Name: Easy 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.10 lb udon noodles, frozen or fresh (prepared according to package instructions); 10 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 green onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnishing); 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon gochugaru or red pepper flakes (use 2 teaspoons for more spice); 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar or cane sugar; ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder; ½ teaspoon Chinese black vinegar (or apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or white vinegar); 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons regular soy sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor yet comes together in a snap, this Easy 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine silky udon noodles tossed in a vibrant chili garlic sauce, paired with succulent shrimp that cook in minutes. This recipe perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and savory notes, making it a perfect weeknight meal when time is short but your craving for something delicious is big. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a go-to for busy evenings that need a punch of flavor without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface, each with different ingredients. The biggest bowl in the front center holds a block of thick, white udon noodles with a soft and slightly curly texture. Behind it on the left is a medium bowl with several raw shrimp that are pale gray with darker tails. To the right of the noodles is a small bowl containing a light yellow liquid. Behind the noodles and shrimp is another small bowl filled with bright green chopped spring onions. The scene is bright and clean with a neat arrangement of the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s vibrant flavor and satisfying texture. From tender shrimp to bouncy udon, and that perfect chili garlic sauce, everything melds together perfectly.

1.10 lb udon noodles (frozen or fresh): Provides the soft, chewy base that soaks up all the wonderful sauce.
10 jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined: Adds juicy, tender protein that cooks quickly.
1 green onion, finely chopped: Gives a fresh, mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Neutral to help cook shrimp evenly without overpowering flavors.
1 clove garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and pungency to the chili garlic flavor.
½ teaspoon sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for nutty crunch and visual appeal.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, rich flavor that ties the sauce together.
1 teaspoon gochugaru or red pepper flakes: Adds a smoky heat with subtle complexity.
1 teaspoon sugar (white or cane): Balances the spiciness with a touch of sweetness.
½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder: Boosts umami and depth in the sauce.
½ teaspoon Chinese black vinegar: Provides tangy brightness; can substitute apple cider, rice, or white vinegar.
2 teaspoons dark soy sauce: Adds color and a slightly sweet soy flavor.
2 teaspoons regular soy sauce: Brings familiar salty depth to the dish.

How to Make Easy 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Udon Noodles

Start by loosening those chewy udon noodles whether frozen or fresh. Soak frozen udon briefly in hot boiling water for about 30 seconds—just enough to loosen them without making them mushy. Strain well and set aside so they’re ready to soak up the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat, and add the shrimp. They’ll turn beautifully pink and curl up quickly, which means they’re cooked just right. Be careful not to overcook since that can make them rubbery. Once done, set those mouthwatering shrimp aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Green Onions

Reduce the heat to low-medium and toss in the minced garlic and chopped green onions. Sauté for about 10 seconds—just long enough for those irresistible aromas to fill your kitchen without browning the garlic and risking bitterness.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Now the magic happens! Add the sesame oil, gochugaru, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, black vinegar, dark soy sauce, and regular soy sauce one after the other. This sequence helps prevent the sugars and spices from burning, creating a harmonious sauce full of flavor and just the right amount of heat.

Step 5: Toss in the Noodles and Shrimp

Time to bring it all together—add the udon noodles to the pan and toss them well, letting every strand soak in all the saucy goodness. Then gently fold in the cooked shrimp so they evenly distribute without breaking apart. Once combined, remove from heat.

How to Serve Easy 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles Recipe

A close-up of thick, dark brown noodles coated in a shiny, spicy sauce with small chili flakes visible, lifted in loops by a pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand from a white bowl. The noodles sit on a bed of more noodles mixed with small pieces of light pink shrimp, and bits of green herbs are scattered throughout. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a soft, out of focus background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and a few more finely chopped green onions over the top for a fresh crunch and lovely nutty aroma. These little details elevate the dish from simple to stunning and give a wonderful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair this chili garlic shrimp udon with a crisp cucumber salad or some steamed bok choy to add a refreshing green element. A light miso soup also complements the rich, spicy flavors beautifully, rounding out the meal perfectly without overpowering the noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the noodles in rustic bowls with extra chili flakes on the side for heat lovers. For a fun twist, try adding a soft boiled egg or scatter crushed peanuts on top for unexpected crunch. Turning your noodle time into a feast is all about those little touches that make every bite memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The noodles will soak up more sauce as they sit, so keep some extra soy sauce or chili oil on hand to refresh the flavor when reheating.

Freezing

While you can freeze the shrimp and noodles, it’s best to freeze the components separately if possible. Shrimp can become rubbery after freezing and thawing if not handled carefully. Udon noodles freeze well but may lose some texture, so try to consume within one month for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the noodles and shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed, stirring often until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make shrimp tough and noodles gummy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh instead of frozen udon noodles?

Absolutely! Fresh udon noodles work wonderfully and reduce prep time even further since they don’t require soaking. Just be gentle when tossing so they don’t break apart.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the shrimp and use firm tofu or a variety of fresh vegetables like mushrooms and snap peas to soak up the sauce. Also, swap chicken bouillon powder for a vegetable broth powder to keep it vegetarian.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?

This recipe offers a medium level of heat thanks to gochugaru or red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust by adding more flakes for extra spiciness or reducing them for a milder version that still packs flavor.

What type of vinegar works best?

Chinese black vinegar is traditional and adds a lovely depth, but if it’s hard to find, apple cider, rice, or even white vinegar all make decent substitutes. It adds a bright tang that balances the sweetness and heat.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix the sauce ingredients and store them in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready to cook, just sauté the garlic and green onions before adding your pre-mixed sauce to save even more time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles Recipe is everything you want for a quick, flavorful meal that feels a little special on busy days. The perfect harmony of spicy chili, aromatic garlic, tender shrimp, and chewy noodles will have you coming back for seconds. So grab those ingredients and treat yourself to something delicious tonight—you won’t regret it!

Easy 15-Minute Chili Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need