Soy-Glazed Udon Noodles with Scallions
Thick udon noodles tossed in a rich soy-sweet glaze, topped with crisp scallions for a comforting weeknight meal. This asian-inspired one pot (gluten-free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs udon noodles, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 200 g udon noodles
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 stalks scallions
- 100 ml water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook udon noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water for 8 minutes until tender but firm. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and 100 ml water. Heat over medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers gently for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add sesame oil to the sauce, then pour over drained noodles. Toss vigorously with tongs for 2 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Divide into bowls. Top with thinly sliced scallions. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Soy-Glazed Udon Noodles with Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Soy-Glazed Udon Noodles with Scallions?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Glazed Udon Noodles with Scallions?
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 Soy-Glazed Udon Noodles with Scallions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Soy-Glazed Udon Noodles with Scallions gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.