Udon noodles, a staple in Japanese cuisine, are known for their chewy texture and comforting warmth. Originating from China, they were introduced to Japan where they’ve become a popular dish across the country. In fact, udon is particularly beloved in southern regions like Osaka and Kyushu due to its versatility. There are five primary ways to prepare udon noodles. The simplest method is Kake udon, served in a dashi-based broth, while miso nikomi is a hearty stew cooked with miso and vegetables.
For those looking for something richer, there’s the Curry Udon made with Japanese curry roux or the filling udon suki, a hot pot soup topped with an assortment of veggies and meat. Of course, no discussion of udon noodles would be complete without mentioning Yaki Udon, a straightforward stir-fry recipe that combines soy sauce and sesame oil with scallions. But don’t just stop at these classics – we have 19 udon noodle recipes to explore!
And if you’re looking for something truly unique and savory, make sure to check out #16.
Yaki Udon With Shrimp
Indulge in a quick and flavorful Yaki Udon With Shrimp that’s ready to devour in under 20 minutes. This stir-fry masterpiece requires only three essential components: succulent shrimp, Japanese-style noodles, and a rich, savory sauce. To elevate the dish, utilize Japanese soy sauce and mirin. Yet, if these pantry staples are not within reach, you can effortlessly substitute them with dark soy sauce and rice vinegar, ensuring a similar depth of flavor.
Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon
Indulge in the harmonious union of flavors with this exceptional udon noodle dish, perfect for those who crave a spicy kick from black pepper. The symphony of tastes is a sensory delight, as the richness of oyster sauce melds seamlessly with the tanginess of rice vinegar and the boldness of black pepper. Not only does the latter add depth with its characteristic citrus and piney notes, but it also elevates the overall complexity of this delectable recipe.
Spicy Vegetable Udon
For a quick and delicious meal that can be ready in no time, look no further than this Spicy Vegetable Udon recipe. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – simply choose your preferred protein source, whether it’s chicken, beef, pork, or succulent shrimp, or feel free to add more vegetables to suit your taste.
The real showstopper, however, is the bold and spicy sauce, which can be easily made using sambal oelek or Asian chili garlic sauce – perfect for those who crave a little heat in their meal.
Hoisin Chicken Udon
Udon noodles are incredibly adaptable, allowing for the creation of a delicious meal with just a few essential ingredients and condiments. This recipe leverages hoisin sauce as its foundation, combining it with an assortment of seasonings, including mushrooms, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, chicken, and other flavor enhancers.
Hoisin’s rich, salty, and savory taste profile is reminiscent of American-style barbecue, yet it boasts a more profound depth, making it an ideal choice for elevating the flavors of this dish.
Sweet & Spicy Udon Stir Fry
Experience the harmonious balance of sweet and spicy flavors in this delectable stir-fried udon noodle recipe. The combination of sambal oelek, hoisin, vegetable demi-glace, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and red peppers creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more. To elevate the dish further, top it with a richly textured soft-boiled egg and crunchy roasted peanuts, adding a satisfying contrast in texture to each bite.
Summer Veggie Noodle
Savor the flavors of summer with this delightful Veggie Noodle recipe, expertly stir-fried to perfection. The thick noodles provide a satisfying base for the delectable sauce to absorb into, while their texture holds up nicely against the variety of colorful vegetables. And don’t worry if you’re looking for an added boost – simply toss in some chicken bits to add protein to your meal.
This plant-based dish is a treat for the senses, featuring an array of summer’s finest offerings: grilled corn, zucchini, bell peppers, and crisp cabbage slices.
Garlic Shrimp Udon Noodles
The harmonious balance of flavors is a key highlight in this dish, as the subtle sweetness of the shrimp is elevated by the rich, savory notes of oyster sauce, sesame oil, and light soy sauce. The combination results in a truly exceptional culinary experience.
To take it to the next level, make sure to properly prepare the shrimp by peeling, de-veining, and adding some chopped scallions for an extra burst of peppery, spicy flavor.
Creamy Mushroom Udon
Indulge in this nourishing udon noodle recipe on your most chaotic days. The star of the show is the rich and velvety mushroom sauce, which harmoniously pairs with the wheat noodles. A trio of mushrooms – shiitake, cremini, and oyster – imparts a sublime blend of earthy, woodsy, and meaty notes that beautifully counterbalance the udon’s mild flavors. The key to this delectable sauce lies in simmering cream or milk, resulting in an umami flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry
This addictive Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry recipe is a harmonious blend of flavors. The subtle udon noodle taste is perfectly balanced by the bold spiciness of the kimchi, which also adds a delightful texture to each bite. To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients: spicy Korean sauce, crispy bacon, and a generous serving of kimchi, all brought together with the smoothness of udon noodles.
One-Pot Vegan Noodle Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this One-Pot Vegan Noodle Soup, crafted with pantry staples and a dash of simplicity. By minimizing culinary fuss, we can maximize flavor, making it a breeze to prepare a dish that’s both nourishing and delightful. Simply gather your favorite ingredients – think tofu, corn, mushrooms, green onions, cabbage or bok choy, and carrots – combine them in one pot, and allow the harmonious fusion of flavors to unfold.
Asian Meat Sauce Pasta
While traditional Italian dishes often get a modern twist with Asian-inspired flavors, this bolognese udon pasta is a unique fusion that combines the bold flavors of black bean sauce and tomato paste. Despite its simplicity, this recipe yields a filling and satisfying meal that will surprise your taste buds. The harmonious union of these two ingredients creates a rich and savory flavor profile that’s both familiar and exotic at the same time.
For convenience, frozen udon noodles are used in this recipe, but feel free to opt for fresh ones if you prefer.
Spicy Pork Udon Stir Fry
This next recipe leverages frozen udon noodles, which can be easily thawed by submerging them in cold water. In contrast, this stir-fry recipe for spicy pork noodles eschews boiling altogether, relying solely on the wok to bring all the flavors together. The dish’s bold flavor profile is thanks in part to the sambal oelek, which adds a delightful kick of heat, as well as the savory, slightly metallic taste imparted by the chicken bits.
For this recipe, you can opt for boneless pork loin cutlets or substitute with boneless chicken thighs or breasts, providing a versatile and adaptable option to suit your taste.
Peanut Sauce Udon Noodles
The standout feature of this dish is the rich, bold flavor of the peanut sauce, which sets it apart from other recipes. For peanut butter enthusiasts, these Peanut Sauce Udon Noodles are a must-try. With a blend of savory soy sauce, spicy red chili flakes, tangy vinegar, sweet maple syrup, and zesty lemon juice all working together with smooth or crunchy peanut butter, this recipe is a masterclass in balancing flavors.
The end result is a dish that’s both sweet and salty, yet packed with a depth of flavor that will elevate your weeknight meals.
Stir-Fried Udon With Pork & Scallions
This udon noodle recipe elevates pork cooked to perfection alongside scallions, infusing the dish with a bold, peppery flavor profile. The true showstopper, however, is the judicious use of mirin – a sweet and savory ingredient reminiscent of sake, but with a significantly lower alcohol content. When incorporated into this recipe, the mirin has the remarkable ability to transform even the most mundane sauces and flavors into something extraordinary and memorable.
Sesame Ginger Beef Udon Bowls
Indulge your family in a flavorful culinary experience by whipping up Sesame Ginger Beef Udon Bowls for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. The harmonious blend of savory sesame oil and aromatic ginger creates a uniquely delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with the richness of thinly sliced beef flank steak, the crunch of broccoli, and the nutty edamame.
Simply combine unsalted beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch to craft the mouthwatering sesame ginger sauce that elevates this dish to a complete meal.
Japanese Curry Udon Noodle Soup
Transform your typical curry stir-fried noodles into a comforting and aromatic Curry Udon Noodle Soup. This hearty soup boasts a rich, slightly sweet and spicy flavor profile, courtesy of the savory Japanese curry roux and the depth of dashi soup stock. To elevate the dish further, succulent pork loin strips add a delightful textural contrast to each spoonful. The combination of these unique ingredients creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Asian Noodle Kale Salad
Indulge in this Asian-inspired Noodle Kale Salad, a delightful treat for weekday brunch or dinner. The recipe requires minimal effort, with just a few essential ingredients like bell peppers, baby spinach, carrots, and green onions coming together to create a flavorful and nutritious meal. The real star of the show is the zesty dressing, crafted from a harmonious blend of fresh orange juice, tamari sauce, mirin, lemon juice, sesame oil, and olive oil.
This vibrant combination brings the entire dish to life, making it an impressive addition to any menu.
Kitsune Udon
In the realm of Japanese cuisine, Kitsune is a beloved noodle dish that takes center stage with its crispy fried tofu, expertly seasoned to tantalize the taste buds. This savory delight is further elevated by the addition of narutomaki fish cake, which adds a delightful textural element. For an added kick, enthusiasts can sprinkle a pinch of Shichimi togarashi, allowing each bite to burst with flavor.
Japanese Noodle Egg Drop Soup
A rainy weeknight is the perfect excuse to indulge in a warm and comforting bowl of Japanese Noodle Egg Drop Soup. But what’s even more impressive is that this recipe can be enjoyed hot or cold, catering to your mood and preference. To elevate the dish, add some fresh scallions, spinach, and sesame seeds for an array of exciting flavors. For those who enjoy a little heat, shichimi chili powder adds a delightful kick. Serve it up and let the comfort food goodness wash over you.
The bottom line
Indulge in a culinary journey with these 19 mouth-watering udon noodle recipes that are perfect for busy days. With a medley of simple ingredients readily available in your kitchen cupboards or pantry, these dishes promise to be hassle-free and quick to prepare. Whether you’re craving the spicy kick of Yaki Udon or the rich flavors of Japan’s Curry Udon, or perhaps something warm and comforting like a noodle soup, there’s something for everyone.
So go ahead, pick your favorite recipe, gather the required ingredients, and start cooking – it’s time to get your udon fix!
