Description
This Yaki Udon recipe is a quick and flavorful Japanese stir-fry dish featuring tender udon noodles, ground meat, and a vibrant mix of stir-fry vegetables, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it makes for a perfect easy weeknight dinner that balances textures and umami flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Udon Noodles
- 2 packets udon noodles (total 13 oz vacuum packed noodles)
Vegetables
- 2½ cups stir fry vegetables (chopped; mushrooms, bok choy, onions)
- 2 stalks scallions (cut 2 inches long)
Protein
- ½ lb ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or shrimp)
Sauce
- 2½ Tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 Tablespoon mirin
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon rice wine vinegar
Other
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and rice wine vinegar. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Cook the Udon Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Remove the udon noodles from their packaging and add them to the boiling water. Stir gently to separate the noodles and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Since the noodles are precooked, avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Rinse and Drain the Noodles: Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and to keep them firm. If you are not using them immediately, drizzle a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat the Pan and Cook the Meat: Heat a pan over high heat and add the avocado oil. Add the ground meat and stir-fry until it is almost cooked through.
- Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking Meat: Add the chopped stir-fry vegetables to the pan with the meat. Continue stir-frying until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Noodles, Sauce, and Scallions: Add the cooked and drained noodles along with the prepared sauce and scallions to the pan. Stir-fry all ingredients together for about 3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust the sauce amount to taste if preferred less saucy.
- Serve Immediately: Once everything is well mixed and hot, transfer the yaki udon to serving plates and enjoy while warm.
Notes
- Use vacuum-packed udon noodles for the best texture; frozen udon can be cooked directly in boiling water.
- You can substitute ground meat with tofu or keep it vegetarian by omitting meat and using vegetable stock in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauce based on your preferred saltiness and flavor intensity.
- If you want a spicier kick, add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce during the stir-fry step.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
