10 Delicious Japanese Udon Recipe Ideas You Need to Try

Looking to spice up your dinner routine with some hearty comfort food? Udon noodles are a perfect choice! This versatile dish can be dressed up with a variety of toppings and flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Here are ten delicious udon recipe ideas that will surely satisfy your cravings and warm your belly!

Classic Kitsune Udon with Sweet Fried Tofu

Kitsune Udon is a beloved Japanese noodle dish that features thick, chewy udon noodles served in a warm broth, usually made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. This dish is light yet satisfying, with a perfect balance of flavors. The star of the show is the sweet fried tofu, known as ‘aburaage,’ which adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the dish. Making Kitsune Udon is quite simple, making it a great choice for a comforting meal any day of the week.

This dish is not just about the noodles; the combination of umami-rich broth, tender noodles, and sweet tofu creates a wonderful harmony that is both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, Kitsune Udon brings warmth and joy to any table. Here’s a straightforward recipe to help you whip up this classic dish at home!

Ingredients

• 2 servings udon noodles
• 4 cups dashi broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 pack of aburaage (sweet fried tofu)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the tofu: Drain and press the aburaage to remove excess oil. Cut it into halves or quarters.
2. Make the broth: In a pot, combine dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and salt. Bring it to a simmer.
3. Add the tofu: Gently add the prepared aburaage to the simmering broth and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Cook the noodles: In a separate pot, boil water and cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
5. Assemble the dish: Place the cooked udon noodles in bowls, pour the hot broth and tofu over them, and top with chopped green onions.
6. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Kitsune Udon!

Curry Udon with Beef and Vegetables

Curry Udon with beef and vegetables is a warming dish that marries the rich flavors of Japanese curry with chewy udon noodles. The combination creates a delightful experience that is both hearty and comforting. This recipe is straightforward, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something filling.

The tender beef and vibrant vegetables simmer in a flavorful curry broth, while the udon noodles soak up all the deliciousness. It’s a satisfying meal that can easily be customized based on your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 200g udon noodles
• 300g beef, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Udon: In a separate pot, cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Beef: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced beef and sauté until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and broccoli. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add Curry Flavor: Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the beef broth and soy sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
5. Combine: Return the beef to the pot, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: Add the cooked udon noodles to the curry mixture, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Spicy Miso Udon Soup

Spicy Miso Udon Soup is a comforting dish that combines rich umami flavors with a delightful kick. The miso base gives a warm depth, while the spice adds a lively touch, making each bowl a perfect blend of savory and spicy. It’s a straightforward recipe that anyone can whip up, ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty yet easy to make.

This soup is not just about the noodles; it’s about building layers of flavor with fresh vegetables and a touch of heat. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this dish allows for creativity with its ingredients. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 200g udon noodles
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons miso paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Optional: cherry tomatoes for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Udon: Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Broth: In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and carrots, sautéing until slightly tender.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the miso paste and soy sauce until fully dissolved.
4. Incorporate Noodles: Add the cooked udon noodles and baby spinach to the pot. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped green onions and cherry tomatoes if desired. Enjoy your spicy miso udon soup!

Vegetarian Udon with Stir-Fried Vegetables

Vegetarian Udon with Stir-Fried Vegetables is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together chewy udon noodles and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a satisfying texture that makes it a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Simple to prepare, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal.

The umami-rich broth, combined with the crunch of stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, creates a vibrant dish that feels wholesome and fulfilling. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying the classic flavors of Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients

• 8 oz udon noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced chili (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Cook the Udon: In a pot of boiling water, cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, snap peas, carrot, green onions, and shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Make the Broth: In a separate pot, combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer.
4. Combine: Add the cooked udon noodles to the stir-fried vegetables and pour the broth over. Stir well to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced chili if desired and enjoy your hearty vegetarian udon!

Cold Zaru Udon with Dipping Sauce

Cold Zaru Udon is a refreshing Japanese noodle dish perfect for hot days. It’s simple to prepare, and the chewy texture of the udon pairs beautifully with a savory dipping sauce. This dish is all about highlighting quality ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for a light meal.

The udon noodles are served chilled, and you can customize the dipping sauce to your taste. Adding toppings like sliced green onions or grated daikon radish can elevate the dish even further. It’s a crowd-pleaser that anyone can make with minimal effort!

Ingredients

• 300g udon noodles
• 2 cups dashi broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Grated wasabi or daikon radish, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the Udon: Boil the udon noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water until chilled.
2. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small pot, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.
3. Serve: Place the chilled udon noodles on a plate and pour the dipping sauce into a small bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional toppings.

Seafood Udon Noodle Stir-Fry

If you’re craving a dish that brings together the umami of seafood and the chewy goodness of udon noodles, this Seafood Udon Noodle Stir-Fry is a winner. The combination of shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a tasty sauce creates a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, you’ll love how simple it is to make!

This dish bursts with flavor and is sure to please seafood lovers. The tender shrimp, crunchy veggies, and perfectly cooked udon noodles come together in a way that makes every bite a treat. Plus, it’s fully customizable—add your favorite seafood or vegetables to make it your own!

Ingredients

• 8 oz udon noodles
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Udon Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Stir-Fry the Shrimp: In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add Vegetables: In the same pan, add sesame oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced bell pepper and snap peas, cooking until just tender.
4. Combine: Return the shrimp to the pan and add the cooked udon noodles. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, tossing everything together until well combined and heated through.
5. Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Braised Pork Udon with Soft Boiled Egg

Braised Pork Udon is a comforting dish that combines tender pork, chewy udon noodles, and a rich broth. The addition of a soft-boiled egg creates a creamy texture, making each bite deliciously satisfying. This dish is not only tasty but also quite simple to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

The savory flavors of the braised pork blend seamlessly with the umami-rich broth, and the soft-boiled egg adds a beautiful finish. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, sure to please anyone’s palate!

Ingredients

• 200g udon noodles
• 300g pork belly, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake
• 1 cup dashi stock
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 soft-boiled eggs
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Udon: Boil udon noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Braise the Pork: In a pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add sliced pork belly and sauté until browned. Stir in soy sauce, mirin, sake, dashi stock, and sugar. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the pork is tender.
3. Combine: Add the cooked udon noodles to the pot with the pork and broth. Stir gently to combine and heat through for a few minutes.
4. Serve: Divide the udon and pork into bowls. Top each with a soft-boiled egg, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious Braised Pork Udon!

Yaki Udon with Chicken and Vegetables

Yaki Udon is a delightful stir-fried dish that combines thick udon noodles with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. The balance of savory flavors, from the soy sauce and garlic, brings everything together. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.

The beauty of Yaki Udon lies in its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it an excellent choice for using up leftovers. Whether you prefer it spicy with some chili flakes or mildly flavored, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients

• 2 servings of udon noodles
• 1 chicken breast, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, carrots, and bell peppers to the skillet, stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the cooked udon noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Toss everything together until well combined, and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and green onions before serving.

Creamy Carbonara Udon

Creamy Carbonara Udon combines the traditional Japanese noodle with the rich and savory flavors of Italian carbonara. This dish is a delightful fusion that offers a satisfying, creamy texture with the umami punch from ingredients like bacon or pancetta. It’s simple to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

The udon noodles are perfectly chewy, and when paired with the creamy sauce, you get a comforting bowl that warms the soul. It’s a fun twist on two beloved cuisines, and you’ll find yourself reaching for more!

Ingredients

• 300g udon noodles
• 150g pancetta or bacon, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Udon: Prepare the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine: Add the cooked udon to the skillet with the bacon. Remove from heat and pour the egg mixture over the noodles, tossing quickly to combine and prevent the eggs from scrambling.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your creamy carbonara udon!

Spicy Peanut Udon Salad

Spicy Peanut Udon Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that’s sure to please your palate. This dish combines chewy udon noodles with crunchy vegetables and a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that brings everything together. It’s refreshing and has a nice kick, making it perfect for warm days or as a side dish for your favorite main course.

This recipe is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal cooking. It’s a great dish to whip up quickly for a lunch or dinner and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!

Ingredients

• 8 oz udon noodles
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles: In a pot of boiling water, cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, salt, and pepper until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked udon noodles, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, green onions, and cilantro. Pour the peanut dressing over the top and toss until everything is well coated.
4. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with roasted peanuts. Enjoy your spicy peanut udon salad chilled or at room temperature.