Description
Yaki Udon Noodles with Savory Stir-Fried Vegetables is a quick and delicious Japanese-inspired stir-fry dish featuring tender udon noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and a flavorful savory sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe can be easily customized with your choice of protein such as tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 7 oz (200g) fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 green onion, chopped
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegan alternative)
- 1 teaspoon mirin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Protein
- Tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef slices (quantity based on preference)
Instructions
- Cook the Udon Noodles: Boil the fresh or frozen udon noodles following the package instructions. If using frozen noodles, boil for 1–2 minutes until loosened. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (or vegan alternative), mirin (optional), sugar, rice vinegar, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat the Oil: Warm the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying the vegetables.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the thinly sliced onions to the hot oil and sauté for 1–2 minutes until they soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Incorporate the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3–4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
- Add Protein (if using): If you opt to add tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef slices, add them now and stir-fry until fully cooked through.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything.
- Toss Everything Together: Using tongs or chopsticks, mix the noodles, vegetables, protein, and sauce thoroughly so the noodles are evenly coated.
- Finish Cooking: Cook the mixture for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the noodles to heat through completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute oyster sauce with a vegan mushroom-based sauce for a plant-based version.
- Adjust the sugar and mirin to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- Adding protein is optional; this dish works great as a vegetarian or vegan meal if you omit meat and use vegan oyster sauce.
- Use fresh udon noodles for the best texture, but frozen noodles work well and save preparation time.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
