Easy udon noodles are thick Japanese noodles loaded with stir-fried vegetables and coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Everyone loves the soft texture and intense saucy flavors that are absorbed into the noodles. This is the tastiest one-pan meal!
I LOVE an easy dinner that tastes “better than take-out!” Try more Asian-inspired dishes like my chicken chow mein or Mongolian Beef. You’ll also want to make this slow cooker General Tso’s because it’s all done in the slow cooker.
What are Udon Noodles?
Japanese udon noodles are known for their soft chewy texture. Made from wheat flour, the taste is neutral but absorbs and takes on flavors perfectly. Udon noodles are used in many ways and it is commonly used in soup. My udon noodles include stir-fried veggies and a delicious sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Classic sauce ingredients that pair well with the thick udon noodles.
This entire meal can be thrown together in less than 20 minutes and it’s all made in the same pan. One-pan dinners just simplify the dinner prep and make clean-up a breeze. Try some of my other one-pan dinners like my skillet sausage and peppers, this creamy pasta, or one-pot beef stroganoff.
Ingredient List
These are all the ingredients that will make your udon noodles and the incredibly sweet and savory sauce that goes with it! Grab the exact ingredient amounts needed to make this tasty dish below in the recipe card.
Udon Noodles
- Sesame Oil: Use a little sesame oil for a nice nutty taste, or you can go with canola oil if that’s what you have on hand. This is the cooking oil that you will use for stir-frying.
- Ginger: I love to use ginger paste from the tube, but you can grate fresh ginger if you prefer.
- Onion: Adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- Garlic: Always use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
- Coleslaw: The perfect combination of cabbage and carrots that add a crunchy texture.
- Mushrooms: Tender mushrooms are my fave, but you can leave them out.
- Udon Noodles: Refrigerated or frozen work great. Prepare the noodles according to the package.
- Green Onions: For garnish and extra flavor, but it also adds a pop of color before serving!
Sauce
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and savory punch. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Oyster Sauce: A little oyster sauce for some sweet but savory flavor!
- Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the sweet sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Sweeten things up with a little bit of light brown sugar.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add some heat from the red pepper flakes. It’s optional but delicious! Use as much as you want.
Udon Noodle Recipe
Let’s get to making the best udon noodle recipe with the best flavor! This meal is sure to become a new favorite in your house. It comes together quickly and they’re basically the best noodles ever! Follow my instructions below on the recipe card.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: First, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and oyster sauce in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients together then set them aside.
- Prepare the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions and set aside. You’ll want to prep the noodles before you stir-fry the veggies.
- Heat the Sesame Oil in a Wok: Add the sesame oil to a wok over medium-high heat.
- Stir Fry the Veggies: Add the onion, garlic, and ginger paste then cook until fragrant. Add the coleslaw mix and mushrooms, then continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Noodles and Sauce: Add the noodles and sauce to the veggie mixture. Gently toss altogether until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Last, garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes then enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Udon Noodles are in most grocery stores. Once you find them you’ll always want to have them on hand for a quick dinner idea. You can also mix up the flavors to your liking in these udon noodles! Here is a list of ideas you should try.
- Udon Noodles: Precooked udon noodles are found in the refrigerator or freezer section. Simply prepare them according to package instructions. You can also buy them uncooked. Find them at most grocery stores in the Asian section or go directly to an Asian market!
- Add Protein: Add chicken, shrimp, or beef. Tofu is a great option for vegetarians.
- Switch Up the Veggies: Use any vegetables you would like! Zucchini and peppers would also be a delicious addition.
Storing Leftovers
Udon noodles make great leftovers, so make a larger batch to enjoy later. These noodles are super easy to heat up for a quick lunch! Follow my directions below for storing and reheating leftovers.
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover udon noodles in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, or warm your noodles on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. To keep the noodles from sticking together, you can add a little water or soy sauce.
What to Serve with Udon Noodles
Love the flavors of Asian cuisine? Then how about some ideas on what to serve with these udon noodles? Make it a whole night of tasty takeout recipes. Here are some of our favorites that would be delicious alongside these noodles.
Side Dishes
Better than Takeout Chicken Fried Rice
40 mins
Dinner
Crispy Air Fryer Egg Rolls
32 mins
Dinner
Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
30 mins
Soup Recipes
Wonton Soup
15 mins
Udon Noodles
Ingredients
Udon Noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste, or fresh ginger
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups coleslaw mix
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms, optional
- 5 ounces udon noodles, refrigerated or frozen
- 2 green onions, chopped
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and oyster sauce. Whisk together and set aside.
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Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions and set aside.
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Add the sesame oil to a wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the onion, garlic, and ginger paste then cook until fragrant. Add the coleslaw mix and mushrooms if using, then continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Add the udon noodles and sauce then gently toss together until the noodles are evenly coated.
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Garnish with green onions and red pepper flakes and enjoy!
Notes
