The Best Yaki Udon

Savor the delightful taste of homemade Yaki Udon with this simple and satisfying recipe. Featuring chewy udon noodles stir-fried with colorful vegetables, succulent protein, and a savory sauce, this dish brings the essence of Japanese cuisine straight to your kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any day of the week!

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-26T11:22:52.529Z

Yaki Udon is a popular Japanese noodle dish that captures the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With its chewy udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce, it's a meal that's beloved by many.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to prepare
Versatile with your choice of protein
Delicious and satisfying flavors
Healthy with lots of fresh veggies

      

What is Yaki Udon?

Yaki Udon is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish hailing from Japan, featuring thick, chewy udon noodles tossed with a variety of vegetables and proteins. The dish shines with its versatility, as it can be customized to include your favorite ingredients, making it a popular choice for home cooks. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu, Yaki Udon adapts to your taste preferences effortlessly. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also delights the palate with its savory flavor profile.

Traditionally, Yaki Udon is seasoned with a blend of soy sauce and oyster sauce, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. The stir-frying technique brings out the textures of both the noodles and the vegetables, creating a vibrant and inviting meal. Usually garnished with green onions, Yaki Udon is not merely a dish but also an experience that captures the essence of Japanese comfort food.

Tips for Perfecting Your Yaki Udon

To achieve the perfect Yaki Udon, it's crucial to use high-quality udon noodles. Fresh noodles deliver superior texture when stir-fried, elevating the dish from good to great. If fresh noodles are not available, frozen or dried options work well; just make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully to avoid overcooking.

Another key to a stellar Yaki Udon is not overcrowding the pan while cooking. Working in batches helps maintain the heat and ensures that everything cooks evenly, allowing the vegetables to remain crisp while the chicken gets perfectly browned. Additionally, timing is everything; adding ingredients in the right order allows each component to contribute its unique flavor without losing its character.

Pairing Suggestions

Ingredients

For the Yaki Udon

400g udon noodles
200g chicken breast, sliced
1 cup bell peppers, sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup broccoli florets
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Spring onions, for garnish

Feel free to customize the vegetables or protein to your liking!

Instructions

Prepare the Noodles

Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Stir-fry Vegetables and Chicken

In a large pan or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant, then add chicken slices and cook until browned.

Add Vegetables

Add bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve

Stir in the cooked udon noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with spring onions.

Enjoy your homemade Yaki Udon!

Nutritional Benefits

Yaki Udon is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The dish is rich in carbohydrates thanks to the udon noodles, providing a good energy source. Adding a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli boosts the dish with essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health and wellness.

Additionally, the inclusion of protein from chicken or other sources supports muscle repair and growth, making it a balanced meal option. By using fresh ingredients and controlling the amount of sauce, you can prepare a dish that feels indulgent while still being nutritious, perfect for any time of the day.

Storage and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, Yaki Udon stores quite well in the refrigerator. Simply place it in an airtight container, and it will keep fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating them on the stove is recommended. This method preserves the texture of the noodles better than microwaving, allowing each bite to remain delightful.

To reheat, add a splash of water or a bit of additional sauce to the pan to help steam the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Stir-fry over medium heat until warmed through. With a few simple steps, you can relish the joy of Yaki Udon again, making it an excellent meal prep option.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute udon with other types like soba or rice noodles.

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.