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20 Minute Udon Noodle Recipe

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You know those crazy weeknights where the last thing you want to do is cook, but you don’t want to eat any takeout? These 20 minute udon noodles are the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight.

This is just like your favorite takeout noodle dish but healthier! And just as easy as calling it in and picking it up.

We’re talking chopping-and-tossing-it-all-into-a-pan kind of easy. A little sweet, a little spicy, and with all the healthy veggies, what’s not to love?

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to mix up your protein if you’re craving something a little different. 

I used chicken thighs in this recipe because they are super tender and complement almost any flavor, but it would be equally delicious with beef, shrimp, or even tofu if you need a vegetarian option.

There are so many different vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, and bok choy that could be added or replaced as well. 

What Are Udon Noodles?

Udon is a thick wheat noodle used in Japanese cuisine. They are similar to soba noodles but with a milder flavor and thicker in size.

Do I Have To Salt The Water When Making Udon Noodles?

I always salt my water quite generously when boiling any kind of pasta or noodles, but since we are using a good amount of soy sauce in this recipe, I decided not to salt the water.

The saltiness and flavor of the noodles were perfect! 

Does The Same Browning/Cooking Method Work For Other Types Of Meat?

Yes, the same method of heating up the oil and browning the meat still applies, though beef and shrimp will cook a lot faster than the chicken will. The same instructions still apply for tofu as well. 

What If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil will give it that traditional Asian-cuisine flavor, but olive or avocado oil will totally work if you don’t have it!

Can I Turn This Into Ramen? 

Absolutely! I would say all the steps still apply, sauce and all. Just add everything to a larger bowl, pour some hot chicken or beef broth on top, and add a soft boiled egg if you like! A cozy and delicious meal made even cozier. 

The Sauce

If you find yourself looking for substitutes for this recipe’s sauce, here are a few recommendations you may have on hand:

  1. Soy Sauce: If you are trying to lessen your sodium intake, coconut aminos or tamari are great substitutes and will still yield that salty flavor. 
  2. Rice Wine Vinegar: Sounds fancy, but it can easily be found at most grocery stores. Making this recipe and don’t have any? Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or even lime juice will work.
  3. Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin is an Asian sauce that usually has soy, red chili, garlic, and sugar. If you don’t have any on hand, you can easily make your own! Honey and some extra chili flakes can also work. 

How To Make 20 Minute Udon Noodles

Step 1

Assemble your ingredients.

Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. If the udon noodles come in three different bundles, cook at least two of them. If not, use the entire package. 

Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and ¼ cup of water in a bowl. Set aside. 

Step 2

Chop the chicken (or protein of choice), broccoli, pepper, and green onions. Grate the ginger and garlic. Save the green end of the onion for garnish. 

Heat a pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and your protein.

Step 3

Once the protein is browned on one side, flip it and add the veggies, ginger, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Pour the sauce mixture and red pepper flakes into the pan and let simmer for 5 additional minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Step 4

Using tongs, stir in the udon noodles and turn off the heat. Place the noodles into your serving bowls, and top with sesame seeds and green onions.

Enjoy!

20 Minute Udon Noodle Recipe

20 Minute Udon Noodle Recipe

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This udon noodle recipe is a quick, easy way to set the table with a delicious, filling meal for dinner!

Ingredients

  • 1 pack of udon noodles
  • 1 pound protein of choice
  • 1 head of broccoli
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 2 green onions
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 clove of garlic, grated
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. If the udon noodles come in three different bundles, cook at least two of them. If not, use the entire package. 
  2. Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and ¼ cup of water in a bowl. Set aside. 
  3. Chop the chicken (or protein of choice), broccoli, pepper, and green onions. Grate the ginger and garlic. Save the green end of the onion for garnish. 
  4. Heat a pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and your protein. Once the protein is browned on one side, flip it and add the veggies, ginger, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so the garlic doesn’t burn.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture and red pepper flakes into the pan and let simmer for 5 additional minutes, stirring occasionally. 
  6. Using tongs, stir in the udon noodles and turn off the heat. Place the noodles into your serving bowls, and top with sesame seeds and green onions.
  7. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 29mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 9gSugar: 5gProtein: 25g

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