Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Chili-Garlic Sauce

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

Thick udon noodles stir-fried with crisp vegetables and a spicy, tangy chili-garlic sauce inspired by regional Asian flavors. This Japanese-inspired noodle recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs fresh udon noodles, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 12 oz fresh udon noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 finely minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Add drained noodles to the wok. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar, then pour over the noodles and vegetables. Toss continuously for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 chopped green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Chili-Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Chili-Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Chili-Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Chili-Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Chili-Garlic 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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