When you need to get dinner on the table quickly, yaki udon is a delicious and simple recipe that can be made in just 15 minutes. You won’t believe how easy it is to prepare these udon noodles at home, no take-out necessary!
This Yaki Udon Stir-Fry is made with Udon noodles, which are thick and have a silky smooth texture that is very “slurpable,” and the entire recipe comes together in just 15 minutes if you love Asian noodles.
Simply put, Yaki Udon is a Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with udon noodles, a soy-based stir-fry sauce, and vegetables. Since the Japanese word “Yaki” means “Fry,” the recipe is actually called “Stir-Fried Udon noodles.” If you ever visit a Japanese pub called an Izakaya, the menu frequently features Yaki Udon.
Some recipes include vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and pepper along with meat (typically ground pork, shrimp, chicken, or beef). Since this recipe is vegetarian we’re sticking with just vegetables. I enjoy using bok choy, a vegetable related to cabbage, and shitake mushrooms. Nevertheless, you can use any vegetable you like.
How to Separate Udon Noodles & Prevent Clumping
Add a little oil to prevent them from sticking together if you don’t intend to use them right away. The udon noodles should remain separate as a result, preventing them from drying out and clumping.
Better to Use Frozen Udon Noodles
If possible, freeze the packet of precooked udon noodles before cooking. Alternatively, you may use them straight from the refrigerator. But after a number of tests, I discovered that the texture of this dish is slightly improved by using frozen udon noodles. More on this below:
Udon noodles are known for their chewy texture, and using frozen udon noodles keeps them from getting mushy and overcooked.
Drop your udon noodles—frozen or not—into the just-becoming-boiling water. Because the udon noodles are cold, once they’re in the boiling water, the temperature will drop and the water will stop boiling. The water is just hot enough to separate the noodles, so that’s good because it prevents them from overcooking. Udon noodle texture should be chewy yet soft. Noodles should be gently stirred until separated and flexible strands. This should take 1 – 2 minutes.
Noodles should not be overcooked because they are already cooked when they are packaged, and if they are, they will become mushy and soft. Wait for the noodles to separate naturally, then gently stir them. Avoid tearing the noodles by prying them apart.
Take the noodles out of the hot water as soon as they separate and become pliable, and then immediately rinse them with cold water.
Use a wok to ease your cooking process.
This is essential cookware to use for any stir-fry dishes, including this Yaki udon recipe.
A wok quickly and evenly distributes heat across its entire surface, and the curved shape makes it possible to toss food around without making a mess.
Additionally, using a wok will aid in caramelizing the noodles because the high heat releases a mouthwatering charred flavor as the sauce contacts the pan.
And that’s it! Making your own udon stir fry at home is incredibly simple as long as you follow the right steps.
As mentioned earlier, this stir fry dish is prepared in a single wok or large pan, which makes cleanup a breeze!
Since we all could use fewer dishes to clean, straightforward recipes like this one are a welcome change.
I sincerely hope you enjoy this chicken or shrimp Yaki udon recipe, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment below or DM me on Instagram!
FAQ
What goes well with udon noodles?
Typically, udon is served as a hot noodle soup with scallions, tempura, or fried tofu on top. We also enjoy including udon in stir-fries, especially in this incredible dish from Chicago chef Takashi Yagihashi, who pairs udon with shrimp, chicken, cabbage, and mushrooms for a dish that is both straightforward and flavorful.
How do you spice up instant udon?
Add a punch of flavor. Grate in some ginger or garlic. Add a few drops of Sriracha, dark soy, or sesame oil.
What toppings do you put on udon?
While there are many different types of condiments that can be used to top udon, the majority of stores carry scallions, shredded nori seaweed, and hot chili peppers (ichimi and shichimi types). Depending on the retailer, agedama (fried tempura crumbs) and ginger are also offered.
How do you prepare udon noodles?
Udon noodles are prepared by adding them to boiling water and bringing it back to a boil. Stir the noodles, fill the pot with more cold water, and bring the mixture back to a boil. Turn down the heat and cook noodles until tender. Drain noodles and run under cold water.
