Yaki Udon is a popular Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with thick, chewy udon noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The dish is flavored with a savory sauce that brings out the umami flavors, and you can customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins.
Ingredients:
For the stir-fry:
- 14 oz (400g) fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- 8 oz (225g) chicken breast, thinly sliced (or beef, shrimp, or tofu)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (or substitute with 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and ½ teaspoon sugar)
- 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions:
- Cook the udon noodles:
- If using frozen udon noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. Fresh udon noodles just need a quick rinse in hot water to loosen them up. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, sake (if using), sugar, and chili flakes (if desired). Set aside.
- Cook the protein:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken (or your chosen protein) and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the onions and garlic, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the carrot, bell pepper, mushrooms, and cabbage, and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine everything:
- Return the cooked protein to the skillet and add the cooked udon noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove the Yaki Udon from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious and satisfying Yaki Udon, a perfect meal for when you’re craving savory Japanese comfort food!
