Yaki Udon Stir‑Fry
Introduction
Whip up this chewy, umami‑packed Yaki Udon in just minutes—your go‑to Japanese stir‑fried comfort dish 🍜
🕒 Prep Time: about 10 min | Cook Time: about 15 min | Total Time: approx 25 min
Ingredients
(Serves about 2–3)
- Udons noodles (fresh or frozen): ~360 g (about 2 servings)
- Protein (choose one): sliced pork belly, chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or tofu puffs (~½ lb)
- Vegetables:
- ½ onion, sliced
- 2–3 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- ~2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 2 green onions, cut into ~2 inch lengths
- Sauce:
- 2½ Tbsp soy sauce (dark or regular)
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or rice wine vinegar)
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce (omit for vegan version)
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- Optional: splash of sake or dash of dashi powder or mentsuyu
- Others:
- Neutral oil for stir‑frying
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Toppings (optional): bonito flakes, pickled red ginger, sesame seeds
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Prep everything: Slice the veggies consistently. If frozen udon is used, gently separate strands and blanche briefly, then drain and toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. For dried udon, cook per package, rinse under cold water and drain.
- Mix the sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook the protein: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir‑fry your protein until cooked through; remove from pan.
- Stir‑fry veggies: In the same pan, add onion, carrot, mushrooms, cabbage—season with a pinch of salt—and stir‑fry until just tender but still crisp (about 2–3 min).
- Combine noodles, protein & sauce: Add udon and protein back to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir‑fry over high heat for 3–4 minutes, mixing continuously until sauce is absorbed and slightly glossy.
- Finish: Stir in green onion greens. Adjust seasoning with pepper or salt if needed. Serve hot with optional garnishes.
Pro Tips
- Chewy texture hack: Use frozen or fresh udon for better chewiness—avoid dried if possible.
- Sauce balance: Taste as you go—add more sweetness or soy as needed. A touch of dashi or mentsuyu adds authentic umami.
- Vegetable variety: Add snap peas, bell peppers, bok choy or bean sprouts for color and crunch.
Nutrition Info (Estimated)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generous plate (~300g) | ~450 kcal | ~20 g | ~60 g | ~12 g | ~5 g | ~6 g |
Nutrition estimates based on typical values for udon, protein, veggies & sauce. Please consult a nutritionist for precise info.
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Savory Yaki Udon with Mixed Veggies & Protein
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
Savory Japanese stir-fried udon noodles with chewy texture, sautéed vegetables, and your choice of protein, all coated in a rich, umami sauce.
Ingredients
- 360g fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2–3 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 2 green onions, 2-inch cuts
- 1/2 lb protein (pork belly, chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.)
- 2.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for vegan)
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- Neutral oil for stir-frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bonito flakes, pickled red ginger, sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Prepare udon: Blanch or separate noodles, drain, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make sauce: Combine soy sauce, mirin, oyster sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
3. Cook protein: Stir-fry chosen protein until cooked through; remove and set aside.
4. Stir-fry veggies: Add onion, mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage; sauté until just tender.
5. Add noodles and sauce: Return protein and udon to pan, pour in sauce, stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until coated.
6. Finish with green onions and serve hot. Garnish with optional toppings.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen udon for best texture—avoid dried if possible.
Taste your sauce and adjust for sweetness or saltiness.
Add bell pepper, snap peas, or bean sprouts for variety and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
