Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Shiitake and Sesame-Ginger Sauce

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

Chewy udon noodles tossed in a savory sesame-ginger sauce with earthy shiitake mushrooms and crisp vegetables for a quick Asian-inspired meal. This japanese-inspired noodles ready in about 25 minutes blends dried udon noodles, sesame oil, fresh ginger, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 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 rolling boil. Add 8 oz dried udon noodles and cook for 8 minutes until tender but still chewy, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms, 1 julienned carrot, and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper to the wok, stir-frying for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar until sugar dissolves.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained noodles to the wok along with the sauce mixture, tossing well over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until noodles are heated through and coated with the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Shiitake and Sesame-Ginger Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Shiitake and Sesame-Ginger Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Shiitake and Sesame-Ginger 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 Shiitake and Sesame-Ginger Sauce 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 Shiitake and Sesame-Ginger Sauce?

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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