If you're craving a delicious, savory, and satisfying meal, this Yaki Udon recipe is a must-try! Packed with tender udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and a rich umami sauce, it’s the perfect meal for any Japanese food lover. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Yaki Udon offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. The stir-fried udon noodles are tender yet slightly crispy on the edges, while the fresh bok choy and shiitake mushrooms add a pleasant earthiness to the dish. The umami-packed stir-fry sauce, made with ingredients like vegetarian oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of sriracha, brings everything together in a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. Not only is this dish delicious, but it's also quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy days.
Ingredients
Stir Fry:
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 3 cups chopped baby bok choy
- 500 g udon noodles, cooked according to package directions
Stir Fry Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (or regular if not vegetarian)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (or 1 tablespoon dry sherry or 1 teaspoon rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix all the stir-fry sauce ingredients together and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped scallions and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shiitake mushrooms and baby bok choy to the skillet, stirring and cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked udon noodles and pour in the stir-fry sauce. Mix well to coat the noodles evenly, then let the noodles cook undisturbed for 30 seconds to brown slightly.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Protein Additions: For extra protein, you can add tofu, tempeh, or even a fried egg on top of the stir-fry.
- Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to replace the bok choy with spinach or kale, and you can also add carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for more variety.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your taste. If you prefer a milder version, you can omit it entirely or replace it with a milder chili paste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Yaki Udon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The dish is best when eaten fresh, but the flavors still hold up for a few days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the noodles. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
How do I make Yaki Udon vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using vegetarian oyster sauce (as included in the recipe) and ensuring the soy sauce is vegetarian.
Can I use other types of noodles for Yaki Udon?
While udon noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with other Asian noodles like soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes! You can add chicken, beef, to make this dish heartier. Simply cook the meat before adding the vegetables.
How can I make Yaki Udon spicier?
To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of sriracha sauce, or add some chopped fresh chilies or chili flakes.
Can I use other mushrooms instead of shiitake?
Yes, you can use any type of mushroom, such as cremini or button mushrooms, in place of shiitake mushrooms.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stir-fry sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Ensure you cook the noodles according to the package instructions and rinse them under cold water before adding them to the stir-fry to prevent them from clumping together.
Can I make Yaki Udon without soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option or if you're avoiding soy.
How do I make the dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free udon noodles or substitute with rice noodles. Ensure that the sauces you use are also gluten-free (check the labels for soy sauce alternatives).
How do I make the dish sweeter?
To make it sweeter, simply add a bit more honey or agave to the stir-fry sauce.
Conclusion
Yaki Udon is an incredibly versatile and flavorful dish that will impress anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. With its tender udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and a delicious stir-fry sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this dish easy to make and full of satisfying flavors. Enjoy your homemade Yaki Udon, and feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste!
Yaki Udon
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Yaki Udon recipe combines tender udon noodles, sautéed shiitake mushrooms, and crisp bok choy, all coated in a savory stir-fry sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual lunch. Enjoy the balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with this must-try Japanese stir-fry.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Stir Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 3 cups chopped baby bok choy
- 500 g udon noodles, cooked according to package directions
Stir Fry Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce (or regular if not vegetarian)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin (or 1 tbsp dry sherry or 1 tsp rice vinegar)
- 1 tbsp honey or agave
- 1 tsp sriracha
Instructions
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix all stir-fry sauce ingredients together and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped scallions and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shiitake mushrooms and bok choy to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked udon noodles and pour in the stir-fry sauce. Mix well to coat the noodles evenly, then let the noodles cook undisturbed for 30 seconds to brown slightly.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra protein, consider adding tofu, tempeh, or a fried egg on top.
- Swap bok choy with spinach or kale, and add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Japanese
