If you’ve ever wondered how to cook udon noodles recipe at home, you’re in the right place! Udon noodles are thick, chewy Japanese noodles made from wheat flour, and they’re an absolute delight in stir-fries or soups.
This dish is one of my personal favourites — quick to make, full of flavour, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re craving something warm on a cold day or need a speedy weeknight dinner, learning how to make udon noodles will become your new kitchen essential.
Let’s dive into this simple, step-by-step guide that’s both beginner-friendly and restaurant-worthy!
What Are Udon Noodles?
Before we begin learning how to cook udon noodles recipe, let’s talk about what makes them so special. Udon noodles are thick, white, and slightly chewy — very different from thin noodles like ramen or soba. Their neutral flavour makes them the perfect base for sauces, vegetables, and proteins.
You can find fresh, frozen, or vacuum-packed udon noodles in most Asian grocery stores. For stir-frying, fresh or frozen noodles are best because they stay firm and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare how to cook udon noodles recipe, here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 blocks of udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 Thai red chillies, deseeded and julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 green onion (white and green parts separated)
- 1 cup cabbage, sliced into thin strips
- 200g pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup chicken stock or water
Visit also our other recipe article:- How to Cook Dumplings Recipe – A Simple and Delicious Pork Dumpling Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The key to mastering how to cook udon noodles recipe lies in the prep work. Thinly slice your shallots and garlic. Deseed and julienne the chillies — this keeps the spice level manageable while maintaining flavour.
Separate the white and green parts of your green onion. Slice the cabbage into thin strips. Cut your pork tenderloin into long, thin pieces to match the noodles’ texture.
Step 2: Loosen the Udon Noodles
If you’re using vacuum-packed udon noodles, they tend to come in dense bricks. To loosen them, place the blocks into a bowl of very hot water for about a minute. Gently separate the strands with chopsticks, then drain and set aside.
Be careful not to boil the noodles — boiling makes them too soft and they’ll turn mushy during stir-frying.
This step is vital when learning how to cook udon noodles recipe correctly.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Mix soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce is the soul of the dish — salty, slightly sweet, and full of umami flavour.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Heat your wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add oil, then toss in the white parts of the green onions and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant — your kitchen will smell amazing!
Add shallots and chillies next, cooking until the shallots soften slightly.
Step 5: Cook the Pork
Add your thinly sliced pork and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry until the meat is browned and cooked through. Let it cook in its own juices for a minute or two to enhance flavour.
This step adds that rich, savoury base every stir-fried udon noodles recipe needs.
Step 6: Add the Vegetables and Noodles
Now add the cabbage and cook until it starts to wilt. Then toss in your noodles, followed by the sauce. Pour in chicken stock (or water) and keep stirring.
Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the noodles and coat them evenly.
Add the green parts of the onion just before turning off the heat — this keeps them fresh and vibrant.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the noodles to a plate and serve hot. The glossy sauce, tender pork, and crunchy vegetables make this dish truly irresistible.
You can adjust the spice level, swap pork for chicken or tofu, or even make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using extra veggies.
Tips for Perfect Udon
- Don’t overcook the noodles — keep them chewy!
- Always use a hot wok for proper stir-frying.
- Balance the flavours: soy for salt, sugar for sweetness, and sesame oil for aroma.
- Try adding mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for colour and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Learning how to cook udon noodles recipe gives you a quick, satisfying meal every time. It’s flavourful, flexible, and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
From the glossy noodles to the punchy sauce — every bite is a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and savoury goodness.
