Easy 15-Minute Yaki Udon

Whenever I’m in the mood for a fast yet deeply satisfying meal, nothing beats Yaki Udon. This beloved Japanese stir-fried noodle dish is a go-to in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights. With chewy udon noodles, crisp veggies, and a bold, umami-rich sauce, it’s a dish that hits every comfort note in just 15 minutes.

My love affair with Yaki Udon started during a trip to Osaka, where small eateries served up sizzling plates of stir-fried noodles right in front of you. Ever since, I’ve been making it at home, adjusting it to include simple, pantry-friendly ingredients while keeping all the incredible flavor intact.

Why You’ll Love This Yaki Udon Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in just 15 minutes—prep included!
• Versatile: Choose your favorite protein or keep it fully vegetarian.
• Bold flavors: Savory, slightly sweet, with optional heat.
• Perfect texture: Chewy udon noodles + crisp veggies = winning combo.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 tbsp cooking oil, divided
• 2 servings (500g) udon noodles, frozen
• ½ lb shrimp (or thinly sliced chicken, beef, pork, bacon, tofu, or extra veggies)
• ½ medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• ¼ cup carrot, julienned
• 3 mushrooms, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Kewpie mayo
• Bonito flakes
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Additional green onions

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Protein & Sauce

• Season shrimp (or your protein of choice) lightly with salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and optional chili flakes.

2️⃣ Prepare the Udon Noodles

• Place frozen udon noodles in a bowl of hot water for about 1 minute.
• Use chopsticks to gently loosen the noodles.
• Rinse with cold water, drain well, and set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the Protein

• Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
• Add shrimp (or chosen protein) and cook for about 2 minutes, until opaque or just cooked through.
• Remove and set aside.

4️⃣ Stir Fry the Veggies

• In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
• Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
• Add cabbage, carrot, and mushrooms, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

5️⃣ Combine & Serve

• Return the cooked shrimp (or protein) to the pan along with the udon noodles.
• Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until the noodles are beautifully coated and heated through.
• Add chopped green onions and stir to combine.

Garnish & Enjoy!

Top your Yaki Udon with:

• A drizzle of Kewpie mayo
• A sprinkle of bonito flakes
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Extra green onions

Pro Tips for Perfect Yaki Udon

• Udon noodles: Frozen is best for chewiness, but pre-cooked packets work too—just skip soaking.
• Sauce balance: Taste before serving; adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
• High heat: Stir-frying at a good sizzle ensures veggies stay crisp and noodles get that slight wok char.

Variations to Try

• Vegan: Use tofu or extra veggies and swap oyster sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy: Add a spoonful of chili oil for an extra kick.
• Seafood lovers: Mix shrimp with squid or scallops for a deluxe twist.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Sizzle back up in a hot pan for the best texture—add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Other Quick Weeknight Recipes You’ll Love:

• Spicy Garlic Edamame
• Teriyaki Chicken Donburi
• Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
• Miso Soup with Tofu & Wakame

Final Thoughts

This Easy 15-Minute Yaki Udon is proof that a fast meal doesn’t have to skimp on flavor. Loaded with savory goodness and endless customization options, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket when cravings strike but time is short.