Imagine a dish that combines the perfect balance of chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and umami-rich sauce in just 25 minutes. Yaki Udon is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this Japanese stir-fry will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Tokyo with every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g udon noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Julienne carrots, slice onions and bell peppers, and chop green onions for garnish.
- If using fresh udon noodles, briefly separate them. If using frozen or packaged udon, run under warm water to loosen and separate the noodles.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes hot.
- Add sliced onions and carrots to the hot pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and carrots start to soften.
- Add sliced bell peppers and continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes, ensuring vegetables remain crisp and vibrant.
- Push vegetables to one side of the pan and add udon noodles directly into the hot surface. Let them sit for 30 seconds to develop a slight char.
- Pour soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together quickly to ensure even coating and heating.
- Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing noodles to become slightly crispy and absorb the sauce.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the blend of textures and umami flavors.
Tips
- Noodle Selection: Fresh udon noodles provide the best texture, but frozen or packaged work perfectly when prepared correctly.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or wide skillet and ensure it's hot before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect slight char and crispy texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of frying.
- Sauce Balance: The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil creates depth of flavor - measure carefully for the best result.
- Vegetable Prep Matters: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and maintain their vibrant colors and crisp texture.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions and sesame seeds aren't just decoration - they add crucial flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
