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Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir-Fried Udon Noodles)

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-fry
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Yaki Udon is a quick and flavorful Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with thick, chewy udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner and can be customized with your choice of protein like chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 servings fresh or frozen udon noodles (if using dried, cook according to package instructions)
  • 200g protein of choice (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu), thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup cabbage, shredded
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (optional for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Pickled ginger (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles:
    If using frozen udon noodles, place them in hot water to loosen and separate. Drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the protein:
    Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add your protein and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

  3. Sauté the vegetables:
    In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Stir-fry onion, carrots, and cabbage until they start to soften.

  4. Combine everything:
    Add the cooked noodles, protein, and green onions to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

  5. Finish and serve:
    Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sesame seeds and pickled ginger, if desired.


Notes

  • Use pre-cooked udon noodles for convenience.
  • Customize with mushrooms, bell peppers, or bok choy for extra veggies.
  • For a vegan version, swap oyster sauce with mushroom sauce and use tofu.