10 Minute Meal Yaki Udon Recipe

As I tossed fresh udon noodles with crispy veggies and a savory sauce, I knew I was crafting a dish that would be my new weeknight hero. 🍜✨

I adore the speed and satisfaction of my 10-Minute Meal Yaki Udon, particularly for harried weeknights. The fresh udon noodles, combined with vibrant bell peppers and shiitake mushrooms, provide an excellent texture contrast.

With just a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, this dish is incredibly tasty and downright nourishing.

10 Minute Meal Yaki Udon Recipe Ingredients

• Fresh Udon Noodles: Rich in carbohydrates, providing energy and a chewy texture.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: High in umami flavor, boost immune system, and add nutrients.
• Bell Peppers: Full of vitamins A and C, add sweetness and vibrant color.
• Chicken Breast/Tofu: Protein-rich, can be substituted based on dietary preference.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and saltiness, enhancing overall flavor.
• Mirin: Mild sweetness balances salty elements, adds aroma and sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty aroma, enhances flavor, and contains healthy fats.

10 Minute Meal Yaki Udon Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 200g fresh udon noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
• 150g chicken breast or tofu, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin or cooking sake
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2-3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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How to Make this 10 Minute Meal Yaki Udon Recipe

1. Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the fresh udon noodles and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the noodles are just beginning to get tender. Drain the noodles and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Place the onion, sliced thin, in the skillet. Stir it and fry for a minute, or thereabouts, until it starts to get soft.

4. Add the bell peppers and sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

5. If you are using them, thinly slice the chicken breast or tofu and add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes, or until the tofu is heated.

6. Decrease the heat to medium and add the fully cooked udon noodles to the skillet. Toss them with the vegetables to combine.

7. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and mirin or cooking sake, stirring well to coat the noodles and vegetables evenly.

8. Make the noodle mixture: In a large bowl, toss together the following ingredients until they are well combined and aromatic: 12 oz. soft rice vermicelli (or similar) 1/2 small head of Napa cabbage (or other), 1 1/2 cups finely shredded 1/2 bunch scallions (green onions), thinly sliced 1 medium carrot, trimmed and cut into matchsticks 3 oz. unsalted roasted peanuts, crushed 3 1/2 tbsp. chili garlic oil (or other oil)

9. Top with green onions cut into thin slices and, if you have them, use toasted sesame seeds.

10. Enjoy your quick and tasty Yaki Udon right away!

10 Minute Meal Yaki Udon Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Skillet or wok
3. Strainer or colander
4. Mixing spoon or spatula
5. Sharp knife
6. Cutting board
7. Large bowl

FAQ

• Can I use dried udon noodles instead of fresh ones?Dried udon noodles can be used. They should be cooked according to the package instructions before being added to the stir-fry.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?Of course! Just skip the chicken and use tofu instead for a yummy vegetarian version.
• Can I substitute the shiitake mushrooms?You can use any mushrooms you like—such as button or cremini mushrooms—for a different flavor.
• What can I use instead of oyster sauce?When seeking a vegetarian or vegan substitute, a mushroom sauce or vegan oyster sauce can be used instead.
• Can I prepare Yaki Udon in advance?This dish is at its prime when served fresh, but you can put away any remaining portions in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• What other vegetables can I add?You can add broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy to create more variety and color.

10 Minute Meal Yaki Udon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Soba noodles or any other thick noodle can be used in place of udon noodles.
Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms can replace shiitake mushrooms.
You can substitute bell peppers with zucchini or carrots to achieve a different flavor and texture.
Shrimp or beef strips can be substituted for chicken breast, or for a meatless version, increase the amount of tofu.
Oyster sauce can be replaced with hoisin sauce or with oyster sauce made from mushrooms, which is vegetarian.

Pro Tips

1. Prep Ingredients First Before you start cooking, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This avoids overcooking any components, especially since stir-frying is a quick process.

2. Noodle Texture Avoid overcooking the udon noodles. Cooking them just until they’re beginning to get tender ensures they remain firm and absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.

3. High Heat Stir-Fry Stir-fry your vegetables at a high heat to ensure they retain their vibrant colors and crisp texture. This will also help to develop a slight char, enhancing the flavors.

4. Sauce Balance Taste the dish after adding the sauces. Depending on your preference, adjust the seasoning by adding a bit more soy sauce or mirin if needed. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors.

5. Variant Proteins and Veggies Feel free to experiment with different proteins such as shrimp or beef, and add other veggies like snap peas or broccoli for variety and nutrition. This can keep the dish exciting every time you make it.