20 Best Udon Noodle Recipes to Slurp Tonight

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and easy meal or something a little more unique, these authentic udon noodle recipes are sure to please.

They’re thick, chewy, and taste incredible served hot or cold.

Udon noodles are a Japanese specialty made of wheat flour.

Most commonly served in a broth with vegetables or meat, their thicker, meatier texture means they don’t turn to mush when cooked.

Any of these udon noodle recipes will put a smile on your face.

But if I had to pick just one, I could probably live off the kimchi udon noodles for the rest of my life. Yum!

Quick and Easy Udon Noodle Stir Fry and More!

1. Yaki Udon (Stir-Fried Udon Noodles)

Yaki udon is a popular street food in Japan, and it’s so beloved you’ll even find it in many restaurants. 

Made by stir-frying the noodles with vegetables and meat, it’s typically served with a soy-based sauce.

The key to making really good yaki udon is to use fresh noodles and stir-fry them over high heat.

This gives them a pleasant chewy texture and prevents them from sticking together.

2. Stir-Fried Spicy Garlic Udon Noodles

These stir-fried garlicky noodles are the perfect weeknight meal – quick, easy, and packed with flavor! 

Udon noodles are stir-fried with spicy garlic sauce and vegetables. They’re rich, zesty, and have enough warmth to leave you reaching for the water.

Feel free to replace the mushrooms with a protein of your choice to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Or keep it veggie-friendly and serve with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal. 

3. Beef Udon Stir Fry

Is there anything better than tender, juicy beef with chewy, saucy noodles? I don’t think so!

The vegetables add crunch and sweetness while the sauce provides a balance of salty and sweet flavors.

I like to serve this simple stir fry with rice or bread (to mop up the juices). And you can garnish it with green onions, cilantro, or Sriracha sauce if you like it hot.

4. Hoisin Chicken Udon Noodles

Hoisin noodles are just what you need when you’re craving takeout but trying to save some money.

They’re easy to make, and the hoisin sauce gives the chicken a delicious savory flavor.

Top it with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for a simple yet effective dinner you’ll turn to again and again.

5. One-Bowl Shoyu Udon (Soy Sauce Noodles)

This delicious, quick, and easy recipe makes mid-week dinners a breeze.

Cooked in a rich soy sauce broth and topped with a variety of vegetables and protein, these noodles are scrumptious.

Tofu is a beautiful protein that soaks up all the saucy goodness. That said, you can also throw in some juicy shrimp or leftover chicken if you have it.

The possibilities are endless!

6. Simple Udon Noodle Bowl

Short on time or just not in the mood to cook? Then, I have just the recipe for you!

To make these super-simple udon noodles, all you need to do is boil them until tender. Then add the veggies and toppings, of course.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal will satisfy even the most demanding appetites.

7. Peanut Sauce Udon Noodles

I’ve been obsessed with peanut sauce since my first trip to Thailand. It’s rich, nutty, and wonderfully complex.

And this udon dish is a terrific way to experience those incredible flavors.

Make it spicy, or sweet, or full of umami excellence. No matter what, you’ll love these peanut noodles.

8. 15 Minute Spicy Udon Stir Fry

Are you on the hunt for a quick and easy weeknight meal packed with flavor? You just found it!

Udon noodles stir-fried with a fiery Sriracha sauce and fresh vegetables? Yes, please.  

Add your favorite protein, or keep it veggie. Either way, it’s a complete meal you can have on the table in a flash.

And because it is so easy to make, you’ll have more time to spend with your family and friends. Or maybe even catch up on your favorite show!

Talk about a win-win. Netflix, here I come!

9. Tempura Udon Recipe (Shrimp and Vegetables)

Japanese cuisine is known for its light, delicate flavors. And this dish is no exception.

Tempura udon is a variation of the popular fried fave served with thick, chewy noodles. 

The key to successful tempura is to use a light hand when battering the seafood or vegetables.

If the batter is too thick, it will be heavy and oil-soaked. 

Tempura should be served immediately after it is cooked to remain crisp and light.

With that in mind, I suggest having the noodles ready to go before anything hits the hot oil.

10. Udon with Onsen Tamago

This is a very exciting and unique dish, with the star ingredient being the onsen tamago. 

Onsen tamago refers to the gently boiled egg cooked low and slow until it’s insanely silky and custardy. This method gives it a wonderful flavor and texture. 

The udon noodles are cooked in a flavorful broth, and the dreamy little egg is slipped right on top.

Finally, you’ll garnish the bowl with green onions. It takes a little time to make, but it’s more than worth it!

11. Yaki Udon with Shrimp

Yaki udon is a popular recipe that’s served with shrimp, chicken, or beef. 

This version uses bright pink, plump shrimp for something meaty, sweet, and delightfully fresh.

Between the seafood and chewy noodles, there’s also a savory sauce you’ll fall for at first bite.

12. Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry

Bulgogi beef is a Korean dish of thinly sliced sirloin marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.

Cooked in a hot pan until browned and slightly charred, it’s then simmered in soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. 

So yeah, it’s crazy flavorful and beyond tender.

13. Kimchi Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Kimchi udon noodle stir fry is a dish that’ll leave your taste buds tingling and your mind blown. 

It’s a flawless blend of savory and spicy, with a whisper of sweetness to balance it out. 

Better yet, you don’t need to be a master chef to whip this up. Heck, if you buy ready-made kimchi, it’ll be good to go in a flash.

Just follow the simple recipe, and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning kimchi udon noodles in no time.

14. Vegetarian Japanese Pan Noodles

Delicious, healthy, easy to make, and ready in minutes? Does it get any better than these veggie Japanese pan noodles?

The ingredients are simple and readily available, so you can make this dish anytime you crave it.

You’ll make a lightning-fast dressing with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, and ginger.

Toss the noodles, add the veggies, and throw over some yummy extras. Bean sprouts, green onions, and black sesame seeds are my faves.

15. Curry Udon

Looking for ways to spice up your weeknight dinner routine. Then you need to try this udon noodle recipe.

I mean, what’s more fun and filling than curry? It’s like a party in your mouth!

But the flavor of this curry isn’t even the best part.

All this takes is one pot and a few minutes of prep. Then, in no time at all, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

16. Udon Noodle Salad

With its unique combination of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. 

If you want this to be as tasty as possible, it’s essential you use fresh ingredients.

Also, you need to cook the noodles properly. Otherwise, they’ll end up rubbery and gross.

Don’t worry, it’s not that hard. And when it’s ready, you’ll have a big bowl of healthy, nutritious, and delicious noodles waiting to be devoured.

17. Kitsune Udon

The name of the dish, kitsune udon, literally means ‘fox udon’. And is thought to be named after the fox spirit from Japanese folklore. 

Traditionally topped with fried tofu that resembles a fox’s tail, this soup is healthy, tasty, and visually appealing.

So if you want to make a restaurant-quality dish without the hassle, this recipe is definitely for you!

And feel free to add any tasty toppings you might like!

18. Sesame Sausage Udon Stir Fry

This recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Better yet, it’s so easy to modify to your liking.

Not a fan of sausages? Try chicken or shrimp. No bok choy in the fridge? Try cabbage or carrots instead.

Basically, throw in what you have on hand, and it’ll still be scrumptious.

You can even make it a vegetarian dish by omitting the meat altogether. Or using tofu, of course.

19. Black Pepper Stir-Fried Udon

This dish really packs a punch, and that’s all down to the black pepper. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s necessary. 

The sharpness of the pepper pairs perfectly with the creamy udon noodles and the savory stir-fried vegetables. 

So if you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s as tasty as it is filling, give this recipe a try.

20. Quick & Easy Pork Belly Udon

Tender, juicy meat, chewy udon noodles, and crispy veggies packed into a quick meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Sounds too good to be true, huh?

But I promise it’s not! This recipe is as easy and tasty as can be.

In fact, it’s so crave-worthy, it’ll become a regular part of your recipe rotation after just one bowl!