Yaki Udon (Japan)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Yaki Udon is a popular Japanese stir-fried noodle dish known for its bold, savory flavors and satisfying texture. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal featuring thick, chewy udon noodles stir-fried with vegetables and often a choice of protein, such as chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu. The name "Yaki Udon" translates to “fried udon,” with "yaki" meaning "grilled" or "fried" and "udon" referring to the hearty, wheat-based noodles at the dish’s core. Yaki Udon was likely invented post-World War II, during a time when ramen noodles were hard to come by, leading people to use udon noodles instead. This dish is now enjoyed all over Japan, from street vendors to home kitchens, often as a quick and delicious comfort food.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) fresh udon noodles (or 4 servings, if using frozen or dry)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 1 large carrot, julienned

• 1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)

• 1 cup cabbage, chopped

• 4 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• 8 oz (200g) protein (e.g., sliced chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu)

  
  

Sauce

• 4 tbsp soy sauce (1/4 cup)

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for a vegetarian version)

• 2 tbsp mirin (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp sugar

  
  

Optional Toppings

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice powder)

• Bonito flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Udon Noodles

• If using fresh or frozen udon noodles, run them under hot water to separate and loosen them, then drain.

• If using dried udon noodles, cook according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

  
  

Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and sugar until well mixed. Set aside.

  
  

Stir-fry the Vegetables and Protein

• Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, and when hot, add your choice of protein. Stir-fry until cooked through, about 4–5 minutes.

• Add the sliced onion, carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for another 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften but remain crisp.

  
  

Add Noodles and Sauce

• Add the udon noodles to the pan along with the prepared sauce. Use tongs or chopsticks to toss everything together, ensuring the noodles, vegetables, and protein are evenly coated. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until everything is hot and well combined.

  
  

Serve

• Divide among 4 bowls, and garnish with chopped green onions and any optional toppings like sesame seeds or shichimi togarashi.