Delicious Yaki Udon Recipe: Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

When it comes to comfort food, there’s something truly magical about Yaki Udon. Picture this: chewy, satisfying noodles tossed with succulent shrimp and vibrant veggies, all drenched in a savory sauce that dances on your palate. The aroma wafts through the kitchen as you whip up this delightful dish, turning an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Now, let’s be real—who doesn’t want a quick, delicious meal that impresses without the fuss? Yaki Udon is perfect for those weeknights when you want to treat yourself or throw a dinner party without a culinary meltdown. Trust me, once you give this recipe a shot, your taste buds will be forever grateful.

Ingredients for YAKI UDON

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious YAKI UDON:

2 tbsp cooking oil – divided for cooking and ensuring the noodles don’t stick together.

500g udon noodles – frozen or fresh; if frozen, soak them in hot water before using.

1/2 lb shrimp or choice of protein – feel free to substitute with thinly sliced chicken, beef, pork, tofu, or more vegetables.

1/2 medium onion – sliced to add sweetness and texture.

2 cloves garlic – minced for aromatic depth.

1 cup cabbage – shredded for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the noodles.

1/4 cup carrot – julienned to add color and sweetness.

3 mushrooms – sliced for that umami boost.

2 green onions – chopped for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp dark soy sauce – for richness and depth of flavor.

2 tbsp oyster sauce – adds a marvelous umami flavor.

1 tbsp mirin – to introduce a touch of sweetness and balance.

1 tbsp brown sugar – amplifies the sweetness, marrying beautifully with the savory elements.

1/2 tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) – optional, for those who enjoy a hint of heat.

How to Make YAKI UDON

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious YAKI UDON:

Step 1: Season the Protein
Season your shrimp or selected protein with salt and pepper. This step offers a solid flavor base that shines through in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and Gochugaru. Mix well until sugar dissolves. This sauce will be the star of your Yaki Udon.

Step 3: Soak the Udon
If you’re using frozen udon noodles, soak them in hot water for about a minute. Use chopsticks to gently loosen them up. Rinse with cold water, drain, and set aside. This ensures your noodles are ready to soak up all the delightful flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Protein
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp or chosen protein and cook for about 2 minutes until opaque. Remove and set aside. Don’t worry if it looks a bit undercooked; it will finish cooking later!

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onion and garlic, cooking until aromatic. Add cabbage, carrot, and mushrooms, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they soften but retain their crunch. This colorful medley adds freshness and enhances the dish’s appeal.

Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked shrimp to the wok, add the udon noodles, and pour over the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. Add the chopped green onions and mix to combine. Now comes the best part: Serve hot and garnish with Kewpie mayo, bonito flakes, or sesame seeds if desired.

And there you have it—an irresistible Yaki Udon that transcends the boundaries of a simple weeknight meal. Plated with flair, it’s the kind of dish that leaves a lasting impression on family and friends. Reveal this tasty creation, and I guarantee the only complaints you’ll get are for seconds!

Enjoy the delightful combination of vibrant flavors and textures as you dig in. Your taste buds will thank you, and you just might find yourself channeling your inner master chef—without the need for a reality TV show. Which, let’s be honest, is always a win.

This showstopping YAKI UDON delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting YAKI UDON Cooking Process

Begin by cooking your choice of protein until it’s nicely seared, then set it aside. Next, sauté the vegetables to bring out their flavors while preparing your udon noodles and sauce simultaneously for the best results.

Add Your Touch to YAKI UDON

Feel free to swap proteins like shrimp for chicken or toss in more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. Experiment with sauces, such as teriyaki for a sweeter touch, to personalize your YAKI UDON.

Storing & Reheating YAKI UDON

To store, keep your YAKI UDON in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan, adding a splash of water to revive the noodles’ texture.

Sometimes, I whip up YAKI UDON when friends come over, and their delighted reactions always remind me of why I love cooking and sharing good food. Cooking can bring us all together!

FAQs About YAKI UDON

What is YAKI UDON?

YAKI UDON is a delicious Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with thick, chewy udon noodles. Typically, it features a protein choice such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu, alongside a colorful array of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. The dish is flavored with a savory sauce that often includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of mirin for sweetness. Enjoyed for its delightful textures and flavors, YAKI UDON is a versatile meal that can be easily customized to suit your tastes.

How long does it take to make YAKI UDON?

Making YAKI UDON is a breeze, taking approximately 15 minutes from start to finish. This quick cooking time makes it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something flavorful yet efficient. With a prep time of about 5 minutes and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delightful dish on the table in no time, perfect for busy lifestyles or sudden cravings.

Can I customize my YAKI UDON?

Absolutely! YAKI UDON is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to swap out proteins according to your preferences. Whether you choose shrimp, chicken, beef, or even extra veggies, the possibilities are endless. You can also play with the sauce by adding whisked eggs for richness or experimenting with different flavor profiles like teriyaki or even a spicy sheen with Sriracha. Make it your own!

Is YAKI UDON healthy?

YAKI UDON can be a healthy meal option, especially when you load it up with a variety of fresh vegetables. While the udon noodles provide a satisfying base, the addition of lean proteins and colorful veggies boosts the nutritional profile, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals. By adjusting the amount of oil and sauce used, you can create a dish that fits into a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion for YAKI UDON

In summary, YAKI UDON is a quick and delightful dish that brings the flavors of Japan into your home kitchen. With its customizable nature, you can easily adapt the protein and vegetables to best suit your preferences. This makes YAKI UDON not only suitable for weeknight dinners but also perfect for special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just yourself, YAKI UDON will surely impress and satisfy. Enjoy crafting this delicious stir-fry!

Yaki Udon

Enjoy this quick and easy Yaki Udon recipe featuring savory noodles and your choice of protein for a satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp cooking oil divided
• 500 g udon noodles frozen
• 0.5 lb protein of choice shrimp, chicken, beef, pork, bacon, tofu, or extra vegetables
• 0.5 medium onion sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup cabbage shredded
• 0.25 cup carrot julienned
• 3 pieces mushrooms sliced
• 2 pieces green onions chopped
• garnish kewpie mayo, bonito flakes, toasted sesame seeds, and/or green onions (optional)

Sauce

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 0.5 tsp Gochugaru Korean chili flakes or red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

• Wok or large pan
• Chopsticks
• small bowl

Method

 

Preparation

1. Season shrimp or your choice of protein with salt and pepper. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
2. To prepare your udon noodles, soak them in hot water for about a minute, and use chopsticks to carefully loosen the noodles. Rinse with cold water, drain, and set aside.

Cooking

1. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat and add the shrimp or your choice of protein. Cook for about 2 minutes or until opaque. Remove and set aside.
2. Add oil to the same wok, then add onion and garlic, and cook until aromatic. Add cabbage, carrot, and mushrooms, and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the cooked shrimp, udon noodles, and sauce, and toss them together until the noodles are evenly coated. Add green onions and mix to combine. Garnish and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving

Notes

Yaki Udon can be customized with various proteins and vegetables to suit your taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, reheating gently with a splash of water to revive noodle texture.

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