Yaki udon (焼きうどん)noodles are very much popular in Japan and you will found it often at festivals (omatsuri) and Izakayas (Japanese pubs) around the world.
Meaning of "Yaki" is fry or grill. Hence the name of the dish can be translated as “fried udon” which also indicates what type of noodles are being used.
Udon noodles is one of the three main noodle varieties which are eaten in Japan. This noodles are thick, chewy and traditionally made from wheat flour and brine water.
Udon noodles can be served in many different ways (mixed into stir fries, added to hot pots, served cold with a tsuyu or tentsuyu soup base on the side for dipping), but use of it in noodle soups are most common, where they are served in a savoury soup broth with different garnishes.
Ingredients of Yaki Udon Noodles:
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sake or dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 500 gm fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or cremini work well)
- 1 cup cooked sliced chicken (you can also use shrimp, pork or other types of seafood)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 green onions, sliced diagonally for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (it is optional)
Instructions of Making Yaki Udon Noodles:
- If you use fresh udon noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. If using frozen udon noodles, thaw them in warm water and drain.
- Rinse the cooked noodles first under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sake (if using), mirin, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl and set the sauce aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced onions to the oil. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add the julienned carrot, sliced red bell pepper, cabbage, mushrooms, and your choice of cooked sliced chicken to the pan.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the protein is heated through.
- Now add the cooked udon noodles to the pan.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and stir-fry everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauce and everything is evenly mixed.
- Taste the Yaki Udon and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish your Yaki Udon with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you desire.
- Transfer the Yaki Udon to serving plates and enjoy your delicious stir-fried noodles!
0 Comments