Description
Yaki Udon Noodle is a quick and flavorful Japanese stir-fried noodle dish featuring thick udon noodles tossed with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and optional protein. Infused with savory soy, oyster, and sesame sauces, this stir-fry offers a perfectly balanced combination of textures and tastes, making it a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 200 g udon noodles
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 1 cup sliced bell pepper (mix of colors)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Sauces & Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Protein
- Protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Begin by cooking the udon noodles following the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop further cooking. Set aside.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying.
- Cook Onion: Add the sliced onion to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until it turns translucent.
- Add Bell Pepper and Mushrooms: Introduce the sliced bell pepper and mushrooms to the skillet. Continue stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Carrots, Bean Sprouts, Garlic, and Ginger: Toss in the shredded carrots and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then mix in bean sprouts, minced garlic, and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Protein (If Using): Add your choice of chicken, shrimp, or tofu into the skillet now. Stir-fry until the protein is cooked through thoroughly.
- Add Noodles: Place the cooked udon noodles into the skillet. Gently toss everything to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Sauces: Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the noodles and vegetables. Toss again to coat every element with the flavorful sauces.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving your delicious yaki udon noodle dish.
Notes
- You can substitute the protein with tofu for a vegetarian version or omit altogether for a vegan dish, just be sure to use vegan oyster sauce or an alternative.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauces according to your taste preference, especially if you prefer a less salty dish.
- Adding a splash of mirin or sake can enhance the flavor if desired.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor; however, frozen can be used in a pinch but may make the dish more water-logged.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger servings.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce.
