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Udon Noodle Recipe

Easy Udon Noodle

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 with tender vegetables, protein, and a savory sauce that coats every strand perfectly.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 344
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Noodles
  • 2 packets vacuum-packed udon noodles 13 oz total
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil for cooking
Vegetables and Protein
  • 2½ cups mixed vegetables mushrooms, bok choy, onions
  • ½ pound ground meat chicken, beef, or pork
  • 2 stalks green onions cut into 2-inch pieces
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

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Wok or large skillet
  • Colander
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Boil water - Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil for the noodles.
  3. 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.
  4. Drain and rinse - Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water immediately. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from becoming mushy.
  5. Heat the pan - Heat your pan or wok over high heat and add oil.
  6. Cook the meat - Add ground meat first and cook until almost done.
  7. Add vegetables - Add your vegetables and stir fry until the meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender-crisp.
  8. 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.

Notes

Noodle Tips: 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.
Storage: Store leftover udon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of water and drizzle of oil.
Substitutions: 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.