Servings
Font
Back
0 from 6 votes

Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir-Fried Udon Noodles)

Yaki Udon is a super easy and versatile stir-fried noodle dish that is perfect for weeknights. Customize it with your favorite proteins, use up leftover veggies in the fridge, and create simple but tasty, craveable noodles.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 758 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
Noodles:
  • 1.1 pounds (500 grams) udon noodles frozen or parboiled fresh (about 300 grams uncooked homemade udon noodles)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as vegetable, avocado, sunflower and safflower oil
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) protein of your choice (such as thinly sliced chicken, beef or pork; ground chicken, turkey, beef or pork; peeled and deveined medium shrimp; mixed seafood; sliced or cubed tofu; or substitute with additional vegetables)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small onion or ½ medium onion peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (65 grams) shredded green or napa cabbage
  • ½ cup (60 grams) julienned carrot (2-by-⅛-inch matchsticks)
  • 4 fresh shiitake mushrooms stemmed and thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions cut into 2-inch long pieces

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the udon noodles. Even if they come frozen, they are pre-cooked so it only takes 1 minute usually to just blanch them to refresh them. Don’t overcook or they will get mushy (they will continue to cook when you stir-fry them). Drain and rinse them with cold water.
  3. Heat oil in a large wok or skillet (preferably non-stick) over medium to medium-high heat. Add your choice of protein to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the protein is just cooked through (the timing will depend on your choice of protein; if using ground meat, break it up with the side of a wooden spoon as you stir-fry).
  4. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for another couple minutes until it starts to soften. Then add the cabbage, carrot, mushrooms, and scallions and continue to stir-fry for 2 to 3 more minutes or until the vegetables wilt and soften.
  5. Add the noodles and the sauce, tossing the mixture to ensure everything is evenly coated in sauce and that the noodles are heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • The nutrition information above is based on 2 servings and was calculated using ground pork as the protein. Although this recipe makes 2 generous portions, there is enough yaki udon for 3 slightly smaller (average) portions if you want to share between 3 people or have some leftovers.
  • I used my homemade udon noodles in this post (they're cut by hand which is why they look more rustic and imperfect), but you can of course use store-bought noodles here. If using store-bought udon, the preferable options are frozen or parboiled (precooked) fresh noodles (ideally "Sanuki-style" udon noodles). You'll find these in the refrigerated or frozen sections of Asian markets. Because they're already cooked, they only require a minute or so in boiling water to refresh them before enjoying! Dry noodles can work but are less preferable, as they're flat and less chewy.
  • You can customize the recipe to use other veggies you have on hand. Consider sugar snap peas, bok choy, bamboo shoots, broccoli, or zucchini as other options.
  • Just like with any stir-fry recipe, the cooking process moves very quickly. Make sure you have all of your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. I usually line them up in small bowls next to the stovetop in the order I need to add them.

Nutrition Information

Calories 758kcal (38%) Carbohydrates 86g (29%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 33g (51%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 14g Cholesterol 82mg (27%) Sodium 1589mg (66%) Potassium 662mg (19%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 10g (20%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 758

% Daily Value*

Calories 758kcal 38%
Carbohydrates 86g 29%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 33g 51%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 82mg 27%
Sodium 1589mg 66%
Potassium 662mg 14%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 10g 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.