Udon Noodles with Shrimp

Udon noodles are available in Japanese restaurants on the menu, and also I have seen them pre-packaged at The Fresh Market.  I usually buy mine at Asian markets like Sam's Oriental on South University or at Vietnam Market on Geyer Springs.  Lately I have noticed them around more centrally located areas.  (They come in a package similar to Ramen noodles in the Asian or International isle of many stores.)  If you are adventurous, or if you like to try new flavors, here's how you can enjoy Udon noodles. 

Ingredients:

1 Package Udon Noodles
6 Medium Shrimp
Mushrooms
Pickled Red Onions (recipe follows)
Fish Sauce or Soy Sauce for flavor

Directions:

1. Fill a small saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
2. Add noodles and seasoning packet that comes with it.  If there's no season packet, add ginger and soy sauce.  Add mushrooms and stir to break apart noodles. 
3. Add shrimp last, then remove from heat when the shrimp is done.
4. If you have it, season with fish sauce, lime, and sriracha (or any chili garlic sauce.)  In fact, if you have a full Asian pantry like I do, a teaspoon of shrimp paste really adds some umph to this. 
5. If you go the soy route instead, sesame oil is also a great flavor to add.  Top with cilantro or your favorite fresh herb.

This was the quick meal that I made at lunch today.  The onions I decided to add because they were left over from a Turkey Milanese meal that I made last night.

Pickled Onions

Combine 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of turbinado sugar, and 2 tablespoons of kosher or sea salt.  Mix well, then add a half red onion thinly sliced.  Cover and refrigerate at least one hour.