How to cook Yaki Udon

A delicious recipe for Yaki Udon, a popular stir-fried noodle dish from Japan. This dish features thick udon noodles sautéed with a mix of colorful vegetables and protein, typically seasoned with a savory soy-based sauce.

Yaki Udon in the photo.

Ingredients:

For the Stir-Fry:

• 12 oz (340g) fresh udon noodles (you can use frozen or dry, but fresh is preferred)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 cup sliced vegetables (e.g., bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, bok choy, or mushrooms)
• 2 green onions (scallions), chopped
• 1 cup protein of choice (e.g., sliced beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated, optional)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
• 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Additional sliced green onions
• Shredded nori (seaweed)
• Pickled ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles:

• If using fresh udon, usually, it’s ready to use right away. If using frozen, cook according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sake, mirin, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Protein:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add your protein (beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu) and cook until it's just done. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary, then add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the sliced vegetables and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they're tender but still crisp.

5. Combine Ingredients:

• Return the cooked protein to the skillet with the vegetables.
• Add the cooked udon noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients and heat everything through, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Serve:

• Transfer the Yaki Udon to a serving platter or individual bowls.
• Garnish with sesame seeds, additional sliced green onions, shredded nori, and pickled ginger if desired.

Enjoy Your Yaki Udon!

This quick and tasty dish can be customized with your favorite proteins and vegetables, making it a versatile option for weeknight dinners or anytime you’re craving a comforting noodle dish! Enjoy your meal!