This easy vegan udon noodle stir-fry recipe is delicious with chewy, soft, and thick Japanese yaki udon noodles. It comes together quickly, it’s savory and very satisfying.
Why you will love this recipe
- Simple and Easy. You can make this vegan udon noodle stir-fry in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a delicious Japanese noodle recipe. These udon noodles are cooked in high heat to keep the crunchy texture of the vegetables. It is a great introduction to classic Japanese flavors and a tempting light lunch or dinner.
- Delicious and satisfying. These noodles are filling and satisfying. We love savory noodles all the time.
- Healthy. This recipe is very healthy, with a lot of vegetables and mushrooms. I believe that eating a plant-rich diet with lots of vegetables is good for our health and environment.
- If love more vegan recipes, don’t forget to check my:
ingredients and substitutions
Not only is it so easy to make, but your vegan udon noodle stir-fry will taste yummy with just minimal and healthy ingredients. Check the recipe card below for the full recipe with the exact measurement of the ingredients.
- Udon Noodles – Udon is the thickest Japanese noodle. You can easily find udon noodles at Asian stores or supermarkets in their refrigerated or frozen section. You can also make your noodles with 3 ingredients. Udon noodles are thick and chewy. Made with wheat flour, water, and salt. However, it’s not gluten-free compared to the rice noodles you see in some stir-fries. Udon noodles are vegan and dairy-free, but always check the ingredients as there can be different additives that vary per brand.
- Garlic and Onion – These are aromatics that add tons of flavors.
- Soy Sauce – A household staple condiment in Asian cooking. You have to have soy sauce in your pantry for seasoning and flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Oil– It has a nutty flavor and distinct sesame smell and adds a punch of flavor to noodles. Your noodles will turn extra flavorful with sesame oil, but it is still completely delicious without it.
- Sugar – Brown sugar is the secret ingredient to balance out the flavors.
- Vegetables. Since this is a plant-based recipe, you must have vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and green onions. You can add all your favorite stir-fry veggies you have in your fridge. This is one way to clean and save those vegetables you keep forgetting to cook!
- Mushrooms – It has an earthy flavor that gives a savory flavor. It is also a healthy substitute for meat. I use dehydrated shitake mushrooms soaked in hot water for 30 minutes to rehydrate, Sliced, then sliced thinly.
how to cook vegan udon noodle stir-fry
Cook udon noodles according to the package instruction. I soaked mine in hot water for 2-4 minutes or until it loosened and drained the excess water. While waiting for noodles, chop your vegetables and aromatics.
Heat the cooking oil on a wok or skillet over high heat. Add garlic and onions and stir fry until fragrant. Add mushrooms and saute until caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir-fry carrots and broccoli for 2 minutes. Add in the napa cabbage, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil and stir-fry on high heat for about 3-5 minutes or until they are cooked but not mushy.
Add the prepared udon noodles. Using a spatula or tong, mix all the ingredients until everything is well combined. Stir fry for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper if needed. Serve and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Prepare the ingredients while waiting for yaki udon. This udon stir-fry dish cooks very fast, so preparing your ingredients ahead saves time.
- Do not overcook the veggies, or they’ll get too soft. . Stir-frying in high heat for just a few minutes will keep the vegetables from overcooking.
Questions and answers
Udon noodles also known as yaki udon, are Japanese-style white thick, chewy noodles made with wheat, water, and salt. Some store-bought will also have some preservatives added.
Generally yes, udon is vegan-friendly as it’s simply made with minimal ingredients from wheat flour, water, and salt. They’re one of the few types of noodles that don’t commonly contain eggs. However, always double-check the ingredients if buying them from the store.
What’s the healthiest? While both dishes brim with flavor, Udon could be considered the healthier of the two noodle-type dishes as has minimal ingredients. Many people love udon noodles because they’re light and easy to digest.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
- Make-Ahead – Chop all your vegetables ahead of time and store them in an air-tight container in the fridge.
- Storage – If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely and store them in a container with a tight-fitting lid. It stays good in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Reheat – To reheat this vegan udon noodle stir-fry, transfer it into a saucepan, and reheat over medium heat. Stir frequently until warmed through.
Vegan Udon Noodles Stir Fry Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Wok or skillet
Ingredients
- 14 ounces Udon Noodles
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 8 ounces mushrooms any kind
- 5 cups napa cabbage
- ¼ cup green onion
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook udon noodles according to the package instruction. I soaked mine in hot water for 2-4 minutes and drain the excess water.
- Heat the cooking oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and onion and stir fry until translucent. Add mushrooms and saute until caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in carrots and broccoli, and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add in the cabbage, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil and stir fry in high heat for about 3-5 minutes or until they are cooked but not mushy.
- Add the prepared noodles. Using a spatula, mix all the ingredients until everything is well combined. Stir fry for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper if needed. Serve and share!
Notes
Recipe Notes:
- If you need extra protein, feel free to tofu. If you eat meat, you can use chicken, beef, pork, or seafood of your choice. There is endless extra protein variety and options.
- Prepare the ingredients while waiting for yaki udon. This udon stir-fry dish cooks very fast, so preparing your ingredients ahead saves time.
- Do not overcook the veggies, or they’ll get too soft. . Stir-frying in high heat for just a few minutes will keep the vegetables from overcooking.
Tasty udon noodles without adding meat.
I love this version of udon stir fry. So delicious.
Wow korean style this time. Thank you!