Description of this recipe: This recipe for Shrimp Teriyaki Steak Noodles is a dynamic and flavorful dish that combines tender steak and succulent shrimp with hearty udon noodles and crisp-tender vegetables, all bathed in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend treat.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate. The slightly chewy udon noodles provide a comforting base, while the juicy steak and shrimp offer a protein-packed punch. The colorful vegetables add a delightful crunch and a boost of nutrients, and the homemade teriyaki sauce ties everything together with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to easily adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs. Beyond its amazing taste, this dish is incredibly efficient to make, requiring minimal prep and cook time. Who doesn’t love a delicious and healthy meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes?
Introduction
The beauty of Asian-inspired cuisine lies in its ability to seamlessly blend contrasting flavors and textures into a harmonious dish. This Shrimp Teriyaki Steak Noodles recipe is a prime example of that culinary magic. It brings together the best of both land and sea, featuring tender slices of steak and succulent shrimp, all generously coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a bottle. This sauce is the star of the show, a carefully balanced concoction of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. The inclusion of crisp-tender vegetables like broccoli and red bell pepper not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also contributes essential vitamins and fiber. This dish is a nutritional powerhouse disguised as pure indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding. With clear, step-by-step instructions and readily available ingredients, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavor-packed, visually stunning, and undeniably delicious Shrimp Teriyaki Steak Noodles.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola oil, peanut oil)
- 1/2 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (use store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (or minced)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Udon Noodles. Start by cooking the udon noodles according to the package directions. Fresh udon usually requires just a quick blanch in boiling water, while frozen udon might need a few minutes longer. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy. Once cooked, immediately drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set them aside in a bowl until you’re ready to add them to the skillet. A light coating of sesame oil can also prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sear the Steak. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The skillet needs to be hot before you add the steak to ensure a good sear. Add the thinly sliced flank steak in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly when you add it back to the sauce, so it’s best to err on the side of slightly undercooked. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp. In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Ensure the skillet is still hot. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and add them to the plate with the steak.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables. Add the broccoli florets and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry them for 4-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. You want them to be cooked through but still retain some of their bite. If the skillet seems dry, add a tablespoon of water or broth to help steam the vegetables. After a few minutes, add the white parts of the chopped green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 5: Create the Teriyaki Sauce and Combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and honey until well combined. This homemade teriyaki sauce is a game-changer, adding a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the top and stir well to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated in the sauce. Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Continue to stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve. Garnish with sesame seeds and the green parts of the chopped green onions, if desired, for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this delectable Shrimp Teriyaki Steak Noodles!
COOKING Rating:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, Umami
- Overall: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a complete meal.
- Pair with a side of steamed rice or a refreshing Asian salad.
- Offer a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- If you don’t have flank steak, sirloin or skirt steak will also work well.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari sauce and ensure the udon noodles are gluten-free or substitute with rice noodles.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your liking, depending on your preference for sweetness.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes
Total Time:
- 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on the soy sauce used)
Conclusion
This Shrimp Teriyaki Steak Noodles recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and colors, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and visually appealing. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The homemade teriyaki sauce elevates this dish to a whole new level, and the combination of steak, shrimp, and vegetables makes it a complete and balanced meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a convenient option and works perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is to place them in a colander under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fully thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t become watery.
Q2: I’m not a fan of broccoli. Can I substitute it with another vegetable?
A: Of course! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily substitute it with other vegetables such as snap peas, sliced carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach. Just keep in mind the cooking time of the vegetables you choose. Some vegetables, like carrots, may require a slightly longer cooking time than broccoli, while others, like spinach, will wilt quickly and should be added towards the end of the cooking process.
Q3: Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you definitely can! Making the teriyaki sauce ahead of time is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. You can prepare the sauce up to a few days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook the noodles, simply whisk the sauce again before adding it to the skillet. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a richer and more complex teriyaki sauce.
Q4: I don’t have flank steak. What other cut of beef can I use?
A: If you don’t have flank steak on hand, you can use other cuts of beef such as sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye. The key is to choose a cut that is relatively tender and can be easily sliced thinly against the grain. This will ensure that the steak cooks quickly and remains tender in the final dish. If using a tougher cut of beef, you may want to marinate it in the teriyaki sauce for a longer period to help tenderize it.
Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the steak and shrimp and add more vegetables, such as tofu or tempeh. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey in the teriyaki sauce, and substitute the steak and shrimp with tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based protein alternative. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in any optional broth additions. You can also add a variety of vegetables to make the dish more substantial and flavorful.
