Description
Yaki Udon is a flavorful Japanese stir-fried noodle dish featuring thick udon noodles, savory ground meat, and a medley of fresh vegetables all tossed in a delicious umami-packed sauce. Quick to prepare and easy to customize with your choice of protein and vegetables, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that delivers rich taste and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Udon and Vegetables
- 2 packets udon noodles (total 13 oz vacuum packed noodles)
- 2½ cups stir fry vegetables, chopped (mushrooms, bok choy, onions)
- 2 stalks scallions, cut 2 inches long
- ½ lb ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or shrimp)
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
Yaki Udon Noodle Sauce
- 2½ Tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 Tablespoon mirin
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon rice wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: If using packaged udon noodles, rinse them under warm water to separate and loosen them. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the meat: Add the ½ pound of ground meat to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped stir fry vegetables (such as mushrooms, bok choy, and onions) and scallions. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine noodles and meat: Add the prepared udon noodles and cooked ground meat back into the skillet with the vegetables. Toss well to combine and heat through.
- Add the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 2½ tablespoons dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon rice wine vinegar. Pour this sauce over the noodles and meat mixture.
- Stir-fry to finish: Toss everything together to coat well with the sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the noodles to absorb the flavors.
- Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra scallions if desired.
Notes
- You can find vacuum-packed udon noodles in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores or some supermarkets.
- Dark soy sauce is thicker and less salty than regular soy sauce, which adds a deeper color and richer flavor.
- Oyster sauce contributes a savory, slightly sweet umami flavor but can be substituted with vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian version.
- Mirin is a sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking that adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables to your preference, such as adding bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
- This dish cooks quickly, so prepare all ingredients ahead to ensure smooth cooking.
Keywords: Yaki Udon, Stir Fry, Udon Noodles, Japanese Noodles, Ground Meat Stir Fry, Quick Dinner, Asian Noodles