Yaki Udon (Quick & Easy Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe

Irresistible Yaki Udon: The Speedy Stir-Fried Noodles Recipe

Hearty yaki udon noodles dance with vibrant vegetables and savory proteins in this lightning-fast Japanese comfort dish.

Slick strands intertwine with crisp veggies, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious or came together so quickly.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality meal in mere minutes.

Professional chefs and kitchen novices alike will fall in love with this straightforward method.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of umami and freshness.

Trust that this simple recipe will become your new go-to meal when hunger strikes and time is short.

Why Yaki Udon Is a Quick Weeknight Win

Why Yaki Udon Is a Quick Weeknight Win
  • Speedster Meal: Whip up this Japanese stir-fry in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes fast.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids and adults alike will love the simple, savory taste with tender noodles and customizable protein options that please everyone's palate.
  • Versatile Ingredient Magic: Swap proteins easily between chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, making this recipe a flexible go-to for whatever you have in your refrigerator.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses affordable ingredients that are often already in your pantry, delivering restaurant-quality taste without breaking the bank.

Yaki Udon Stir-Fry Essentials

Main Noodle Ingredient:
  • Udon Noodles: Thick, chewy Japanese wheat noodles that form the hearty base of the dish. Fresh or frozen noodles work best for authentic texture.
Protein Components:
  • Sliced Chicken, Pork, or Shrimp: Protein that adds substance and flavor to the stir-fry. Choose tender cuts that cook quickly.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Green Onions, Cabbage, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch, color, and nutritional balance. Thinly sliced for quick cooking and even distribution.
Sauce and Seasoning Elements:
  • Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sake: Classic Japanese seasonings that create a rich, umami-packed flavor profile. Look for authentic Japanese brands for best results.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and depth to the dish. Use sparingly for authentic taste.
Garnish and Final Touches:
  • Sesame Seeds, Nori Flakes: Traditional Japanese toppings that enhance visual appeal and provide subtle additional flavor. Optional but recommended for authentic presentation.

Yaki Udon Stir-Fry Noodle Steps

Yaki Udon Stir-Fry Noodle Steps

Step 1: Boil Udon Noodles

Drop the udon noodles into a pot of boiling water and cook them until they become soft and tender.

Follow the timing suggested on the package to ensure perfect texture.

Step 2: Cool Down Noodles

Quickly drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold running water.

This stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from becoming mushy or sticking together.

Step 3: Prepare Protein and Vegetables

Gather your ingredients:
  • Sliced chicken, beef, or tofu
  • Thinly sliced cabbage
  • Julienned carrots
  • Sliced green onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced mushrooms

Step 4: Heat Cooking Pan

Warm a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add a splash of vegetable oil and let it heat until it shimmers slightly.

Step 5: Sear Protein

Toss in your chosen protein and cook until it develops a golden-brown exterior and is cooked through.

Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 6: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add a bit more oil to the pan and stir-fry the vegetables until they become crisp-tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 7: Combine Noodles and Protein

Return the cooked protein to the pan and add the cooled udon noodles.

Toss everything together quickly to distribute heat evenly.

Step 8: Season the Dish

Pour in your sauce:
  • Soy sauce
  • Mirin
  • Sesame oil

Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the savory sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and serve hot.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Stir-Frying Smarts for Yaki Udon

  • Rinse noodles immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent a mushy texture.
  • Toss udon with a tiny bit of oil after draining to keep noodles from sticking together during stir-frying.
  • Replace meat with firm tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a plant-based version.
  • Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve that signature wok-charred flavor and keep ingredients crisp and vibrant.
  • Adjust soy sauce and mirin levels to match your preferred saltiness and sweetness, making the dish perfectly tailored to your taste.

Quick Guide to Reheat Yaki Udon Leftovers

  • Transfer leftover Yaki Udon to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Sprinkle a few drops of water over noodles to prevent drying, then microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Quickly revive noodles by heating in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, stirring gently to maintain texture and distribute heat evenly.
  • If noodles smell off or look discolored, throw them out to ensure food safety and prevent potential foodborne illness.

What to Serve With Yaki Udon

  • Complement with Crisp Sake: Pour a chilled, dry junmai sake that cuts through the dish's richness and enhances the umami flavors.
  • Pair with Japanese Beer: Select a light Asahi or Sapporo lager that refreshes the palate and balances the stir-fried noodles' savory profile.
  • Match with Cucumber Sunomono: Add a bright, tangy cucumber salad as a side dish to provide a cool, acidic contrast to the warm noodles.
  • Serve with Pickled Vegetables: Include quick pickled daikon or kyurizuke to introduce a zesty, crunchy element that cleanses the taste buds between bites.

More Ways to Cook Yaki Udon

  • Gluten-Free Hero: Swap wheat udon for rice noodles or 100% buckwheat noodles to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Veggie Lovers' Dream: Replace meat with tofu, tempeh, or a mix of mushrooms like shiitake and oyster for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative.
  • Protein Power Boost: Upgrade the dish with sliced chicken, beef, shrimp, or plant-based protein crumbles to add more substantial nutrition and variety.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini or kohlrabi noodles instead of traditional udon to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar stir-fry experience.

FAQs

  • What are udon noodles made from?

Udon noodles are thick, chewy wheat flour noodles originating from Japan. They are made from wheat flour, water, and salt, creating a distinctively soft and smooth texture.

  • Can I use dried udon noodles instead of fresh?

Yes, dried udon noodles work perfectly fine. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, which typically involves boiling them until they’re tender and have a slight bite.

  • Is this dish typically vegetarian or meat-based?

Yaki udon is versatile and can be prepared with or without meat. Traditional versions often include protein like chicken, beef, or seafood, but vegetarian options with tofu or just vegetables are equally delicious.

  • What makes the sauce in yaki udon unique?

The sauce typically combines Japanese staples like soy sauce, mirin, and sometimes oyster sauce, creating a savory, slightly sweet flavor that coats the noodles and enhances the overall dish’s umami taste.

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Yaki Udon (Quick & Easy Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe

Yaki Udon (Quick & Easy Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Japanese Yaki Udon dances with bold flavors and quick stir-fried noodles, bringing comfort straight from Tokyo’s bustling streets. Hearty wheat noodles mingle with savory sauce, creating a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms (sliced or cubed)

Noodles and Vegetables:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh or frozen udon noodles
  • 1 cup cabbage, shredded
  • 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Extra scallions

Instructions

  1. Boil udon noodles in generously salted water until they reach a tender, springy consistency, ensuring they remain slightly firm to the bite.
  2. Immediately transfer noodles to a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to halt the cooking process and remove excess starch, preventing them from clumping together.
  3. Gently separate the noodles with your fingers, creating loose, individual strands that will easily absorb the upcoming stir-fry flavors.
  4. Prepare all remaining ingredients by slicing proteins and vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  5. Heat a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat, allowing the surface to become scorching hot before adding a thin layer of oil.
  6. Swiftly sauté proteins like chicken or beef until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are cooked through, then transfer to a separate plate.
  7. In the same pan, quickly stir-fry vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and green onions until they become vibrant and slightly crisp.
  8. Return the cooked proteins to the pan and introduce the prepared udon noodles, tossing everything together with a combination of umami-rich sauces like soy sauce, mirin, and oyster sauce.
  9. Continue stirring and tossing the ingredients rapidly to ensure even coating and heat distribution, allowing the noodles to develop a slight caramelization.
  10. Finish the dish by garnishing with sesame seeds, additional green onions, and a drizzle of sesame oil for enhanced aromatic complexity.

Notes

  • Rinse udon noodles thoroughly to maintain their signature chewy texture and prevent clumping during stir-frying.
  • Choose thick, fresh udon noodles for the most authentic and satisfying mouthfeel when preparing this classic Japanese dish.
  • Customize the protein by swapping meat with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables to create a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version of the recipe.
  • Keep extra sauce ingredients like mirin or soy sauce nearby to adjust seasoning quickly and ensure maximum flavor depth in your stir-fry.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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