Vegan Udon Noodle Stir Fry Recipe - Curious Flavors (2024)

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:
  • Vegan Japchae Recipe
  • Filipino Vegan Pancit Recipe
  • Vegan Tofu Dumplings Recipe
  • Vegan Mushroom Soup Recipe

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 sh*take 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

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 atight-fittinglid. 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.

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