Description
Yaki Udon is a quick and hearty Japanese stir-fry dish featuring thick, chewy udon noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. Customizable with your choice of protein or kept plant-based, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
7 oz (200g) fresh or frozen udon noodles
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup julienned carrots
1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
1 green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegan alternative)
1 teaspoon mirin (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef slices
Instructions
- Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. If using frozen noodles, boil for 1–2 minutes until loosened, then drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, sugar, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced onion and sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add cabbage, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- If using protein, add it now and cook until fully cooked through.
- Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over them.
- Use tongs or chopsticks to toss everything together until noodles are evenly coated.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the noodles are heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Add chili oil or gochujang for a spicy version.
Use vegan oyster sauce and tofu for a vegan variation.
Swap in gluten-free noodles and tamari for a gluten-free version.
Extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach can be added.
Stir in peanut butter for a creamy, nutty twist.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or soy sauce for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
