Description
This delicious Yaki Udon recipe offers a quick and easy stir-fried noodle dish packed with tender pork belly, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce blend. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal, this classic Japanese comfort food combines chewy udon noodles with vibrant ingredients and a balanced umami sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 12 oz Udon Noodles (fresh or frozen)
Proteins
- 8 oz Pork Belly (alternatives: chicken, shrimp, tofu)
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion (or shallots)
- 2 cloves Garlic (fresh or garlic powder)
- 1 medium Carrot (alternatives: bell peppers, snap peas)
- 2 cups Cabbage (alternatives: broccoli, bok choy)
- 1 cup Mushrooms (shiitake, button, or any type)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (or chives)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce (vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce as substitute)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp Mirin (or sake mixed with sugar)
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil (optional, omit if sensitive)
- 1 tbsp Sugar (or honey, maple syrup)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral oil like canola or grapeseed)
Instructions
- Cook the Udon Noodles: Begin by cooking the udon noodles according to the package directions until tender. Drain well and set aside to keep ready for stir-frying.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside your flavorful sauce blend.
- Sear the Pork Belly: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the pork belly, and sear for 2-3 minutes until it becomes beautifully browned and crispy. Remove the pork from the skillet and keep it warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, which enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir-fry these vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining a good crunch.
- Combine Pork and Noodles: Return the cooked pork belly to the skillet with the prepared udon noodles and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Green Onions: Stir in chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish to your Yaki Udon.
- Serve: Plate the Yaki Udon immediately, enjoying the inviting aromas and rich flavor that make this dish so special.
Notes
- You can substitute pork belly with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for dietary preferences.
- Vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or bok choy can be used to vary the texture and flavor.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce to make the dish healthier or plant-based.
- If sesame oil is not preferred, omit it without drastically changing the flavor profile.
- Fresh garlic imparts the best aroma, but garlic powder can be a convenient substitute.
- Adjust black pepper according to your spice tolerance or omit if desired.
- For a sweeter touch, substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup.
