This simple udon noodle recipe brings authentic Japanese flavors to your kitchen in just 20 minutes. These thick, chewy wheat noodles create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Udon noodles are beloved for their hearty texture and versatility. This stir-fried version combines tender vegetables, protein, and a savory sauce that coats every strand perfectly. The best part? You can customize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Udon
1. For the Noodles:
- 2 packets vacuum-packed udon noodles (13 oz total)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil for cooking
2. For the Vegetables and Protein:
- 2½ cups mixed vegetables (mushrooms, bok choy, onions work great)
- ½ pound ground meat (chicken, beef, or pork)
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
3. For the Sauce:
- 2½ tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese cooking wine)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon rice wine vinegar
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfect udon noodles with authentic Japanese flavors:
- Make the sauce. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. This savory blend creates the signature umami flavor that makes Japanese udon so irresistible.
- Boil water. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil for the noodles.
- Cook the noodles. Add udon noodles directly from the package. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until the noodles separate and become flexible. Since these noodles come pre-cooked, avoid overcooking them.
- Drain and rinse. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water immediately. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Heat the pan. Heat your pan or wok over high heat and add oil.
- Cook the meat. Add ground meat first and cook until almost done.
- Add vegetables. Add your vegetables and stir fry until the meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine everything. Add the prepared noodles, sauce, and green onions to the pan. Toss everything together for about 3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
Tips for Perfect Udon Every Time
- Choose the Right Noodles. Fresh or frozen udon noodles work best for stir-frying. You’ll find these vacuum-packed in the refrigerated or frozen section of Asian grocery stores. They have the ideal chewy texture that makes this dish special.
- Don’t Overcook. Since vacuum-packed udon noodles are already cooked, they only need to be heated and separated. Overcooking makes them mushy and ruins the signature chewiness.
- Use High Heat. Japanese stir-frying requires high heat to create that restaurant-style flavor. This technique, called “wok hei,” gives the dish its characteristic smoky taste.
Healthy Variations and Substitutions
1. Protein Options:
- Tofu for vegetarians
- Shrimp or other seafood
- Thinly sliced beef or pork
- Chicken breast or thighs
2. Vegetable Combinations:
- Broccoli and carrots
- Snow peas and bell peppers
- Cabbage and bean sprouts
- Zucchini and mushrooms
3. Sauce Modifications
Replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor. Use regular soy sauce if dark soy sauce isn’t available, though the color will be lighter.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover udon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The noodles reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
For best results, add a drizzle of oil when reheating to prevent sticking and restore the silky texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This udon recipe provides a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Using lean ground chicken keeps the dish lighter while still satisfying. The vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients.
Each serving contains approximately 344 calories, making it a reasonable option for dinner. The combination of protein and complex carbs helps keep you full and energized.
Why This Recipe Works
This authentic udon stir fry succeeds because it respects traditional Japanese cooking methods while remaining accessible to home cooks. The 5-ingredient sauce delivers complex flavors without complicated techniques.
The key lies in proper noodle preparation and high-heat cooking. These simple steps ensure your homemade udon rivals restaurant quality every time.
Ready in under 20 minutes, this versatile dish adapts to whatever ingredients you have available. It’s the perfect introduction to Japanese home cooking and a reliable weeknight dinner solution that never gets old.
Easy Udon Noodle
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the sauce – Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. This savory blend creates the signature umami flavor that makes Japanese udon so irresistible.
- Boil water – Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil for the noodles.
- Cook the noodles – Add udon noodles directly from the package. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until the noodles separate and become flexible. Since these noodles come pre-cooked, avoid overcooking them.
- Drain and rinse – Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water immediately. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Heat the pan – Heat your pan or wok over high heat and add oil.
- Cook the meat – Add ground meat first and cook until almost done.
- Add vegetables – Add your vegetables and stir fry until the meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine everything – Add the prepared noodles, sauce, and green onions to the pan. Toss everything together for about 3 minutes until well combined and heated through.