Quick Garlic and Soy Stir-Fried Udon Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thick udon noodles tossed in a savory garlic-soy sauce with scallions and a touch of sesame for an easy Asian-inspired stir fry. This japanese-inspired noodles ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh or frozen udon noodles, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 12 oz udon noodles according to package instructions (about 3-4 minutes for fresh). Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained udon noodles to the skillet along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Toss and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until noodles are heated through and coated evenly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Garlic and Soy Stir-Fried Udon Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Quick Garlic and Soy Stir-Fried Udon Noodles?

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 fresh or frozen udon noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Garlic and Soy Stir-Fried Udon Noodles?

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 Quick Garlic and Soy Stir-Fried Udon Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.

What goes well with Quick Garlic and Soy Stir-Fried Udon Noodles?

Japanese noodles like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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