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
Yaki Udon Stir-Fry Essentials
Main Noodle Ingredient:Protein Components:Vegetable Mix:Sauce and Seasoning Elements:Garnish and Final Touches: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: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: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
Quick Guide to Reheat Yaki Udon Leftovers
What to Serve With Yaki Udon
More Ways to Cook Yaki Udon
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
Print
Yaki Udon (Quick & Easy Stir-Fried Noodles) Recipe
- 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
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
- Boil udon noodles in generously salted water until they reach a tender, springy consistency, ensuring they remain slightly firm to the bite.
- 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.
- Gently separate the noodles with your fingers, creating loose, individual strands that will easily absorb the upcoming stir-fry flavors.
- Prepare all remaining ingredients by slicing proteins and vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- 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.
- Swiftly sauté proteins like chicken or beef until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are cooked through, then transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same pan, quickly stir-fry vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and green onions until they become vibrant and slightly crisp.
- 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.
- Continue stirring and tossing the ingredients rapidly to ensure even coating and heat distribution, allowing the noodles to develop a slight caramelization.
- 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
Recipe Curator & Food Educator
Expertise
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.