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This Japanese-inspired udon noodle stir-fry with chewy udon and mixed vegetables in a 4-ingredient soy-based sauce is quick, easy, & perfect for busy weeknights!
![Completed Vegetable Yaki Udon Noodles [Stir-Fry] on a plate.](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Udon-Noodle-Stir-Fry-19.jpg)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This budget-friendly udon noodle stir-fry (yaki udon) is one of my go-to, quick, fuss-free weeknight meals, like my quick teriyaki tofu stir-fry and vegetable noodle stir-fry. It’s super versatile, ideal for using the veggies and protein in your fridge for a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a healthier, cheaper alternative to takeout!
Want to try more easy vegan stir-fry recipes? Try my sticky sesame tofu, quick vegetable edamame stir-fry, garlic broccoli stir-fry, or zucchini stir-fry.
Ingredient Notes
Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients (+ substitutes) and quantities.
![Ingredients for Vegetable Yaki Udon Noodles [Stir-Fry] measured out on a white surface.](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Udon-Noodle-Stir-Fry-Ingredients.png)
- Udon noodles: (regular or gluten-free) I used uncooked udon this time, though fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable ‘minute’ udon all work.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetables: Bulk up vegetable yaki udon with broccoli, sugar snap peas, edamame, thinly shaved carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, baby corn, zucchini, mushrooms, etc.
- Protein: I use crispy pan-fried tofu, tempeh but other vegan ‘chicken’ works well for vegan yaki udon.
- Ginger: A little minced ginger adds wonderful zingy heat to the yaki udon sauce.
- Spice: Red pepper flakes, sriracha, chili paste, and/or a garnish of thinly sliced red chil will add some spice.
- Vegan oyster sauce: Add a small splash for savory, umami-rich depth.
- Sesame oil: Adds toasty, nutty depth to the veg yaki udon.
How to Make Yaki Udon (Udon Noodle Stir-Fry)
Step 1: In a medium bowl, add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and whisk in the cornstarch, Set aside.
Step 2: In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the tofu and fry it on all sides. Remove the tofu when golden and place it in a large bowl.
Step 3: To the hot pan, add the onion, and bell pepper and saute for 1 minute. Add the garlic and ginger and aute for 1 minute. Add the carrots (if using) and reduce the heat to medium-low and saute for 5 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the tofu and set aside.
Step 4: Place the pan back on the stove over medium-high heat. Place the bok choy in the pan. Cook until lightly charred. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the sauce over. Bring to a light boil, turn off the heat, and remove the bok choy from the pan. Set aside.
Step 5: Add the tofu and veggies to the pan. Mix well and set aside for the flavors to be absorbed by the tofu and veggies. In a large pot, boil the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and immediately transfer the hot noodles into the pan with the veggies and tofu. Add the green onions (if using) and mix well for the noodles to soak in some of the sauce.
FAQs
Yes — you can prep chopped veggies, aromatics, and sauce 2–3 days in advance. Or pre-cook the dish 70–75% to finish when reheating.
Udon noodles and yakisoba noodles are different types of wheat noodles. The former is much thicker.
Pro Recipe Tips
- Chop the veggies evenly: That way, they’ll stir-fry evenly.
- Adjust veg texture: Enjoy tender-crisp or cook for longer, until tender.
- Time-saving hack: Get this yaki udon-inspired recipe on your table in no time with pre-prepared stir-fry vegetables and pre-cooked noodles.
- Use a large pan/wok: To ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Especially pre-cooked udon. Cook for a minute less than recommended, as they’ll finish cooking in the stir-fry.
- More caramelized noodles: Let the noodles cook undisturbed in the hot pan for 30–60 seconds to char before tossing.
![completed Vegetable Yaki Udon Noodles [Stir-Fry] on a plate](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Udon-Noodle-Stir-Fry-20.jpg)
Serving Suggestions
- Tofu spring rolls with mango and avocado
- Tofu vegetable crispy wontons
- Spicy cucumber salad
- Baby bok choy with soy sauce and garlic
- Vegan kabobs with marinated tempeh
Storage Instructions
Store: Leave to cool, then store any leftover veggie yaki udon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze: I only recommend it if you don’t mind very soft veggies and noodles. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, broth, or soy sauce if the noodles are dry.
![Completed Vegetable Yaki Udon Noodles [Stir-Fry] in a storage container.](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Udon-Noodle-Stir-Fry-24.jpg)
More Vegan Noodle Recipes
Vegan Dinners
Garlic Sesame Soba Noodles
Vegan Dinners
Easy Teriyaki Noodles
Vegan Dinners
Noodle Salad [Cold Sesame Noodles]
Vegan Dinners
Tofu Pad Thai
If you tried this udon noodle stir-fry recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
Udon Noodle Stir-Fry (Yaki Udon)
![completed Vegetable Yaki Udon Noodles [Stir-Fry] on a plate](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Udon-Noodle-Stir-Fry-21-300x300.jpg)
Ingredients
- 1 (9.5-ounce) pack of udon noodles
- 1 cup of rich vegetable broth
- ¼ cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of sugar or agave
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes plus more to taste (optional)
- 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons of high heat oil divided
- 1 (1-pound) super firm tofu cubed
- 4 baby bok choy
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger minced
- 1 small red onion sliced into wedges
- 1 cup of carrots julienned or thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 red or green bell pepper sliced
- ½ cup of green onions sliced (optional)
- Sesame seeds garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and whisk in the cornstarch, Set aside.
- In a large wok or pan over medium-high heat, heat 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the tofu and fry it on all sides. Remove the tofu when golden and place it in a large bowl.
- To the hot pan over high heat, add the onion, and bell pepper. Saute for 1 minute.
- Add the garlic and ginger. Saute for 1 minute.
- Add the carrots (if using) and reduce the heat to medium-low and saute for 5 minutes or until all the vegetables soften.
- Transfer the vegetables to the bowl with the tofu and set aside.
- Place the wok or pan back on the stove over medium-high heat. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and place the bok choy in the wok or pan. Cook until lightly charred and flip them. Repeat the process until they are slightly charred all around.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the sauce over. Bring to a light boil, turn off the heat, and remove the bok choy from the pan. Set aside.
- Add the tofu and veggies to the wok or pan. Mix well and set aside for the flavors to be absorbed by the tofu and veggies.
- In a large pot, boil the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and immediately transfer the hot noodles into the wok or pan with the veggies and tofu. Add the green onions (if using) and mix well for the noodles to soak in some of the sauce. Taste and adjust the salt levels by adding more sauce sauce.
- Serve and top each plate with bok choy, more green onions, and some sesame seeds (if using).
Notes
- Time-saving hack: Get this yaki udon-inspired recipe on your table in no time with pre-prepared stir-fry vegetables and pre-cooked noodles.
- Use a large pan/wok: To ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Especially pre-cooked udon. Cook for a minute less than recommended, as they’ll finish cooking in the stir-fry.
- More caramelized noodles: Let the noodles cook undisturbed in the hot pan for 30–60 seconds to char before tossing.
![completed Vegetable Yaki Udon Noodles [Stir-Fry] on a plate](https://plantbasedonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Udon-Noodle-Stir-Fry-20-150x150.jpg)
Such a yummy dinner!
so good!
So glad you enjoyed this stir-fry 🙂
Love this udon noodle dish!
Where can I buy the wheat udon noodles
You can find it in most stores in the international section 🙂