Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Sauce

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

Tender udon noodles stir-fried with earthy shiitake mushrooms and fresh spinach, coated in a fragrant ginger-sesame sauce for a quick Asian-inspired meal. This japanese-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh udon noodles, shiitake mushrooms, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook 12 oz fresh udon noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp minced ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and edges begin to brown.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained udon noodles to the skillet along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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 Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Sauce?

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 udon noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Sauce?

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 Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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 Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Sauce 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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