Yaki Udon Recipe

Yaki Udon is a delectable and satisfying Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that has earned its place as a beloved comfort food. This culinary delight features thick, chewy udon noodles that are stir-fried to perfection along with a delightful medley of vegetables, proteins, and savory sauces. The name “Yaki Udon” translates to “grilled udon,” highlighting the cooking method that imparts a slightly charred and smoky flavor to the dish.

The key component of Yaki Udon is, of course, the udon noodles. These noodles are made from wheat flour and water, creating a uniquely soft and chewy texture that sets them apart from other noodle varieties. The udon noodles are typically parboiled before being stir-fried, ensuring they maintain their distinct texture during the cooking process.

In terms of ingredients, Yaki Udon offers a canvas for creativity. Common additions include thinly sliced pork, chicken, or tofu, combined with an assortment of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage. The stir-frying process allows these ingredients to absorb the savory flavors of the accompanying sauces.

Speaking of sauces, Yaki Udon is typically seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and sometimes oyster sauce or Worcestershire sauce. This results in a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that coat the noodles and ingredients, creating a symphony of tastes with each mouthful.

Yaki Udon is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether enjoyed as a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or as a celebratory dish during special occasions, Yaki Udon exemplifies the essence of Japanese comfort cuisine, offering a delightful harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.

Here is a Yaki Udon recipe:

Yaki Udon Recipe

Recipe by Yummy FoodCourse: MainCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Moderate

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

500

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

Yaki Udon is a delectable and satisfying Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that has earned its place as a beloved comfort food.

Ingredients

• 2 packs of fresh or frozen udon noodles

• 1 cup thinly sliced pork or chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option)

• 1 cup cabbage, shredded

• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 2 green onions, sliced diagonally

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons mirin

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

• Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick (optional)

Directions

• Prepare Udon Noodles:
• If using fresh udon, cook according to package instructions. If using frozen udon, thaw them in hot water and drain.
• Prepare Sauce:
• In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
• Stir-Fry Ingredients:
• Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced pork or chicken (or tofu) and cook until browned and cooked through.
• Add Vegetables:
• Add shredded cabbage, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
• Add Udon Noodles:
• Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan, separating them with chopsticks or tongs to prevent clumping.
• Pour Sauce:
• Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
• Finish and Garnish:
• Stir in sliced green onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Serve:
• Transfer the Yaki Udon to serving plates, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures!

Notes

• This Yaki Udon recipe is a quick and versatile option for a satisfying stir-fried noodle dish that can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Other PASTA and NOODLES recipes may be found HERE.

IMAGE SOURCE: Arumdaum, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons