Name: Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 servings udon noodles; 3 cups dashi stock; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon mirin; 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on); ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup cornstarch; ½ cup ice-cold water; 1 egg; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 2 scallions, chopped; 4 radishes, thinly sliced

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A comforting and satisfying Japanese-style soup featuring soft udon noodles, crispy shrimp tempura, and warm, flavorful broth—perfect for an elevated yet easy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Textural delight: Slippery udon noodles meeting crisp, golden shrimp tempura in every bite.
Umami-rich broth: Dashi, soy sauce, and mirin blend for a warm, savory soup base.
Elegant yet easy: Looks and tastes like restaurant-quality ramen, but simple to prepare.
Customizable garnish: Fresh scallions and radish slices add brightness and color.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Soup & Noodles

2 servings udon noodles
3 cups dashi stock
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin

Shrimp Tempura

8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on)
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
½ cup ice‑cold water
1 egg
2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Garnish

2 scallions, chopped
4 radishes, thinly sliced

Directions

Make the broth
Bring dashi stock to a gentle simmer in a saucepan. Add soy sauce and mirin and keep warm while prepping the rest.
Cook noodles
Prepare udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water briefly, and set aside.
Prep tempura batter
In a bowl, whisk together egg and ice-cold water. Add flour and cornstarch, stirring lightly until just combined—don’t overmix. It’s okay if slight lumps remain.
Fry shrimp tempura
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350 °F (175 °C). One by one, coat shrimp in batter and fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, until light golden and crispy. Drain on a rack or paper towels.
Assemble bowls
Divide udon noodles into two serving bowls. Ladle hot broth over the noodles.
Top with tempura and garnishes
Place 4 shrimp tempura pieces on each bowl. Scatter sliced radishes and chopped scallions on top.
Serve immediately
Enjoy right away to savor the contrast of hot broth and crunchy tempura.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 bowls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetable tempura: Add battered shrimp alternatives like sweet potato, broccoli, or bell pepper for extra variety.
Spicy twist: Add sliced chili or a few drops of sriracha.
Protein swap: Use tempura chicken or tofu instead of shrimp.
Broth boost: Stir in a teaspoon of miso paste for deeper richness.
Noodle choice: Substitute soba or ramen noodles for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

Broth: Store leftover broth in the fridge (up to 3 days) or freezer (up to 1 month).
Tempura: Best eaten fresh; leftovers lose crispness if stored. Reheat quickly in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crunch.
Noodles: Store separately from broth; reheat in hot water briefly to refresh.

FAQs

1. Can I make the tempura batter ahead?

Yes—mix batter and keep covered and cold, but fry shrimp immediately for best crispiness.

2. What’s the best oil for frying?

Use a neutral high-smoke oil like canola or vegetable oil.

3. How do I know when oil is at 350 °F?

Use a fryer thermometer or test by dropping a little batter—if it sizzles and floats, it’s ready.

4. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before battering to prevent splatter.

5. Can I use instant dashi?

Absolutely—just follow packet instructions to make broth.

6. Why rinse udon after cooking?

Rinsing stops cooking and prevents noodles from sticking together.

7. Can I cook everything in advance?

Make the broth and noodles ahead, but cook tempura just before serving for optimal texture.

8. Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tempura batter and tamari in place of soy sauce to adapt.

9. Why add radish slices?

They add a crisp, peppery freshness that contrasts with the rich broth.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—adjust ingredient quantities and cook in larger batches for more servings.

Conclusion

Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup combines elegant flavors and textures in a simple, satisfying bowl. From silky noodles and savory broth to crunchy shrimp and fresh garnishes, it’s a comforting, restaurant-worthy dish made at home. Serve hot for a delightful meal that delights every sense.

Ezabella