Description
Yaki Udon is a simple and delicious Japanese stir-fried noodle dish featuring chewy udon noodles, savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful five-ingredient sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect quick meal that combines tender stir-fried noodles with a rich umami sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packets udon noodles (total 13 oz vacuum packed noodles)
- 2½ cups stir fry vegetables, chopped (mushrooms, bok choy, onions)
- 2 stalks scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths
- ½ lb ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, or shrimp)
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
Yaki Udon Noodle Sauce
- 2½ Tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2½ tablespoons dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon rice vinegar. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the udon noodles: Remove udon noodles from packaging. If frozen, add directly to a pot of boiling water; if fresh, do the same. Stir gently until noodles separate and become pliable, about 1–2 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep noodles firm and chewy. Drain noodles and rinse under cold water. If not using immediately, toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Stir fry the meat and vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add ½ lb ground meat and stir fry until almost cooked through. Add 2½ cups chopped stir fry vegetables and continue cooking until meat is fully cooked and vegetables soften.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the drained udon noodles, prepared sauce, and 2 stalks sliced scallions to the pan. Stir fry everything together for about 3 minutes, ensuring that the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Once well combined and heated thoroughly, remove from heat and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Udon noodles are pre-cooked, so they require only brief boiling to separate and warm.
- Adjust the amount of sauce according to your taste preference.
- Substitute ground meat with tofu or shrimp for variation.
- Use any preferred stir fry vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas.
- For a spicier dish, add chili flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
