Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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 blends fresh udon noodles, sliced shiitake mushrooms, fresh spinach into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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

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.

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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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Udon Noodles with Ginger-Sesame Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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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