Oh my goodness, have you ever tried shrimp tempura udon soup? It’s this incredible dish that always makes me feel like I’m indulging in a warm hug from the inside out! I remember the first time I had it at a little Japanese restaurant down the street—it was love at first slurp! The chewy udon noodles paired with crispy, golden shrimp tempura in that savory broth? Pure magic! I could eat it every day and never get tired of it. The way the flavors come together is just so comforting, and trust me, once you get a taste of this shrimp tempura udon soup, you’ll be hooked too! It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends. Let’s dive into making this deliciousness together!
Ingredients for Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious shrimp tempura udon soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g udon noodles: These chewy noodles are the star of the dish, so make sure they’re fresh or dried, whatever you prefer!
- 200g shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Fresh shrimp works wonders, but frozen is just fine too—just make sure to thaw them properly!
- 1 cup tempura batter mix: This will give your shrimp that delightful, crispy coating. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores.
- 1 cup ice-cold water: The colder, the better! This is crucial for achieving that perfect tempura crispiness.
- 4 cups dashi broth: This savory broth is the foundation of your soup. You can use store-bought or homemade dashi for an authentic taste.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds depth to the broth and enhances all those delicious flavors.
- 1 tablespoon mirin: This sweet rice wine adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
- 2 green onions: Chopped, these will add a fresh crunch and a burst of color on top of your soup.
- 1 sheet nori: Cut into strips, nori adds an umami kick and a lovely seaweed flavor!
How to Prepare Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup
Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this shrimp tempura udon soup! Trust me, the process is so rewarding, and you’ll have a delicious bowl in no time.
Preparing the Udon Noodles
Start by cooking the udon noodles according to the package instructions—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want them to be tender yet still chewy, so keep an eye on them! Once they’re done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This little step helps keep them from getting mushy later on. Set them aside while we work on the tempura.
Making the Tempura Batter
Next up is the tempura batter! In a mixing bowl, combine the tempura batter mix with 1 cup of ice-cold water. The key here is to mix just until combined—don’t overdo it! You want a few lumps to keep the batter light and airy. The colder the water, the crispier your shrimp will turn out, so don’t skip this step!
Frying the Shrimp
Now, let’s fry those shrimp! Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just drop a little batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises, you’re good to go! Dip each shrimp into the tempura batter, letting any excess drip off before gently placing them in the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or they won’t cook evenly!
Preparing the Broth
While your shrimp are frying, let’s prepare the broth. In a pot, heat the dashi broth over medium heat, then stir in the soy sauce and mirin. Let it warm up for about 5 minutes, just enough for the flavors to meld together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to smell incredible!
Assembling the Soup
Now it’s time to bring everything together! In bowls, add a portion of the cooked udon noodles, then ladle the warm broth over the top. Carefully place the crispy tempura shrimp on each bowl, followed by a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a few strips of nori. Serve it hot, and watch everyone’s faces light up as they take their first slurp!
Nutritional Information for Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful shrimp tempura udon soup! It’s always good to know what you’re enjoying, right? Here are the estimated values for one bowl of this deliciousness:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: About 20g
- Protein: Roughly 25g
- Carbohydrates: Around 50g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like the type of shrimp or broth. But overall, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty! Enjoy every slurp knowing it’s both delicious and nourishing.
Tips for Success with Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup
Alright, let’s make sure your shrimp tempura udon soup turns out absolutely perfect! I’ve gathered some of my best tips to help you nail this recipe every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and high-quality dashi broth make a world of difference in flavor. If you can, get your hands on some fresh shrimp—trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
- Watch that oil temperature: A deep-frying thermometer is your best friend here! Keeping the oil at around 350°F (175°C) ensures your tempura shrimp come out light and crispy. If the oil’s too cool, the batter will soak up excess oil and get soggy; too hot, and it’ll burn. Oops!
- Don’t overmix the batter: When making the tempura batter, mix it just enough to combine the ingredients. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of that airy crunch we’re going for.
- Fry in small batches: When frying the shrimp, don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows the oil to maintain its temperature and ensures even cooking. Plus, it makes it easier to flip them if needed!
- Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve the soup right after assembling. The crispy tempura shrimp tastes best when they’re just fried, so try to time it right so everything’s fresh and hot!
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative with garnishes! Additional toppings like sesame seeds, pickled ginger, or even a soft-boiled egg can take your soup to the next level.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating a shrimp tempura udon soup that’s not just good but *amazing*! Happy cooking!
Variations on Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup
One of the best things about shrimp tempura udon soup is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting or to cater to different tastes. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Protein Swap: While shrimp is a classic, feel free to experiment with other proteins! Substituting with chicken, fish, or even crispy tofu can give your soup a whole new flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Veggie Delight: Add some colorful vegetables to the mix! Spinach, bok choy, or mushrooms complement the soup beautifully. You can toss them into the broth for a quick cook or sauté them separately and add them on top for texture.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add some sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil to your broth. It’s a game-changer that adds a delightful spicy kick to every slurp!
- Curry Udon: For a warm, comforting twist, try adding a spoonful of curry paste to your broth. It creates a rich, flavorful base that pairs wonderfully with the udon noodles and tempura.
- Sesame Flavor: Incorporate some toasted sesame oil into your broth for a nutty flavor explosion! A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before serving adds an extra crunch and enhances the taste.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can bring a refreshing touch to your soup. Toss in some chopped herbs just before serving for a bright finish that sparkles in flavor.
These variations not only keep the dish exciting but also allow you to cater to your mood or what you have on hand. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect bowl of shrimp tempura udon soup!
Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup
So, you’ve got this incredible bowl of shrimp tempura udon soup ready to go—now let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to elevate your meal experience! Trust me, the right accompaniments can take your cozy dinner to the next level.
- Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): A small side of colorful pickled vegetables adds a refreshing crunch and a nice contrast to the warm soup. The tangy flavors are the perfect palate cleanser!
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame is a great finger food that pairs beautifully with the udon soup. It’s simple, healthy, and adds a nice bite to your meal. Plus, it’s fun to pop those beans out of the pods!
- Seaweed Salad: This refreshing salad brings a lovely umami flavor that complements the soup. It’s light, tangy, and just the right amount of chewy, making it a delightful pairing.
- Tempura Vegetables: Since we’re all about that crispy tempura goodness, why not add some tempura vegetables to the mix? Sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers can be battered and fried for extra crunch and flavor.
- Gyoza: These little dumplings are a fantastic side dish! Whether steamed or pan-fried, they’re stuffed with savory fillings and make for a satisfying addition to your meal.
- Green Tea: To round out your dining experience, a warm cup of green tea is just the ticket. Its earthy notes and slight bitterness balance the richness of the udon soup perfectly.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a lovely, well-rounded meal that not only satisfies but also impresses. Enjoy every bite of your shrimp tempura udon soup and the delicious sides that accompany it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious shrimp tempura udon soup, and now you have some leftovers—lucky you! Properly storing and reheating it will help maintain that wonderful texture and flavor.
First, let’s talk storage. If you have any soup left, transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best to separate the broth from the tempura shrimp and udon noodles if you can. This way, the noodles don’t soak up all the broth and become mushy. Store everything in the refrigerator, and it should be good for about 2-3 days.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key! Start by warming the broth in a pot over medium heat. You want it to be hot, but not boiling, as boiling can make the shrimp tough. In the meantime, if your udon noodles have clumped together, give them a quick rinse under warm water to loosen them up.
If you stored everything separately, add the udon noodles to the broth and let them heat through for a minute or two. For the tempura shrimp, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up. No one wants soggy tempura, right?
Once everything is heated, assemble your bowl just like before with the warm broth, noodles, and crispy shrimp on top. Enjoy your cozy meal all over again, and revel in that comforting flavor! Trust me, it’s worth the little extra effort to keep it delicious!
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Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup: 5 Steps to Delicious Comfort
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious bowl of shrimp tempura udon soup that combines crispy shrimp and chewy noodles in a savory broth.
Ingredients
- 200g udon noodles
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup tempura batter mix
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 4 cups dashi broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
Instructions
- Prepare udon noodles according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix tempura batter with ice-cold water.
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Dip shrimp in tempura batter and fry until golden brown.
- In a pot, heat dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin.
- Add cooked udon noodles to the broth.
- Top with tempura shrimp, green onions, and nori strips.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best results.
- Adjust the broth seasoning to your taste.
- Serve immediately for crispy tempura.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiling, Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: shrimp tempura udon soup, udon soup, tempura shrimp
