Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Hidden Ginger and Scallion Flavor

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

Chewy udon noodles quickly stir-fried with fresh ginger, scallions, and a savory soy sauce glaze for a simple yet satisfying noodle dish. This japanese-inspired noodles ready in about 20 minutes pairs fresh udon noodles, vegetable oil, finely grated fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 380 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 medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir-fry quickly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained noodles and 4 sliced scallions to the wok. Toss to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and glossy.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Hidden Ginger and Scallion Flavor 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 Hidden Ginger and Scallion Flavor?

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 Hidden Ginger and Scallion Flavor?

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 Hidden Ginger and Scallion Flavor 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Hidden Ginger and Scallion Flavor?

Japanese noodles like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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