Garlic Sesame Udon Stir Fry with Shiitake Mushrooms

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-28 · Updated 2026-07-28

A savory Japanese-inspired udon noodle stir fry with garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and a rich sesame soy sauce, perfect for a quick and comforting meal. This Japanese-inspired noodle recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs udon noodles, fresh or frozen, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 12 oz udon noodles, fresh or frozen
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 stalks green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

The wok we’d stir-fry this in → Best Woks for 2026: Carbon Steel, Nonstick & Flat-Bottom Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook 12 oz udon noodles according to package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet and stir fry for 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and edges begin to caramelize.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp brown sugar until sugar dissolves.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet, pour the sauce over, and toss everything together. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using for a touch of heat before serving.