Udon noodles are like that warm hug you didn’t know you needed on a chaotic Tuesday night. Imagine slurping those silky strands—so comforting and quick, it feels like magic in a bowl. With just 15 minutes, you can whip up something that tastes like a culinary masterpiece, even if your day felt anything but.
Steps
- In a small bowl, combine ingredients for the sauce: dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and rice wine vinegar. Mix well and set the sauce aside for later use.
- Remove the udon noodles from their packaging and place them in a pot of boiling water. If using frozen noodles, add them directly. Stir gently to separate the noodles, which should take about 1-2 minutes, and avoid overcooking.
- Once the noodles are pliable, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. If not using immediately, toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat a pan over high heat and add avocado oil. Add your choice of ground meat and stir-fry until nearly cooked through. Then, add the chopped vegetables and continue stir-frying until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan along with the prepared sauce and chopped scallions. Stir-fry everything together for about 3 minutes or until well combined. Serve the dish immediately for the best taste.
Ingredients
- 2 packets udon noodles (total 13 oz, vacuum packed)
- 2½ cups mixed stir fry vegetables (such as mushrooms, bok choy, onions)
- 2 stalks scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- ½ lb ground meat (beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2½ tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon rice wine vinegar
Nutritional Values
Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 535mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 3mg
FAQ
- What is Yaki Udon?
- Yaki Udon is a Japanese stir-fried noodle dish featuring thick, chewy udon noodles cooked with a variety of vegetables and proteins in a savory sauce. It is distinct from yakisoba, which uses thinner noodles, and should not be confused with soba noodles made from buckwheat flour.
- What ingredients are in Yaki Udon?
- The main components of Yaki Udon include Japanese udon noodles, a savory sauce made with soy sauce and mirin, and a mix of vegetables and proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, tofu, or shrimp.
- How do you prepare udon noodles for stir-frying?
- To cook udon noodles for stir-frying, drop them into boiling water to separate and soften. This process takes 1-2 minutes. Once separated, rinse them under cold water and, if not using immediately, toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Can frozen udon noodles be used in Yaki Udon?
- Yes, frozen udon noodles are ideal for Yaki Udon as they maintain a chewy texture and are less likely to overcook. Simply add them to boiling water directly from the freezer for best results.
- Is Yaki Udon a healthy meal option?
- Yaki Udon can be a healthy meal as it combines udon noodles with a variety of vegetables and a choice of protein, offering a balance of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. Using lean proteins like chicken can make it even healthier.
Tips
- Use Frozen Udon Noodles for Better Texture: For a chewier texture and to avoid mushiness, consider using frozen udon noodles. They retain their chewy texture better than fresh or refrigerated ones when stir-fried.
- Cook Udon Noodles Quickly: When boiling your udon noodles, do not overcook them. They should only take 1-2 minutes to become pliable and separate. This prevents them from becoming too soft during stir-frying.
- Prevent Noodle Clumping: If you’re not using the noodles immediately after boiling, rinse them under cold water and toss them with a bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Yaki udon is versatile, so feel free to change up the protein and vegetables. Try using chicken, beef, pork, tofu, shrimp, or a variety of vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet – Essential for stir frying the udon noodles and other ingredients.
- Pot – Needed for boiling the udon noodles.
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Colander – Useful for draining the noodles after boiling.
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing and mixing the yaki udon sauce.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
- Cutting Board – For preparing vegetables and meat.
- Tongs or Chopsticks – Helpful for stirring and handling the noodles and stir fry ingredients.
- stocked kitchen.
