Stir Fry Udon Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Stir Fry Udon Noodles recipe is simple, yet packed with flavor. The thick, chewy udon noodles absorb the delicious sauce, while the fresh vegetables—such as carrots, green beans, and bell pepper—add a perfect balance of crunch and color. The sesame oil gives a deep, nutty flavor, and the ginger and garlic bring an aromatic punch to every bite. It’s a quick, customizable dish that’s perfect for a light dinner or as a side dish with your favorite protein.

Ingredients

• 1 package udon noodles (thick, about ½ pound)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup green beans, sliced
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Noodles:
   Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, hoisin or oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Stir Fry the Vegetables:
   In a large pan or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the green onions, red bell pepper, green beans, and carrot to the pan. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant in color.
4. Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
   Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the noodles to absorb the flavors.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the stir fry with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-4 servings
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu. You can stir-fry the protein separately and add it with the noodles in step 4.
• More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, or snow peas for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Version: For some heat, add a teaspoon of chili paste or a few red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari and ensure the hoisin or oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply heat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute the udon noodles with soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti if you don’t have udon noodles on hand.

2. Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?

While the stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, such as slicing the vegetables and making the sauce, to make cooking quicker when you’re ready to stir fry.

3. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil if you don’t have sesame oil, though sesame oil adds a unique flavor that enhances the dish.

4. What’s the difference between hoisin sauce and oyster sauce?

Hoisin sauce is sweet and slightly tangy, while oyster sauce has a savory, umami flavor. Both work well in this recipe, but hoisin sauce will give a sweeter note to the stir fry, while oyster sauce provides a more savory base.

5. Can I make this dish without sugar?

Yes, you can omit the sugar if you prefer a less sweet flavor. Alternatively, you can use a little honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

6. How do I make the sauce thicker?

The cornstarch in the sauce should help thicken it as it cooks. If you want a thicker sauce, you can dissolve an additional teaspoon of cornstarch in a bit of water and add it to the pan.

7. Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of five-spice powder, garlic powder, or even a dash of soy sauce to enhance the flavor further.

8. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, for a spicier version, you can add chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add fresh chopped chilies to the stir fry along with the vegetables.

9. How do I keep the noodles from getting sticky?

Be sure to toss the noodles in the sesame oil after draining them to prevent them from sticking together. Stir-frying them with the sauce helps coat the noodles and prevents them from sticking.

10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this dish is already vegetarian. For added protein, you can include tofu or other plant-based protein options like tempeh or edamame.

Conclusion

Stir Fry Udon Noodles is an easy, flavorful dish that can be customized to your preferences. With chewy noodles, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors in every bite!

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