Yaki Udon

Discover this authentic Japanese Yaki Udon recipe — a quick and easy dish that's moderately challenging but rewarding. Made with udon noodles, sesame seed oil, onion and 7 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 2 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 12 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this japanese classic is sure to impress.

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Medium
Updated March 14, 2026
3 views

15

Prep Time (min)

2

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

280

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Yaki Udon

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 250 g Udon Noodles
  • 2 tbs Sesame Seed Oil
  • 1 sliced Onion
  • ¼ Cabbage
  • 10 Shiitake Mushrooms
  • 4 Spring Onions
  • 4 tbsp Mirin
  • 2 tbs Soy Sauce
  • 1 tblsp Caster Sugar
  • 1 tblsp Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions

2 steps · ~18 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Boil some water in a large saucepan. Add 250ml cold water and the udon noodles. (As they are so thick, adding cold water helps them to cook a little bit slower so the middle cooks through). If using frozen or fresh noodles, cook for 2 mins or until al dente; dried will take longer, about 5-6 mins. Drain and leave in the colander.

    10 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  2. Step 2

    Heat 1 tbsp of the oil, add the onion and cabbage and sauté for 5 mins until softened. Add the mushrooms and some spring onions, and sauté for 1 more min. Pour in the remaining sesame oil and the noodles. If using cold noodles, let them heat through before adding the ingredients for the sauce – otherwise tip in straight away and keep stir-frying until sticky and piping hot. Sprinkle with the remaining spring onions.

    8 minutes
    Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Japanese recipe for Yaki Udon is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Gluten-free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives or zucchini noodles. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Japanese cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your japanese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice
🍽️Miso soup
🍽️Pickled ginger

About This Dish

Yaki Udon is a beloved dish from Japanese cuisine, originating in Japan. With a total preparation time of about 17 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Japanese cuisine (washoku) is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It emphasizes seasonal ingredients, beautiful presentation, and the harmonious balance of five flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yaki Udon is made with thick, chewy udon noodles, which are typically made from wheat flour, water, and salt.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories280kcal
Total Fat13g
Sodium770mg
Total Carbohydrates31g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein34g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineJapanese
CategoryNoodles
CountryJapan