What makes a perfect winter comfort food bowl? This shrimp tempura udon soup is a quick and easy homemade solution for a weeknight dinner, featuring tender shrimp and crispy tempura bits in a steaming hot broth. Save this idea for a cozy family favorite meal to try soon.

Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup in a Bowl with Chopsticks

Introduction

Imagine a steaming bowl of goodness, filled with succulent shrimp tempura, springy udon noodles, and a rich, savory broth, all carefully balanced to delight your senses. This shrimp tempura udon soup is a masterclass in comfort food, combining the ease of everyday ingredients with the creativity of Japanese cuisine. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and exotic, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dish that’s sure to impress.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between flavors, with the sweetness of the shrimp, the savory depth of the broth, and the satisfying crunch of the tempura. Plus, the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is relatively simple to prepare. The tempura batter is easy to mix, the udon noodles cook quickly, and the broth can be made in advance.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of crispy tempura, chewy noodles, and hot broth creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s perfect for special occasions or dinner parties, and it’s sure to become a favorite.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the shrimp tempura. You’ll need large shrimp, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and ice-cold soda water to create a light and crispy batter. For the udon noodles, look for thick, white noodles made from wheat flour. The broth is a simple dashi broth made with kombu (dried kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), but you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if needed. Other key ingredients include a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, green onions, and shiitake mushrooms, and a few tablespoons of soy sauce and sake for added depth of flavor. Practical substitutions include using chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version, or swapping out the udon noodles for soba or rice noodles.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the tempura batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Slowly pour in the ice-cold soda water, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces and dip each piece into the batter, coating lightly.
2. Step 2: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F. Fry the battered shrimp in batches until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the tempura on paper towels and set aside.
3. Step 3: Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, they’re boiled in water for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re slightly firm in the center. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
4. Step 4: Make the dashi broth by combining the kombu and katsuobushi in a large pot of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids. Add the soy sauce, sake, and mirin to the broth and stir to combine. To assemble the soup, place a portion of noodles in a bowl, then add a few pieces of tempura on top. Ladle the hot broth over the tempura and garnish with sliced green onions and grated daikon radish.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy tempura, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil – if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
• To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, cook them until they’re slightly firm in the center, then rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• For a clearer broth, skim off any impurities that rise to the surface after simmering the dashi. You can also add a few slices of ginger or a handful of ice to the broth to help clarify it.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when making the tempura and cooking the noodles. For the tempura, the ideal temperature is between 325°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the tempura will burn on the outside before it’s fully cooked on the inside. If the oil is too cool, the tempura will absorb too much oil and become greasy. For the noodles, cook them in boiling water, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until they’re slightly firm in the center.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the tempura, which should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. To achieve this, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pot. You can also add a few ingredients to the tempura batter to help it stay crispy, such as cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a more authentic tempura experience, use a tempura bita (a small, deep frying pan) to fry the shrimp. This will help the tempura cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming greasy.
• To add extra flavor to the broth, try adding a few slices of pork or chicken to the pot during the simmering process. This will add a rich, meaty flavor to the broth.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought tempura bits or pre-cooked udon noodles. This will save you time and effort in the kitchen, and the results will still be delicious.

Storage Tips

• Leftover tempura can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat it in the oven or toaster oven until crispy.
• Cooked udon noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in hot water or broth until warmed through.
• The dashi broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat it gently before using.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for gifting, especially during the holidays or special occasions. To package it, place a portion of noodles and tempura in a microwave-safe container, then ladle the hot broth over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and grated daikon radish, and serve with a pair of chopsticks and a small bowl of dipping sauce. You can also add a few extra touches, such as a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few slices of pickled ginger, to make the gift more special.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a few slices of fresh ginger or a sprinkle of ground cumin to the broth for added depth of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Add some sliced scallions, grated daikon radish, or pickled ginger to the top of the soup for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu, or use different types of noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, for a variation on the dish.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the tempura is too greasy, try adjusting the temperature of the oil or using a different type of oil. If the noodles are too mushy, try cooking them for a shorter amount of time or using a different type of noodle.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find kombu or katsuobushi, try using chicken or vegetable broth instead. If you can’t find udon noodles, try using soba or rice noodles.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the tempura is too dark or crispy, it’s overcooked. If the noodles are too firm or crunchy, they’re undercooked.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked noodles and tempura for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this dish contains wheat flour in the tempura batter and udon noodles. However, you can substitute with gluten-free ingredients if needed.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and ingredient quantities accordingly.

Conclusion

This shrimp tempura udon soup is a true showstopper, with its crispy tempura, chewy noodles, and savory broth. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite, and it’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. With its easy preparation and impressive results, it’s a great choice for home cooks of all levels. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this amazing dish!