Easy recipes for lazy people pt 14: Yaki Udon
Another super easy recipe.
1. Boil 1 pack udon (frozen or unfrozen). Dont force it apart, just let it separate on its own as it breaks quite easily. Around 2-3mins until they loosen and part, since it's precooked. Separate it from the water aside.
2. Chop up your ingrediants - you can add bakchoy, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions/garlic, spring onions or carrots. For protein, you can add prawn, or chicken, or mince pork. Whatever food you need to wipe out. Over here i didnt add any protein cos I find it quite filling already.
3. Prepare your sauce: 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1/2 tablespoon mirin or sub with 2 tablespoon sugar.
4. Add oil to your pan, start stir frying your aromatics (garlic/onion). Add in your protein, if you have, and your veggies. Stir-fry until protein is cooked or veggies are soften. Then, add your udon in and cook together with the sauce.
5. Taste and add more seasoning as you go. The dark soy sauce kinda makes it a bit bitter so usually I will balance it with a bit more sugar/mirin.
Let me know how it goes 😊 Eat well. Be well.
Yaki Udon is a fantastic dish for those who want to enjoy Japanese flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen. One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility—you can tailor the vegetables and protein according to what you have on hand, making it a perfect solution to reduce food waste. For example, leafy greens such as bok choy and spinach add a fresh and healthy touch, while mushrooms bring in an earthy umami flavor that complements the savory sauce. From my personal experience, using frozen udon noodles saves a lot of preparation time since they are already pre-cooked. Just boiling them for 2-3 minutes allows them to soften without getting mushy, maintaining a great texture. When stir-frying, keeping the heat moderately high helps to achieve a nice balance between tender vegetables and slightly caramelized aromatics, which enhances the overall flavor. If you want to add extra depth to the dish, you could experiment with additional seasonings like a splash of sesame oil or a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat. Also, balancing the sauce is key; the dark soy sauce adds a robust bitterness, so adjusting sweetness with sugar or mirin ensures a harmonious taste. This recipe not only suits those who prefer a quick and fuss-free meal but also anyone interested in adapting a traditional Japanese dish with simple home ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal that’s both nourishing and easy to make.
