Hi, I’m Dulcia. I love quick, comforting noodles that come together in one pan. This Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying, colorful, and ready fast.
Origins
Yaki udon is a Japanese stir-fried udon noodle dish that highlights chewy wheat noodles tossed with savory sauces, vegetables, and sometimes protein. If you want a quick primer on udon, check the Udon entry on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon. The dish is flexible and perfect for using fresh vegetables or leftovers.
Ingredients
- 8 oz udon noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1 cup boneless chicken breast (sliced)
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 cup carrots (julienne)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Cook udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1/2 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan.
- In the same skillet, add remaining sesame oil if needed. Add bell peppers and carrots; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crunchy.
- Return chicken to skillet with vegetables. Add udon noodles, soy sauce, and vegetable broth; stir until well coated and heated through.
- Stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve.
Udon Veggie Chicken Noodles
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Stir-fried udon noodles with sliced chicken, bell peppers, carrots, and a savory soy-sesame sauce, garnished with green onions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz udon noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1 cup boneless chicken breast (sliced)
- 1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 cup carrots (julienne)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Cook udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1/2 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan.
- In the same skillet, add remaining sesame oil if needed. Add bell peppers and carrots; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crunchy.
- Return chicken to skillet with vegetables. Add udon noodles, soy sauce, and vegetable broth; stir until well coated and heated through.
- Stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Tips
- Use fresh or frozen udon. If frozen, separate before cooking so they heat evenly.
- For best texture, cook on medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- If the sauce seems thin, simmer a minute to reduce. If too dry, add a splash more vegetable broth or water.
- Cook chicken to 165 F for safety. See USDA guidance on poultry handling: https://www.usda.gov/topics/food-safety.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for firm tofu, pan-seared until golden.
- Spicy: Add 1 tsp chili paste or a drizzle of sriracha when adding soy sauce.
- Beef or shrimp: Substitute thinly sliced beef or peeled shrimp; adjust cook time until protein is done.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between yaki udon and yaki soba?
A: Yaki udon uses thick wheat udon noodles, while yaki soba uses thin buckwheat noodles. Both are stir-fried with similar sauces.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook components ahead and stir-fry for 2 minutes before serving. Stored in an airtight container, the dish keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge.
Q: How many does this serve?
A: With 8 oz udon, this recipe serves about 2 people as a main, or 3-4 as a side.
Conclusion
This Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe is simple, flexible, and fast. I hope you enjoy this version with chicken and crisp vegetables. For more recipes and kitchen tips, visit my site: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/ and if you like hearty breads and sides, check this cheesecake factory bread copycat: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/cheesecake-factory-bread/. Happy cooking, Dulcia