Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic Soy Glaze

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

Thick udon noodles tossed in a glossy garlic soy glaze with crisp vegetables for a quick and satisfying stir-fry. This japanese-inspired noodles (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 350 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 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 a boil and add 12 oz fresh udon noodles. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 julienned medium carrot and 1 thinly sliced medium red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained noodles to the pan along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss continuously for 2 minutes until noodles are coated in a glossy glaze and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 sliced scallions. Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic Soy Glaze 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 Garlic Soy Glaze?

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 Garlic Soy Glaze?

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 Garlic Soy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Garlic Soy Glaze 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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