Dinner

15-minute Garlic Prawn Udon Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

This 15-minute Garlic Prawn Udon is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender prawns and crisp cabbage are stir-fried with fragrant garlic and bold sauces, all tossed together with chewy udon noodles for a satisfying dish.

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with thick, slightly glossy yellow noodles mixed with orange-brown cooked shrimp, scattered with bright green chopped scallions. The noodles are being lifted by a pair of brown chopsticks held by a woman's hand at the top right, showing strands of noodles hanging and cured bits clinging to them. The background is blurred and dark with a white marbled surface beneath the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 x 200g (7 oz) packets pre-cooked udon noodles
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 heaped cups sliced cabbage
½ tsp sugar, plus ½ tsp extra
½ tbsp soy sauce, plus 1½ tbsp extra
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
200g (7 oz) peeled and deveined prawns
½ tsp chilli flakes
3 tbsp oyster sauce
½ cup finely sliced spring onion (scallions)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the cakes of udon noodles into a pot of boiling water. Use tongs to gently separate the noodles and as soon as they have come apart, transfer them to a large bowl. Toss the noodles with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the sliced cabbage and stir-fry until it just starts to char. Then add ½ teaspoon sugar and ½ tablespoon soy sauce. Continue stir-frying for another minute until the cabbage is nicely colored. Add the chopped garlic and stir-fry for 20 seconds.
Step 3: Add the prawns and chili flakes to the pan. Stir-fry until the prawns are just cooked through.
Step 4: Add the cooked udon noodles, remaining 1½ tablespoons soy sauce, remaining ½ teaspoon sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles evenly.
Step 5: Toss through the finely sliced spring onions. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful garlic prawn udon.

Tips & Variations

Swap prawns for chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Use fresh udon noodles if available, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Add a splash of lime juice or sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat to avoid overcooking the prawns, adding a splash of water or soy sauce as needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

A white round bowl filled with thick yellow-brown noodles coated in sauce, mixed with six medium-sized, slightly charred shrimp scattered throughout. Bright green chopped scallions sit in the center on top of the noodles as garnish. A pair of wooden chopsticks with blue and white patterns rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen prawns work well. Make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little sugar as a substitute. This will slightly change the flavor but still keep it delicious.