← All recipes
MAINS

Sesame Shrimp Noodles

Garlic shrimp and udon or ramen tossed in a quick soy-sesame glaze. An easy way to get two different dinners out of one pound and a half of shrimp -- this is the Asian side for the son who prefers it, paired with Shrimp Scampi (or its easy vodka-sauce version) for the one who wants Italian.

OriginAsian-inspired, weeknight
Active15 min
Total20 min
EquipmentLarge pot, skillet, tongs
Pan heat
MED-HIGH
For the shrimp sear
Shrimp pull
145°F
Opaque, pink, curled (63°C)
Sauce simmer
LOW
30 sec to meld
Serve
NOW
Noodles drink up the sauce if held
1 · BOIL 2 · SEAR 3 · SAUCE 4 · TOSS & SERVE
6 oz ≈ 170 g udon or ramen noodles Bring a large pot of water to a boil before starting the shrimp.1
3/4 lb ≈ 340 g shrimp, peeled & deveined Sear 2-3 min per side to 145°F -- opaque, pink, just curled.
1 tbsp ≈ 15 mL olive oil Heated med-high, then the garlic, then the shrimp.
2 cloves garlic, minced 30 sec until fragrant, before the shrimp.
3 tbsp ≈ 44 mL soy sauce Whisked together with the sesame oil and honey2
1 tbsp ≈ 15 mL sesame oil Whisked in.
1 tbsp ≈ 15 mL honey or brown sugar Whisked in.
1 tsp (5 g) sesame seeds Garnish.
1 scallion, sliced Toss noodles + shrimp with the sauce 1-2 min until glossy3
  1. udon or ramen noodles · BOIL Cook per package, drain.
  2. soy sauce · SAUCE Into the skillet on low, 30 sec to meld.
  3. scallion, sliced · TOSS & SERVE Garnish, serve immediately.
Protein
Produce
Dairy & Egg
Pantry & Grain
Spice & Seasoning
Liquid & Fat

Notes

145°F is the shrimp finish line. Pull as soon as they're opaque and just curled -- carryover heat finishes the job. Past that they turn rubbery fast.
Udon vs. ramen. Udon is heartier and chewier; ramen cooks faster and is lighter. Either works -- use whichever's on hand.
Why two dishes. One kid prefers Asian noodles, one prefers Italian -- this recipe and Shrimp Scampi split a single pound and a half of shrimp two ways so everyone gets their preference without cooking two unrelated dinners.
Making both tonight. Sear all 1 1/2 lb of shrimp together first (both dishes' worth), split into two portions, set aside. Boil the Italian noodles (Shrimp Scampi) first -- cook, drain, sauce with that skillet. Reuse the same pot of hot water for the udon/ramen; it's already hot, so it's fast. Wipe the skillet, make the sesame sauce, toss with the noodles and the remaining shrimp. Serve both immediately.
Kid heat option. Keep the base sauce mild and add sriracha or chili garlic sauce table-side for anyone who wants it.
Leftovers. Noodles will keep soaking up sauce and can turn dry -- a splash of water or extra soy sauce when reheating loosens it back up.
Original Developed in this project, September 3, 2026. Pairs with Shrimp Scampi.