Noodle soups have this incredible power to warm your heart and soul, don’t you think? There’s something so comforting about slurping up those chewy strands of udon, especially when they’re swimming in a savory broth. Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: crispy shrimp tempura! The combination of tender udon noodles and perfectly fried shrimp tempura is simply divine. I remember the first time I tried this dish at a cozy little Japanese restaurant. The crunch of the tempura paired with the silky broth was a revelation! Trust me, this shrimp tempura udon soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen—it’s a delightful hug in a bowl!
Ingredients List
- 200g udon noodles: These thick, chewy noodles are the perfect base for our soup. They soak up all the delicious flavors!
- 8 shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp make all the difference! Choose plump ones for that juicy bite.
- 1 cup tempura batter mix: This handy mix creates that light, crispy coating on the shrimp. Just follow the instructions on the package for the best results!
- 2 cups vegetable oil: You’ll need this for frying, so use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best frying experience.
- 4 cups dashi broth: This umami-rich broth is the heart of the soup. You can make it from scratch or use a good-quality store-bought version for convenience.
- 2 green onions, chopped: These add a fresh, zingy touch to the soup. Don’t skip them—they’re essential for that burst of flavor!
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: This adds depth and saltiness to the broth. Adjust to taste, depending on how salty your dashi is.
- 1 tablespoon mirin: A touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors in our soup. It’s like a secret ingredient!
- Salt to taste: Always taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking!
How to Prepare Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup
Making shrimp tempura udon soup is like a warm hug from your kitchen! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious bowl ready in no time. Let’s dive in!
Cooking the Udon Noodles
Start by cooking the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll want to boil them in a pot of salted water for about 8-10 minutes until they’re tender but still chewy. Be careful not to overcook them, or they can turn mushy! Once they’re done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is important; trust me, it keeps them nice and firm!
Preparing the Tempura Batter
Next, let’s whip up that tempura batter! Just follow the instructions on your tempura batter mix package. Usually, you’ll mix the powder with cold water until it’s smooth. The key here is to keep it a little lumpy; this ensures that perfect crispy texture when frying. If it’s too smooth, you might end up with soggy shrimp, and nobody wants that!
Frying the Shrimp
Now, for the fun part—frying! In a deep pan, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles when added. Dip each shrimp into the tempura batter, letting any excess drip off, and carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Assembling the Soup
Finally, it’s time to bring everything together! In a pot, heat up your dashi broth, adding the soy sauce and mirin. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to meld those flavors. Once hot, add the cooked udon noodles right into the broth, letting them soak up that savory goodness. Serve the noodles in bowls, top with your gorgeous tempura shrimp, and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Wow, it’s like a beautiful masterpiece ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use, so these should be regarded as estimates. For each serving of this shrimp tempura udon soup, you can expect approximately 450 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that delivers flavor without weighing you down!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your shrimp tempura udon soup, focus on ingredient quality. Fresh shrimp are a must—they make all the difference in flavor and texture. If you can, buy them from a trusted fishmonger. And don’t skimp on the dashi broth; a good quality broth will add a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own dashi from scratch for an authentic touch!
When frying the shrimp, make sure your oil is hot enough but not smoking; this ensures a crispy coating. You can test the oil by dipping a little batter in; it should sizzle right away! Also, remember not to overcrowd the pan—this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy shrimp. Lastly, enjoy the process! Cooking should be fun, and this soup is all about that comforting, delicious experience.
Variations
Feeling like mixing things up a bit? There are so many fun variations for this shrimp tempura udon soup! For starters, you can swap out the udon noodles for soba noodles if you’re in the mood for a nuttier flavor and a bit of a healthier twist. Also, consider adding seasonal veggies like bok choy, mushrooms, or even spinach to the broth for an extra boost of nutrients and color. Carrots or snow peas are fantastic choices too—just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them crisp!
If you want to switch things up further, try using different proteins like tempura vegetables, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and make this dish your own!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving your shrimp tempura udon soup with a side of crisp pickled vegetables. They add a refreshing crunch that balances the soup’s warmth. You could also whip up a simple salad with sesame dressing for a light touch. And don’t forget a small bowl of steamed edamame—it’s the perfect finger food to enjoy while you savor your comforting bowl of soup!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before dipping them in the tempura batter. This helps achieve that crispy texture we all love.
What if I don’t have dashi broth? No worries at all! You can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I make this soup ahead of time? While the udon noodles and broth can be prepared in advance, I recommend frying the shrimp tempura just before serving to maintain that crispy texture!
What other toppings can I add? Feel free to get creative! You can add a soft-boiled egg, nori strips, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
How can I store leftovers? If you have any soup left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, I recommend keeping the shrimp tempura separate to keep it crispy!
For more delicious recipes, check out Classic Chicken Noodle Soup or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. You can also learn more about the health benefits of udon noodles.
Imprimer
Shrimp Tempura Udon Soup: 7 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 2 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A delicious noodle soup with crispy shrimp tempura.
Ingrédients
- 200g udon noodles
- 8 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup tempura batter mix
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 4 cups dashi broth
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook udon noodles according to package instructions.
- Prepare the tempura batter as per instructions on the mix.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan.
- 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.
- Serve noodles in bowls, top with tempura shrimp and green onions.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- You can substitute udon with soba noodles if desired.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Boiling and frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: shrimp tempura udon soup
