Name: Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious weeknight meal that’s soulful, satisfyingly chewy, and packed with vibrant veggies, you’re going to fall in love with this Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe. This Japanese stir-fried noodle dish showcases thick, springy udon noodles, a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, and tender chicken, all glazed in a savory sauce that’s ridiculously tasty. It’s one of those recipes that instantly warms your heart and delights your senses, making it perfect for both quick dinners and sharing with friends who’ll be asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe transforms pantry staples and common veggies into a spectacular dish. Each element plays its own delicious role, adding to the irresistible combination of flavor, texture, and color that defines yaki udon.

Udon Noodles: The foundational ingredient for incredible chew and that classic slippery texture. Fresh or frozen is best for springiness.
Sesame Oil: Just a tablespoon delivers rich toasty flavor unique to Japanese stir-fries—don’t skip it!
Boneless Chicken Breast: Sliced thin for quick cooking, it soaks up the savory sauce and adds lean protein.
Bell Peppers: Choose any color you love—they add crunch, sweetness, and a gorgeous splash of color to the noodles.
Carrots: Julienne strips keep the dish bright, crunchy, and pleasantly sweet.
Green Onions: Added at the end for a fresh pop of flavor and irresistible aroma.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce—control the saltiness without losing any savoriness.
Vegetable Broth: Keeps the noodles juicy and the stir-fry silky instead of dry.
Garlic: Minced and stirred in last, it infuses the Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe with mouthwatering aroma.

How to Make Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Udon Noodles

Begin by cooking the udon noodles according to the package instructions. You’re aiming for noodles that are tender yet still delightfully chewy. Once they’re ready, drain and set them aside. Toss them lightly with a few drops of oil if you want to prevent sticking, and prepare to see the magic happen in the stir-fry stage!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok set over medium-high heat, add half a tablespoon of sesame oil. Once shimmering, add the sliced chicken breast. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm; this ensures tender, juicy chicken in every bite of your Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, if the pan looks dry, drizzle in the remaining sesame oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are softened but still vibrant and crisp—this crunch is a hallmark of great yaki udon.

Step 4: Stir Everything Together

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Now, add the drained udon noodles, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Use tongs or a spatula to toss and combine everything, ensuring the sauce evenly coats each noodle. Keep the heat up to let the sauce reduce slightly and bring all the flavors together.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Finish with Green Onions

Just before you finish, sprinkle the minced garlic over the stir-fry and toss for about a minute—this way, the garlic stays fragrant and doesn’t burn. Remove from the heat, add the chopped green onions, and give it one last gentle mix. Your Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe is ready to serve hot and fragrant!

How to Serve Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe

Garnishes

Top your hot Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe with a shower of sliced green onions and even a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for that nutty crunch. If you love heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil brings a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, serve your noodles alongside a crisp cucumber salad or a simple miso soup. Light sides balance the richness of the stir-fried noodles and bring you that izakaya-style dining experience at home.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe truly shine, pile it high in shallow bowls, twirl the noodles with chopsticks, and add a wedge of lime for a zesty pop. For gatherings, serve it family-style on a large platter so everyone can grab their own steamy serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, let the noodles cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually improve overnight.

Freezing

While the noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe portions in a well-sealed container for up to 1 month. Expect the veggies to become a bit softer upon reheating, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently. This brings back the freshness and prevents dryness—quick microwave reheating also works in a pinch!

FAQs

Can I make this Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables, or add tofu for a protein boost. The umami-packed sauce carries the whole dish without the meat.

Can I use dried udon noodles instead of fresh?

You can, but if you can find fresh or frozen udon, they give the best chew. Dried noodles work in a pinch—just boil them according to package directions and rinse briefly to keep them springy.

What other proteins work in this Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe?

Feel free to swap chicken for beef slices, shrimp, or even pork. Tempeh and tofu are also fantastic for vegetarian or vegan versions, soaking up all that flavorful sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

This base Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily adjust by adding fresh chilies, chili oil, or a dash of sriracha to suit your heat preference.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Bok choy, mushrooms, snow peas, or even spinach make delicious additions or swaps depending on what’s in your fridge—feel free to make it your own.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about twirling up a bowlful of these glossy, saucy noodles. With simple prep and bold flavors, this Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe never disappoints. Give it a try this week, and get ready to fall head over heels for homemade yaki udon!

Yaki Udon Noodle Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and satisfying Yaki Udon Noodle recipe that combines chewy udon noodles with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Noodles:

8 oz udon noodles

For the Stir-fry:

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 the Udon Noodles: Cook udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: 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.
Stir-fry the Vegetables: 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.
Combine and Finish: Return chicken to skillet with vegetables. Add udon noodles, soy sauce, and vegetable broth; stir until well coated and heated through.
Final Touch: Stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Asian