Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Sesame Chicken

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

Thick udon noodles stir-fried with tender chicken strips in a spicy sesame sauce for a satisfying Asian-inspired meal. This japanese-inspired noodles ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh or frozen udon noodles, thinly sliced chicken breast, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 480 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 udon noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 3-5 minutes for fresh noodles. Drain and set aside.
  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 lb thinly sliced chicken breast to the wok and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained udon noodles, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar to the wok. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Sesame Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Sesame Chicken?

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 or frozen udon noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Sesame Chicken?

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 Spicy Sesame Chicken 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Udon Noodles with Spicy Sesame Chicken?

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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