Sautéed Udon Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame
Thick udon noodles stir-fried with earthy shiitake mushrooms, crisp vegetables, and toasted sesame for a comforting vegetarian dish. This japanese-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh or frozen udon noodles, medium, julienned carrot, stalks, thinly sliced green onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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 fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 8 oz, stems removed and sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 3 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: If using frozen udon, rinse under warm water to separate noodles. Drain well.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until browned and tender.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 medium julienned carrot and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 5: Add 12 oz udon noodles to the skillet along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes until noodles are heated through and coated evenly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Udon Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame 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 Udon Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame?
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 Sautéed Udon Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame?
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 Udon Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame 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 Udon Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Sesame 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.