Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight meal? Look no further than Yaki Udon, a delicious Japanese stir-fried noodle dish. This isn't your average noodle stir-fry; Yaki Udon boasts a rich, savory sauce that coats thick, chewy udon noodles perfectly. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the satisfying textural contrast of the noodles and your choice of protein and vegetables, makes this dish a true culinary delight. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is surprisingly easy to master.
Yaki Udon is incredibly versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! From simple shrimp and vegetables to more elaborate combinations featuring chicken, pork, or tofu, the possibilities are endless. Ready to create your own masterpiece? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions that will have you enjoying a delicious plate of Yaki Udon in just 15 minutes.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Onion: 1/2
- Cabbage: 2-3 leaves
- Carrot: 30g
- Mushrooms: 3 button mushrooms
- Green onions
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Ginger: small piece
- Udon noodles
- Pork belly: 200g
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Ketchup: 1 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- MSG: a pinch (optional)
- Pickled ginger: optional
- Oil: 1 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice half an onion. Make sure the slices aren't too thin to prevent mushiness.
- Cut 2-3 cabbage leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut 30g of carrot into thin matchsticks.
- Thinly slice 3 button mushrooms (optional).
- Finely chop 2 cloves of garlic and a small piece of ginger.
- Chop green onions for garnish.
- Cut 200g of thinly sliced pork belly into bite-sized pieces (can substitute with bacon, chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu).
Step 2. Cook the Noodles and Meat
- Boil water in a pot, add udon noodles, and cook according to package instructions.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil (or lard) in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add pork belly and cook for 1-2 minutes until no longer pink.
Step 3. Stir-fry and Combine
- Stir in garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add onion, cabbage, carrot, and mushrooms; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked noodles and sauce; toss for 2-3 minutes until noodles are coated.
Step 4. Serve
- In a small container, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of MSG (optional). Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with green onions and pickled ginger (optional).
Read more: Steamed Meat-Topped Tofu with Sesame Sauce: A Delicious Japanese Recipe
Tips
- Don't slice onions too thinly to avoid mushiness.
- Cut carrots into thin matchsticks for even cooking.
- Mushrooms are optional but add a nice flavor.
- Don't skip garlic and ginger for amazing flavor.
- Use lard for extra flavor (optional).
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different noodles instead of udon?
While udon is traditional, you can substitute with thick wheat noodles or even spaghetti for a similar texture. Keep in mind the cooking time may vary.
2. What if I don't have all the ingredients listed?
Don't worry! Yaki Udon is highly adaptable. Feel free to omit ingredients or substitute with what you have on hand. Experiment and have fun with it!
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat. You can also add some chopped chili peppers to the stir-fry.
So there you have it – a quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying Yaki Udon recipe perfect for any busy weeknight. This adaptable dish allows for endless customization, making it a true culinary chameleon. Enjoy your homemade Yaki Udon!