Season the Shrimp: Lightly season the shrimp or your chosen protein with salt and pepper. This simple step adds flavor and helps the meat sear beautifully in the wok.
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Having the sauce ready makes the stir fry come together quickly.
Prep the Udon Noodles: Soak the udon noodles in hot water for about one minute, using chopsticks to gently loosen them. Rinse under cold water, drain well, and set aside. This keeps the noodles chewy and prevents them from sticking.
Cook the shrimp: Heat a little oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp or your chosen protein and stir fry for about two minutes, or until cooked through and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add another splash of oil to the same wok. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the cabbage (or bok choy), carrot, and mushrooms. Cook for two to three minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp and add the prepared udon noodles to the wok. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle in the green onions, give everything a final stir, and garnish with sesame seeds or extra scallions if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Yaki Udon with shrimp and vegetables!