Description

This quick and flavorful 15-minute Garlic Prawn Udon is a perfect weeknight meal combining tender pre-cooked udon noodles with a savory stir-fry of prawns, cabbage, garlic, and a blend of soy and oyster sauces. The dish is enhanced with a touch of chili flakes for mild heat and fresh spring onions for a crisp finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

2 x 200g (7 oz) packets pre-cooked udon noodles
1 tsp sesame oil

Stir-fry

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

Prepare the noodles: 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 the noodles to a large bowl. Toss the noodles with sesame oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Cook the vegetables: 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. Sprinkle half a teaspoon of sugar and add half a tablespoon of soy sauce, then continue stir-frying for another minute until the cabbage is nicely colored.
Add garlic and prawns: Add finely chopped garlic to the wok and stir-fry for about 20 seconds until aromatic. Then add the peeled and deveined prawns along with the chili flakes. Stir-fry until the prawns turn opaque and are just cooked through.
Combine and finish the dish: Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan, along with the remaining soy sauce, remaining sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for another 30 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles and prawns evenly.
Add spring onions and serve: Toss through the finely sliced spring onions for freshness, mix well, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Pre-cooked udon noodles cut down cooking time significantly, but if using fresh or frozen, adjust boiling time accordingly.
Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Make sure not to overcook the prawns; they should remain tender.
For a vegetarian option, replace prawns with firm tofu or mushrooms and substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian alternative.
Adding a splash of sesame oil at the end can enhance flavor even more.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired

Keywords: Garlic Prawn Udon, quick udon recipe, prawn stir-fry, 15-minute meals, Asian noodle stir-fry, oyster sauce noodles