The Best Yaki Udon

I’ve always loved exploring Japanese cuisine in my kitchen, and Yaki Udon quickly became one of my favorite dishes to prepare at home. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could transform into a rich, comforting meal full of flavor. The soft, chewy udon noodles perfectly soak up the savory sauce, while fresh vegetables and tender protein make every bite satisfying. Over time, I’ve perfected a version that is both easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.

You will love this Yaki Udon because it combines bold, savory flavors with a texture that is both hearty and delicate. The noodles carry the sauce beautifully, while the vegetables provide a natural sweetness and crunch. Adding protein, such as turkey bacon or chicken ham, elevates the dish without overwhelming the other flavors. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust the vegetables, protein, and sauce to suit your preferences.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it vegetarian by using tofu instead of meat or add your favorite vegetables for a colorful, nutrient-packed dish. It works equally well as a single-serving meal or a dish to share with friends and family. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quick enough to prepare after a long day, yet impressive enough to serve for casual dinner parties.

Another reason I love this recipe is its affordability. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily found in local stores, and you don’t need expensive sauces or specialty items to create an authentic taste. It’s a perfect example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to make something extraordinary.

Ingredients for The Best Yaki Udon:

• 400g udon noodles

• 150g turkey bacon, sliced

• 100g chicken ham, sliced

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small carrot, julienned

• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup cabbage, shredded

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• Green onions for garnish

How to Prepare The Best Yaki Udon

Preparing Yaki Udon at home is easier than it might seem, and with a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes. The key is to prep all your ingredients first and cook the noodles and protein just right so every element comes together perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the udon noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until soft but still slightly chewy. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss lightly with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

2. Prepare the protein: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced turkey bacon and chicken ham. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the meat is lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

4. Combine noodles and protein: Return the cooked turkey bacon and chicken ham to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the udon noodles and toss gently to combine. Make sure the noodles are evenly distributed and coated with the heat from the skillet.

5. Add the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodles, meat, and vegetables. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and the flavors to meld.

6. Check seasoning and adjust: Taste the Yaki Udon and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.

7. Garnish and serve: Transfer the Yaki Udon to a serving dish. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot, so the noodles remain tender and flavorful.

This Yaki Udon recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The step-by-step method ensures that each ingredient is cooked to perfection, preserving texture and flavor. You can also customize the dish by swapping in your favorite vegetables, using tofu for a vegetarian option, or adjusting the sauce quantities to suit your taste.

It’s no surprise that this recipe is popular with many people. The combination of tender noodles, savory protein, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced, flavorful meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, you can experiment with additional toppings, such as mushrooms, snow peas, or sesame seeds, to make it even more delicious and personalized.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little care, you can enjoy a satisfying, restaurant-style Yaki Udon right at home any day of the week.

The Best Yaki Udon

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This Yaki Udon recipe is a quick, flavorful Japanese stir-fry dish combining soft udon noodles, tender turkey bacon and chicken ham, and fresh vegetables. The savory sauce enhances every bite, creating a satisfying meal that is versatile, affordable, and perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 15
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 400g udon noodles
• 150g turkey bacon, sliced
• 100g chicken ham, sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water, then toss lightly with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced turkey bacon and chicken ham. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil. Sauté onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender but crisp.
5. Return turkey bacon and chicken ham to the skillet. Add cooked udon noodles and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
6. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, remaining sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Pour over noodles, meat, and vegetables. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes, ensuring noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.
8. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can swap vegetables or protein to suit your preference.

For a vegetarian version, replace turkey bacon and chicken ham with tofu.

Avoid overcooking the noodles to maintain their chewy texture.

The dish is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

FAQs for The Best Yaki Udon

1. Can I use frozen udon noodles?
Yes, frozen udon noodles work perfectly. Simply thaw them according to the package instructions before stir-frying. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce just like fresh noodles.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the turkey bacon and chicken ham with firm tofu or extra vegetables. The flavor remains delicious, especially with a bit more soy sauce and sesame oil.

3. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water and toss them lightly with sesame oil. This helps keep them separate and easy to stir-fry later.

4. Can I prepare Yaki Udon in advance?
You can prep the vegetables and protein in advance, but it’s best to cook the noodles fresh before serving. Store cooked ingredients separately and combine them right before stir-frying.

5. Can I add other proteins?
Yes, shrimp, chicken, or beef work well in place of turkey bacon and chicken ham. Just adjust cooking time based on the protein used to ensure it’s fully cooked.

6. How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is mild. If you prefer a spicy version, add chili flakes, sliced chili peppers, or a dash of sriracha to the sauce while stir-frying.