Quick & Healthy Ponzu Yakidon (Fried Udon): 2-Ingredient Recipe

Updated at: 10/06/2025

Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal? Look no further than this delightful Ponzu Yakidon recipe! Forget complicated cooking; this dish boasts a surprisingly simple two-ingredient base, transforming humble udon noodles into a culinary masterpiece. The zesty punch of ponzu sauce beautifully complements the satisfying chewiness of the fried udon, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor or convenience. It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated with a touch of sophisticated Japanese flair.

Imagine a dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and unbelievably delicious – this Ponzu Yakidon is precisely that. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring even novice cooks can master this recipe effortlessly. Get ready to experience the joy of a quick, healthy, and surprisingly impressive meal that will become a new family favorite. Let’s dive into the easy, step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prep & Marinate

  • Wash and cut the komatsuna into 2-3cm pieces. If the root is dirty, remove a little bit.
  • Mix pork with soy sauce and potato starch. Tear the long pieces of marinated pork with your hands.
Prepare the Komatsuna: Wash and cut the komatsuna into 2-3cm pieces. If the root is dirty, remove a little bit.Marinate the Pork: Mix pork with soy sauce and potato starch. Tear the long pieces of marinated pork with your hands.
Prep & Marinate

Step 2. Cook & Combine

  • Microwave frozen udon according to package instructions (approximately 2-3 minutes).
  • Mix equal parts ponzu sauce and mirin. Adjust the ratio to your preference (less mirin for a more sour taste).
  • Heat a frying pan using the water drop method (add water, when it evaporates, the pan is hot). Add sesame oil.
  • Add the marinated pork to the hot pan and brown it until fragrant. This will release the pork's oil.
Cook the Udon: Microwave frozen udon according to package instructions (approximately 2-3 minutes).Prepare the Sauce: Mix equal parts ponzu sauce and mirin. Adjust the ratio to your preference (less mirin for a more sour taste).Heat the Pan: Heat a frying pan using the water drop method (add water, when it evaporates, the pan is hot). Add sesame oil.Fry the Pork: Add the marinated pork to the hot pan and brown it until fragrant. This will release the pork's oil.
Cook & Combine
  • Add the komatsuna and ginger to the pan and stir-fry. Add chopped komatsuna pieces.
  • Cover the pan and steam for about a minute to soften the komatsuna.
Add Komatsuna and Ginger: Add the komatsuna and ginger to the pan and stir-fry. Add chopped komatsuna pieces.Steam the Vegetables: Cover the pan and steam for about a minute to soften the komatsuna.
Cook & Combine

Step 3. Sauce & Serve

  • Add the cooked udon to the pan and pour the ponzu sauce mixture over it. Mix well to coat the udon evenly.
  • Turn off the heat and add the katsuobushi (bonito flakes). Mix gently.
Add Udon and Sauce: Add the cooked udon to the pan and pour the ponzu sauce mixture over it. Mix well to coat the udon evenly.Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and add the katsuobushi (bonito flakes). Mix gently.
Sauce & Serve

Read more: 15-Minute Japanese Curry Udon: Quick, Easy, & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Tips

  • For a spicier kick, add yuzu pepper at the end. Dilute it slightly with ponzu for a better flavor.
  • Add other ingredients like mushrooms or daikon radish for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • The key to delicious yakidon is ensuring all ingredients are well-coated in the ponzu sauce, so mix thoroughly.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of noodles instead of udon?

While udon works best for its texture, you can experiment with other thick noodles like ramen or even spaghetti. Keep in mind the cooking time might vary.

2. What if I don't have ponzu sauce? Can I substitute it?

While ponzu is ideal for its unique flavor, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Adjust to your taste preference.


This simple Ponzu Yakidon recipe proves that healthy and delicious meals don't have to be complicated. Enjoy this quick and flavorful dish anytime you crave a satisfying yet effortless meal. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to experience the deliciousness!