Yaki Udon: Simple Japanese Stir-fried Noodles Recipe

Updated at: 13/06/2025

Yaki udon, meaning "stir-fried udon," is a popular and satisfying Japanese noodle dish. Its savory, umami-rich flavors come from a delicious combination of chewy udon noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is surprisingly easy to master, delivering restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home. The key lies in achieving perfectly cooked noodles with a delightful char, and a sauce that balances sweet, savory, and umami notes. You can easily customize this recipe to your liking, adding your favorite protein or vegetables.

This simple yet versatile dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a more elaborate weekend lunch. The satisfying texture of the udon noodles, combined with the vibrant flavors of the sauce and your chosen ingredients, makes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Ready to create your own delicious bowl of yaki udon? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Onion
  • Carrot
  • Cabbage (green)
  • Spring Onion
  • Chicken thigh
  • Dong noodles
  • Light soy sauce
  • Sugar
  • Tonkatsu sauce
  • Sesame oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Stir-fry Vegetables

  • Finely slice onions, carrots, and green cabbage. Slice chicken thigh thinly.
  • Add spring onions and onions to the smoking hot wok. Stir-fry gently.
  • Add carrots. Stir-fry until slightly softened.
  • Remove the stir-fried vegetables and set aside.
Finely slice onions, carrots, and green cabbage. Slice chicken thigh thinly.Add spring onions and onions to the smoking hot wok. Stir-fry gently.Add carrots. Stir-fry until slightly softened.
Prepare Ingredients and Stir-fry Vegetables

Step 2. Cook the Chicken and Noodles

  • Add chicken to the wok and sear until cooked through.
  • Add a little oil to the wok. Add dong noodles and stir-fry gently, using a ‘tummy and head’ motion to prevent breakage.
  • Pour the stir-fry sauce (light soy sauce, sugar, tonkatsu sauce, sesame oil) over the noodles.
Add chicken to the wok and sear until cooked through.Add a little oil to the wok. Add dong noodles and stir-fry gently, using a ‘tummy and head’ motion to prevent breakage.Pour the stir-fry sauce (light soy sauce, sugar, tonkatsu sauce, sesame oil) over the noodles.
Cook the Chicken and Noodles

Step 3. Combine and Finish

  • Return the stir-fried vegetables and chicken to the wok.
  • Add finely shredded cabbage at the very end.
  • Continue stir-frying until the noodles are almost sticking to the wok but not burning.
  • Garnish with spring onions.
Return the stir-fried vegetables and chicken to the wok.Add finely shredded cabbage at the very end.Continue stir-frying until the noodles are almost sticking to the wok but not burning.Garnish with spring onions.
Combine and Finish

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

Tips

  • Use a wok clock to organize your ingredients efficiently.
  • Don't overfill your wok.
  • Add cabbage at the very end to maintain its crunch.
  • Use a ‘tummy and head’ motion while stir-frying noodles to prevent breaking.
  • Cook noodles until they’re almost sticking but not burning.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

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

While udon is traditional, you can experiment! Thick wheat noodles or even spaghetti work in a pinch, but the texture will differ.

2. What can I add to make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat. Gochujang (Korean chili paste) also works well.


So there you have it – your own delicious bowl of homemade yaki udon! This recipe is a testament to how simple, yet flavorful, Japanese cuisine can be. Enjoy the satisfying chewiness of the noodles and the perfectly balanced sauce – and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients!