authentic touch.
Customize Generously: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms for added nutrients and textures, enhancing the overall dish.
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the soup and tempura shrimp separately to maintain crispiness and ensure the noodles don’t become soggy when reheating.

Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best udon noodles?
Absolutely! When selecting udon noodles, look for fresh or frozen options in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, as they yield the best texture. Alternatively, dried udon can be used; just check the cooking instructions, as they require a longer boiling time to achieve that signature chewiness.

How should I store leftover Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup?
Very good question! To maintain the freshness, store any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the broth separate from the fried shrimp to prevent them from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can gently reheat the broth on the stove.

How can I freeze Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup?
If you want to freeze the components, you can do so by freezing the broth and cooked udon noodles in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing tempura shrimp, as they won’t retain their crispy texture. To reheat, thaw the broth overnight in the fridge and gently warm it, then fry fresh shrimp.

What common troubleshooting tips should I know?
Great question! If your tempura shrimp isn’t turning out crispy, ensure that the oil is hot enough (350°F or175°C) before frying—if it’s not hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil. Additionally, if your broth tastes too salty, balance it out with a splash of water or increase the volume of noodles.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! If you have allergies, this dish contains gluten from udon noodles and tempura batter, so consider gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles and gluten-free flour for the batter. For those concerned about seafood, feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu. If you have pets, it’s best to keep them away from the soup due to the soy sauce content, which isn’t suitable for their diets.