These quick and flavorful simple Udon Noodles combine savory soy sauce, rich garlic, and caramelized shallots with earthy mushrooms for a comforting meal. A touch of brown sugar and rice vinegar balances the flavors, while chili crisp oil adds just the right amount of heat. Finished with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, this dish is both simple to make and deeply satisfying.
Table of contents
What are Udon Noodles?
Udon noodles are thick, chewy Japanese wheat noodles commonly used in soups, stir-fries, and cold noodle dishes.
They have a soft yet bouncy texture and a mild flavor, making them perfect for absorbing sauces and broths.
Udon is often served in a hot dashi-based broth or stir-fried with savory ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and vegetables.
How are Udon Noodles typically used?
Udon noodles are incredibly versatile and used in a variety of Japanese dishes.
They are often served in hot soups, such as kake udon, where they are immersed in a light dashi broth with green onions and tempura.
They can also be stir-fried (yaki udon) with vegetables, meat, and a savory soy-based sauce or enjoyed cold with a dipping sauce (zaru udon) for a refreshing meal.
Ingredients needed to make these Simple Udon Noodles
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and their roles in this udon noodle recipe:
- Udon Noodles – These thick, chewy wheat noodles serve as the hearty base, soaking up all the flavorful sauce.
- Garlic – Provides a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances the savory elements of the dish.
- Shallots – Offer a mild sweetness and a subtle onion flavor, adding depth and richness.
- Mushrooms – Bring an earthy, umami-packed taste and a tender texture that complements the noodles.
- Brown Sugar – Balances out the salty and acidic components with a hint of caramel-like sweetness.
- Soy Sauce – A key umami component, it adds saltiness and depth, tying all the flavors together.
- Rice Vinegar – Introduces a mild tanginess that brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- Chili Crisp Oil – Infuses a spicy, crunchy, and slightly smoky heat, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – Add nuttiness and a slight crunch, bringing both flavor and texture contrast.
Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced dish with savory, sweet, spicy, and umami notes.
How to make Simple Udon Noodles
Begin with heating oil in a pan. Give the sliced shallots and garlic into the pan and sautee both on medium-hight heat for about 5 minutes.
While the onions and garlic are in the pan, combine in a small bowl or jar the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili crisp oil.
Now give sliced mushrooms and the sauce to the onions into the pan, mix well and let cook until the liquid from the mushrooms evaporates. Add the pre-cooked Udon noodles, combine everything. Reduce heat to medium and set warm through for 4 minutes.
Serve with toasted sesame seeds on top.
Serving Suggestions
The Simple Udon Noodles are a basic recipe. But there are some great ways for you to serve your udon noodle dish:
- With a Soft-Boiled Egg – Top the noodles with a jammy soft-boiled egg for extra richness and creaminess.
- Alongside a Fresh Cucumber Salad – A light, tangy cucumber salad with sesame dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors.
- Topped with Crispy Tofu or Chicken – Add protein by serving with pan-fried tofu or seared chicken for a more filling meal.
Variations for Simple Udon Noodles
Here are some variations you can try to customize your udon noodle dish:
- Protein Boost – Add pan-seared tofu, shrimp, chicken, or beef for extra protein.
- Extra Veggies – Toss in bok choy, bell peppers, spinach, or carrots for added texture and nutrients.
- Creamy Twist – Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini for a nutty, creamy sauce.
- Citrusy Kick – Add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of yuzu zest for a bright, zesty finish.
- Miso Infusion – Mix in a little white or red miso paste to deepen the umami flavor.
- Noodle Swap – Use soba, ramen, or even rice noodles for a different texture and taste.
- Extra Heat – Increase the spice level with more chili crisp oil or fresh chopped chilies.
These variations let you adjust the dish to your taste while keeping it delicious and satisfying!
Other recipes to try
I hope you love this delicious and easy udon noodle dish as much as I do!
If you give it a try, snap a photo and share it on Instagram or Facebook — I’d love to see your creations!
Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating below to let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
Simple Udon Noodles
These quick and tasty Udon Noodles are a delightful combination of savory soy sauce, rich garlic, and caramelized shallots with earthy mushrooms. A touch of brown sugar and rice vinegar adds a sweet and tangy balance, while chili crisp oil gives it a nice kick. Finished with toasted sesame seeds for a crunchy finish, this dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 7 oz Udon noodles, precooked
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 medium shallots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoons chili crisp oil
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- salt, pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by heating oil in a pan. Add the sliced shallots and garlic to the pan and sauté them on medium-high heat for approximately 5 minutes.
- While the onions and garlic are sautéing, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili crisp oil in a small bowl or jar.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and the prepared sauce to the onions in the pan. Mix well and let the mixture cook until the liquid from the mushrooms evaporates.
- Add the pre-cooked Udon noodles to the pan and combine everything. Reduce the heat to medium and let the dish simmer for 4 minutes.
- Serve the Udon noodles garnished with toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1.5 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 443Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1723mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 5gSugar: 9gProtein: 9g