If you’re craving a delicious, quick meal that hits all the right notes, my Yaki Udon Noodles recipe is exactly what you need! This Japanese-style fried noodle dish is packed with tender udon noodles, veggies, and savory beef, all tossed in a flavorful yakisoba sauce. It’s super easy to make, filling, and budget-friendly—perfect for a one-plate meal that covers your veggies and protein in no time! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why I Love This Recipe
I crafted this Yaki Udon Noodles recipe to bring a delicious Japanese classic right into your home, perfect for anyone craving a quick and filling one-bowl meal. Inspired by the vibrant dishes found at Japanese summer festivals like Yakitori and Yakisoba, it’s a savory, slightly sweet dish made with stir-fried udon noodles, veggies, and beef, all tossed in a flavorful sauce!
The beauty of this recipe is how I adapted it to be made with standard kitchen equipment, so you can enjoy that hibachi-style experience without needing a grill. It’s an easy, affordable dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to make a hearty, satisfying meal in no time. Once you try this, you’ll be hooked—make it now!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 9 oz Udon Noodles – Japanese udon noodles found at Asian grocery stores., usually frozen in a pack of 5. Preboil in pot before adding to the stir fry.
- 1 1/2 tbsp Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- 1/2 lbs Sliced Beef – thinly sliced ribeye, chuck or top sirloin beef. Ready made version are often sold at Asian grocery stores.
- 1/4 Cups Onion – yellow or brown onion, sliced.
- 1/2 Cups Chopped Cabbage Leaves – fresh and loosely chopped to bite size pieces.
- 1 Shiitake Mushrooms – fresh shiitake mushroom sliced.
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- 1 tsp Oyster Sauce – sauce made from oyster extracts, found at grocery stores.
- 2 tsp Ketchup – regular ketchup.
- 1 tbsp Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire Sauce packed in a bottle. Found in grocery stores.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Wok or Deep Large Skillet
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Prepare your ingredients in advance for best results, and use a spacious Wok or Deep Skillet to maintain high heat and evenly cook your yaki udon.
Step 1 Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, sweetener, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
Step 2 Place the udon package into a pot of boiling water, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and leave the udon in the water to prevent it from drying out.
Step 3 In a large wok or frying pan, add the sliced onions and cook over high heat for about 1 minute until softened.
Step 4 Next, add the sliced cabbage and shiitake mushrooms. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they become tender.
Step 5 Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6 Finally, add the cooked udon noodles and prepared yaki udon sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and transfer to a serving plate.
Recipe Variations
To switch things up, replace the udon with chow mein stir fry noodles to make a classic Japanese Yakisoba dish. This variation offers a firmer texture and a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and vegetables!
Pairing Recommendations
While this dish is filling enough on its own, I recommend pairing it with a side of Japanese Garlic Pickles and a warm bowl of Miso Soup. The tangy and flavorful garlic pickles complement the savory noodles perfectly, while the comforting miso soup adds a light, soothing balance to the udon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other noodles instead of udon for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute udon with chow mein or other stir-fry noodles if you prefer.
How do I know when the beef is cooked?
You’ll know the beef is cooked when it’s browned, as the thin slices cook quickly. Once it's browned, it's ready to go!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the beef with tofu or another plant-based protein and omit the oyster sauce for a vegetarian version.
Storage Tips
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will keep for 5-7 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
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Watch How To Make It
Yaki Udon Noodles
Ingredients
- 9 oz Udon 1 package, precooked before adding in
- 1 1/2 tbsp Cooking Oil neutral
- ½ lbs Beef sliced
- ¼ Cup Onions sliced
- ½ Cup Cabbage loosely chopped
- 1 Shiitake Mushrooms sliced
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 tsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, sweetener, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Place the udon package into a pot of boiling water, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and leave the udon in the water to keep it from drying out.
- In a large wok or frying pan, add the sliced onions and cook over high heat for about 1 minute until softened.
- Next, add the sliced cabbage and shiitake mushrooms. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they’re tender.
- Add the sliced beef and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until browned.
- Finally, add the cooked udon noodles and the prepared yaki udon sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and transfer to a serving plate.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
