Garlic Sesame Udon Stir Fry with Shiitake Mushrooms

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 noodles (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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Sesame Udon Stir Fry with Shiitake Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic Sesame Udon Stir Fry with Shiitake Mushrooms?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep udon noodles, fresh or frozen from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Sesame Udon Stir Fry with Shiitake Mushrooms?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic Sesame Udon Stir Fry with Shiitake Mushrooms for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic Sesame Udon Stir Fry with Shiitake Mushrooms vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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