Udon Noodle Stir Fry

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, then this Udon Noodle Stir Fry is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself, but without the fuss of complicated cooking.

The great thing about Udon Noodles is their texture. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and absorb all the flavors of the sauce. Whether you’re cooking for one or making a family-sized batch, this dish is incredibly easy to throw together, especially when you have a few basic ingredients in your kitchen.

Plus, it’s customizable! You can add whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand, making it perfect for cleaning out the fridge.

This stir-fry is also a great option for anyone who loves quick meals without compromising on taste. The stir-frying technique seals in the flavor, giving the noodles that crispy, golden edge. If you’ve never tried Udon before, this is the perfect introduction, and if you already love it, you’ll be hooked on this easy recipe.

What is Udon Noodle Stir Fry?

Udon noodle stir fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring thick, chewy Udon noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and your choice of protein, all coated in a savory sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that come together in just a few minutes.

The Udon noodles, originally from Japan, are known for their smooth texture and hearty bite, making them the star of this stir-fry.

Typically, the dish is seasoned with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and other savory ingredients that enhance the noodles and vegetables. It’s versatile, meaning you can swap in whatever vegetables you have in your fridge or even add some protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

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Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and Easy: This stir fry comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need a fast, tasty meal.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your dietary preferences, whether you want to add meat, keep it vegetarian, or even make it gluten-free.
• Healthy and Nutritious: With fresh vegetables and lean protein options, this dish is a wholesome meal that’s packed with nutrients.
• Comforting and Filling: The thick Udon noodles make this dish satisfying and perfect for when you’re craving something hearty.
• Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates a savory sauce that infuses every bite with amazing flavor.

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Ingredient List

For the Stir Fry:

• 12 oz Udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1/2 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional, for heat)

Protein (Optional):

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (optional but recommended for a full meal)

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Ingredient Notes

• Udon Noodles: I always use fresh Udon noodles when I can find them — they have the best texture, but frozen works too if fresh isn’t available.
• Soy Sauce: I prefer low-sodium soy sauce for this dish to control the salt content, but regular soy sauce is fine as well.
• Sesame Oil: Don’t skip the sesame oil! It adds a nutty flavor that brings the dish together.
• Vegetables: You can swap in any veggies you like — zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.
• Chili Paste or Sriracha: If you like a little heat, I recommend adding some chili paste or sriracha to the sauce. It gives the dish a nice spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying the noodles and vegetables.
• Pot for Boiling Noodles: To cook the Udon noodles before adding them to the stir-fry. Make sure it’s large enough to give the noodles room to cook evenly.
• Cutting Board and Knife: To chop the vegetables. A sharp chef’s knife will make this step quick and easy.
• Tongs or Chopsticks: These are great for tossing the noodles and vegetables in the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: To get the sauce measurements just right.

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Udon Noodles

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. You want enough water to fully submerge the noodles.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the Udon noodles. If you’re using fresh noodles, they’ll cook in about 2-3 minutes; frozen noodles might take a little longer (5-6 minutes).
3. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside. You can give them a quick rinse under cold water to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the stir-fry.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the noodles! They should still be firm and chewy, not mushy. Keep an eye on them to ensure the perfect texture.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables and Protein

1. Slice your bell peppers, carrots, onions, and snap peas into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. The more evenly you slice them, the more evenly they’ll cook.
2. Peel and finely chop the garlic and ginger. Set them aside in a small bowl — this makes it easier when you add them to the pan.
3. If you’re adding protein, cut your chicken, tofu, or shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Make sure it’s cooked through if you’re using leftovers, or sauté it separately before adding it to the stir fry.

Pro Tip: The smaller and thinner you cut the vegetables, the quicker they’ll cook, which helps keep everything crisp and fresh.

Step 3: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili paste (if using). Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Give the sauce a quick taste. If you want more sweetness, add a little more sugar; if you like it spicier, increase the chili paste or sriracha.

Pro Tip: Make sure to taste your sauce before adding it to the stir-fry to ensure the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Protein

1. Place your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once it’s hot (but not smoking), add the garlic and ginger. Stir them quickly for 30 seconds — don’t let them burn.
2. Start with the vegetables that take longer to cook, like carrots and onions. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp.
3. Toss in the snap peas and bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. You want everything to be tender but still vibrant and crunchy.

Pro Tip: Stir-fry over high heat so the vegetables cook quickly and stay crisp. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Once the vegetables are cooked, add your drained Udon noodles to the skillet or wok. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss everything together.
2. Drizzle your prepared sauce over the noodles and veggies. Continue stirring everything until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce, and everything is well-mixed.
3. Let the stir-fry cook for a few more minutes to allow the noodles to soak up the sauce and the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tip: If the noodles seem too dry, add a little splash of water or more soy sauce to loosen things up and give it that glossy, saucy finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Once everything is cooked and well-coated in sauce, transfer the stir-fry to serving plates.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for added flavor and crunch.
3. Udon Noodle Stir Fry is best enjoyed fresh and hot!

Pro Tip: For an extra flavor, squeeze a little lime juice over the top before serving — it brightens the whole dish.

Now, sit back, enjoy, and savor every bite of this delicious, homemade stir fry!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a wok or large skillet: Stir-frying works best in a wok or a large skillet because it gives you enough space to toss the noodles and vegetables without overcrowding, which helps them cook evenly.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: Keep your vegetables crisp and colorful by cooking them just until they’re tender but still have a little bite. Overcooked veggies lose their texture and freshness.
• Stir-fry over high heat: The high heat gives the noodles and vegetables that slight char and crispy edges that make stir fry so flavorful. Be sure to keep things moving in the pan to avoid burning.
• Keep the noodles separate: If your noodles are sticking together after cooking, rinse them under cold water before adding them to the stir fry. This will keep them from clumping.
• Make extra sauce: If you love a saucier stir fry, feel free to double the sauce ingredients. It’s easy to add extra sauce if you want more flavor without overwhelming the dish.

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Udon noodles: You can swap Udon noodles for any other noodle type, like soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti if you don’t have Udon on hand.
• Soy sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
• Sesame oil: If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or olive oil. It won’t have the same nutty flavor but will still work in a pinch.
• Oyster sauce: For a vegetarian or vegan option, use mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce.
• Veggies: Get creative with your veggie choices — broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach make great additions or substitutions to the mix.
• Protein: Swap in any protein of your choice. Tofu, tempeh, chicken, shrimp, or beef all work well. You can also keep it vegetarian by adding extra veggies or even edamame for protein.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of steamed edamame: The slight sweetness and soft texture of edamame perfectly complement the savory stir-fry.
• Pair with a light salad: A simple cucumber and avocado salad with a light sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, flavorful noodles.
• Top with a fried egg: Add a soft, runny fried egg on your stir fry for extra richness and protein. The yolk mixes beautifully with the sauce!
• Serve with pickled vegetables: Pickled carrots, radishes, or daikon add a tangy crunch that balances out the stir-fry’s savory flavors.
• Enjoy with a side of miso soup: A bowl of miso soup is a great addition to make this meal feel like an authentic Japanese dinner.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storing leftovers: Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating on the stove: To reheat, warm the stir fry in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up and prevent it from drying out.
• Reheating in the microwave: You can microwave the stir fry for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Freezing: While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating frozen stir fry: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove with a splash of water to restore the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of noodle for this stir-fry?

Absolutely! While Udon noodles are the traditional choice, you can easily swap them for soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti if you’re in a pinch. Each noodle type will bring its own flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment!

Is this stir-fry gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need to make a few adjustments! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and be sure to select gluten-free Udon noodles or any other noodle variety that’s certified gluten-free.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply leave out any animal-based protein like chicken or shrimp, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian stir-fry. You can add tofu, tempeh, or just extra veggies to make it hearty.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar for sweetness. These alternatives still give that rich umami flavor.

How can I make the stir-fry spicier?

To add some heat, try incorporating more chili paste, sriracha, or even fresh chopped chilies into the sauce. You can always adjust the spice level to your preference!

Can I prepare this stir-fry ahead of time?

While stir fry is best served fresh, you can prep all the ingredients in advance — chop your veggies, make the sauce, and cook your protein. When you’re ready to eat, just toss everything in the pan and stir-fry!

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If you tried this Udon Noodle Stir Fry or have any other questions, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment or connect with me for more tips and recipes.