Shrimp Cold Udon Salad with Tangy Oriental Dressing
A Delicious and Healthy Diet Meal: Refreshing Shrimp Cold Udon Salad
Experience the delightful combination of succulent shrimp and chewy udon noodles in this refreshing Shrimp Cold Udon Salad, tossed in a zesty oriental dressing. The unique, plump texture of Sanuki udon noodles pairs perfectly with the firm, bouncy shrimp, creating a satisfying culinary sensation. This dish is not only a delicious way to enjoy a light meal but also an excellent choice for a healthy diet, perfect for those days when appetite is low or for a cool, invigorating treat.
Main Ingredients- 12 medium-sized fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 servings of chewy Sanuki udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 generous handful of fresh arugula (approx. 30g)
- 7 Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced into thirds
- 3 leaves of radicchio, roughly chopped
Zesty Oriental Dressing- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (regular or light)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp lemon vinegar (or 1 Tbsp white vinegar + 1 Tbsp lemon juice)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or honey)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (lightly crushed for extra flavor)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (regular or light)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp lemon vinegar (or 1 Tbsp white vinegar + 1 Tbsp lemon juice)
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or honey)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (lightly crushed for extra flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare all our ingredients. Wash all vegetables thoroughly and chop them as indicated. Proper preparation is key to a smooth cooking process.
Step 2
We’ll start by making the delicious oriental dressing that ties this salad together. In a medium bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 2 Tbsp rice vinegar, 2 Tbsp lemon vinegar, 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 2 Tbsp olive oil, and 2 Tbsp sesame oil. Add 1 Tbsp minced garlic, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined. The flavor might seem mild now, but it will perfectly season the salad once mixed.
Step 3
Next, let’s prepare the vegetables. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. This helps them absorb the dressing better and makes them easier to eat.
Step 4
Roughly chop the arugula leaves into bite-sized pieces. Aim for lengths of about 3-4 cm to maintain a pleasant texture in the salad.
Step 5
Slice the pitted olives into thirds. This creates appealing bite-sized pieces that distribute evenly throughout the salad.
Step 6
Chop the radicchio into roughly 2-3 cm pieces. Larger pieces help retain their crispness and prevent them from becoming bitter.
Step 7
Now, let’s cook the shrimp. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 1 Tbsp of cooking wine (like mirin or sake) to the boiling water to eliminate any fishy odor from the shrimp. Add the thawed shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn bright pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become tough.
Step 8
Once cooked, immediately drain the shrimp and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This helps them stay plump and juicy. Remove the remaining shell from the tail. If the heads are still attached, remove those as well.
Step 9
Cook the udon noodles according to package directions, usually about 3 minutes in boiling water. Add a drop of olive oil to the boiling water to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Gently separate the noodles as they cook to ensure they are evenly cooked and don’t clump.
Step 10
Drain the cooked udon noodles thoroughly in a colander. It’s beneficial to rinse them under cold water to cool them down and prevent them from sticking together, ensuring a perfectly chewy texture.
Step 11
It’s time to combine everything! In a large bowl, place the drained udon noodles and the cooked shrimp. Pour about half of the prepared oriental dressing over them and gently toss to coat. Be gentle to avoid breaking the noodles.
Step 12
Add all the prepared vegetables to the bowl. Taste and add the remaining dressing as needed. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to bruise the vegetables. The goal is to lightly coat everything without making the vegetables soggy, preserving their fresh crunch.
Step 13
Transfer the Shrimp Cold Udon Salad to serving plates. You can serve any extra dressing on the side for those who like a little extra sauce. Enjoy this refreshing and healthy meal!
