Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles) Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a dish that perfectly balances comforting noodles with fresh, vibrant veggies and succulent shrimp, then you’re in for a real treat with this Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles). This dish is a delicious celebration of simplicity and flavor, where thick, chewy udon noodles soak up a savory, slightly sweet sauce while mingling with crisp carrots, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and tender shrimp. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends, Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles) is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is delightful to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Yaki Udon lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing its own unique contribution to the dish’s incredible taste and texture. From the plump shrimp adding a touch of ocean sweetness to the tender-crisp vegetables bringing color and freshness, these essentials come together to create a perfect harmony.
- ½ lb Shrimp: Fresh or thawed, shrimp add protein and a delicate seafood flavor that elevates the dish.
- 2 servings Udon Noodles (vacuum pack): Thick and chewy, these noodles are the heart of Yaki Udon, delivering comforting texture.
- 1 cup Carrot (julienned): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color for visual appeal.
- 1 cup Shiitake Mushroom (sliced): Brings a deep umami flavor and meaty texture that complements the shrimp.
- ½ medium Onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and a slight crunch when lightly stir-fried.
- 2 stalks Green Onion/Scallion (cut 2 inch long): Offers fresh, sharp notes and a lovely pop of green.
- 2 cloves Garlic (sliced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, salty depth that darkens the noodles and intensifies flavor.
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce: Adds a luscious, slightly sweet seafood flavor enhancing overall umami.
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar: Balances savory ingredients with a gentle sweetness.
- ½ tsp Rice Vinegar: Gives a subtle sharpness that brightens the sauce.
How to Make Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles)
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by blending all the sauce ingredients—dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar—in a small bowl. This simple yet powerful sauce brings together sweet, salty, and tangy notes that make Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles) utterly addictive. Setting this aside allows the flavors to develop a bit while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat some oil over medium-high heat and toss in your shrimp. Stir-frying until they turn pink and just opaque ensures they stay juicy and tender. Once cooked, remove them from the pan to avoid overcooking, which is key to maintaining that slightly springy texture shrimp are loved for.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil and sauté the sliced onion and garlic for about two minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then toss in the julienned carrot and shiitake mushrooms, cooking until the carrots soften but still retain a bit of crunch. This layering of cooking times brings out the best textures and flavors in your veggies.
Step 4: Combine Noodles, Shrimp, and Sauce
Before adding, loosen your udon noodles by gently separating them in hot water to prevent clumping. Add these noodles right into the pan along with the cooked shrimp and prepared sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure every strand of noodle is coated with that irresistible sauce.
Step 5: Final Touch with Scallions
Just before you finish, stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh, sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce and tender ingredients. Give it a quick toss for about a minute, then your Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles) is ready to be plated and served piping hot.
How to Serve Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles)
Garnishes
To elevate your Yaki Udon, consider garnishing with toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness or a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi if you like a little heat. These small additions bring appealing textures and extra flavor layers that make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or miso soup, which complement the rich sauce without overpowering it. Additionally, some pickled ginger on the side can add a refreshing zest that cuts through the savory noodles perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Yaki Udon family-style on a large platter to encourage sharing and conversation, or dish it out in individual bowls layered with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a twist. For a festive touch, add a soft-boiled egg on top, which enriches the dish and makes each serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The noodles and shrimp hold up well, but it’s best to enjoy the dish fresh to maintain that perfect chewy texture.
Freezing
While freezing Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles) is possible, it’s not recommended as the noodles can become mushy upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so without the scallions and add fresh ones when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some of the original stir-fried texture. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles moist and toss quickly until heated through to avoid drying out the shrimp and veggies.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Chicken, beef, or tofu make excellent substitutes if shrimp isn’t your preference. Just adjust cooking times to suit the protein you choose.
Are frozen udon noodles okay to use?
Yes, frozen udon works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw and separate the noodles before cooking to avoid clumps and ensure even stir-frying.
Is this dish spicy?
The traditional Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles) recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add spice with ingredients like chili flakes or shichimi togarashi if you love a kick.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the shrimp and substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom-based sauce. The mushrooms will provide plenty of umami to keep it flavorful.
What is the best way to prevent noodles from sticking?
Separating the noodles by rinsing them in hot water before stir-frying is key. Also, tossing them in the pan promptly with oil and sauce helps keep them separate and glossy.
Final Thoughts
Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles) is one of those truly comforting dishes that feels both special and approachable. With its perfect blend of textures, bold yet balanced flavors, and quick preparation, it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Give it a try—you might just find yourself going back for seconds and sharing it as a new favorite with friends and family.
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Yaki Udon (Japanese Stir Fries Udon Noodles) Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Yaki Udon is a delicious Japanese stir-fried noodle dish featuring thick udon noodles tossed with succulent shrimp, vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce that balances soy, oyster, and a hint of sweetness. This quick and easy recipe captures the authentic flavors of Japan, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 servings Udon Noodles (vacuum-packed)
- 1 cup Carrot, julienned
- 1 cup Shiitake Mushrooms, sliced
- ½ medium Onion, sliced
- 2 stalks Green Onion/Scallion, cut into 2-inch lengths
- 2 cloves Garlic, sliced
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ½ tsp Rice Vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves, then set the sauce mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat in a wok or large skillet. Add the shrimp and stir-fry them until they turn pink and opaque on both sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add a bit more oil to the same pan. Stir-fry the sliced onions and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the julienned carrots and sliced shiitake mushrooms. Continue cooking and stirring until the carrots are tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add Noodles, Shrimp, and Sauce: Separate the udon noodles gently by dropping them in hot water or loosening them by hand. Add the noodles to the pan along with the cooked shrimp and the prepared sauce. Toss all ingredients together vigorously so the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with Scallions and Serve: Stir in the green onions and cook for an additional 1 minute. Transfer the Yaki Udon to a serving plate and serve immediately while hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Prepare the stir-fry sauce in advance to streamline the cooking process and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Loosen vacuum-packed udon noodles by separating them in hot water before cooking to prevent clumping.
- Use a wok if available for optimal heat distribution and achieving a slight crispy texture without excessive oil.
- Serve Yaki Udon immediately for the best taste and texture; noodles are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Yaki Udon, Japanese Stir Fry, Udon Noodles, Shrimp Stir Fry, Easy Japanese Recipe, Seafood Noodle Dish
