Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight meal? Look no further than this easy udon noodle stir-fry! This recipe delivers a vibrant mix of textures and tastes, combining chewy udon noodles with your favorite vegetables and a savory, umami-rich sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Forget complicated takeout orders and enjoy a homemade meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is easily adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a fantastic way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste.
Ready to whip up this delicious udon noodle stir-fry? Let’s dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions to create this culinary masterpiece in minutes. You'll be amazed at how quickly this flavorful dish comes together, leaving you with more time to enjoy your well-deserved meal.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Udon noodles
- Snow peas: 50 grams
- Carrot: 1 small
- Red bell pepper: 1/2
- Extra firm tofu: 75 grams
- Green onion: 1-2 sticks
- Garlic: 2 pieces
- Dry shiitake mushrooms
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dark soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Rice vinegar: 1 teaspoon
- Toasted sesame oil: a splash
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons
- Smoky spicy ruby red chili oil: 2 tablespoons
- Baby corn: 60 grams
- Bean sprouts: 60 grams
- White sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Sauce
- Chop the snow peas, carrot, and red bell pepper. Tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the green onion (separate whites and greens). Thinly slice the garlic.
- Rehydrate the shiitake mushrooms (soak in hot water for a few hours or boil for 5-7 minutes). Remove stalks and slice.
- Combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ketchup in a bowl. Stir well.
Step 2. Stir-fry Tofu and Vegetables
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add chili oil and stir-fry tofu until lightly browned.
- Add shiitake mushrooms, snow peas, red bell pepper, and baby corn. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Add carrots, garlic, and green onion whites. Saute for another couple of minutes.
- Stir in bean sprouts and saute for about a minute.
Step 3. Cook Noodles and Combine
- Boil the udon noodles for half the time indicated on the package (3 minutes in this case). Gently stir to prevent sticking.
- Add the cooked udon noodles and sauce. Saute for a couple more minutes to combine.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Plate the noodles, sprinkle with the green parts of the green onion and white sesame seeds.
Read more: Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce: A Delicious Japanese Recipe
Tips
- Salting the tofu for 3-4 minutes helps remove excess moisture and enhances its flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different noodles instead of udon?
Yes! You can substitute with other thick noodles like fettuccine or even spaghetti, though the texture will be slightly different.
2. What if I don't have all the vegetables listed?
No problem! Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms all work well.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. Cook the noodles and stir-fry everything just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
This easy udon noodle stir-fry is a versatile and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it's a recipe you'll want to add to your regular rotation. Enjoy the delicious results and the compliments that are sure to follow!