The Best Yaki Udon is a favorite for many families. It delivers glossy, flavorful noodles in under 20 minutes, a result I’m proud to serve on busy weeknights.

What to put in yaki udon?

Start with udon noodles and your protein of choice—shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Add crisp vegetables, then fold in a savory sauce of soy and oyster with a kiss of sesame oil. Finish with green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant glow at home.

Is yaki udon healthy to eat?

Yes, it can be a balanced meal: protein, fiber, and starch in one bowl. Keep sodium in check by using low-sodium soy sauce and load up on veggies, and go light on oil if you’re watching calories.

What is the difference between yaki udon and udon?

Udon is a thick, chewy noodle usually served in broth. Yaki udon is the stir-fried cousin, tossed with a glossy sauce and seared ingredients, not typically served in soup.

The Best Yaki Udon is Ultimate, Easy, Flavorful 20-Minute.

Name: The Best Yaki Udon is Ultimate, Easy, Flavorful 20-Minute.
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 packs udon noodles (fresh or frozen, 14 oz total); 8–10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup cabbage, shredded; 1 carrot, julienned; ½ onion, thinly sliced; ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for deeper color); 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; To garnish: sesame seeds, extra green onions

Description

The Best Yaki Udon is a quick, flavorful Japanese stir-fried udon noodles dish loaded with shrimp and vegetables, ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

2 packs udon noodles (fresh or frozen, 14 oz total)
8–10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup cabbage, shredded
1 carrot, julienned
½ onion, thinly sliced
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for deeper color)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
To garnish: sesame seeds, extra green onions

Instructions

If using frozen udon noodles, soak them in hot water for 1–2 minutes to loosen, then drain.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Add the remaining oil. Stir-fry garlic, onion, carrot, cabbage, and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Return shrimp to the pan, then add udon noodles.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour over the noodles and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Stir in green onions, cook 1 more minute, and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Soak frozen udon briefly in hot water to loosen before cooking.
Feel free to substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp.
Use gluten-free soy sauces if needed to keep it gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 1100 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 63 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: The Best Yaki Udon, yaki udon, udon noodles, shrimp udon, Japanese stir-fry, 20-minute dinner