Yaki Udon Recipe (Ready in 70 Min)

This Japanese vegetarian builds udon noodles, cabbage and shiitake mushrooms into a proper meal you can have ready in about 70 minutes. Below: the ingredients split into pantry staples and a quick shopping list, a built-in serving scaler, and the method in 9 steps.

You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and saucepan. At medium difficulty across 9 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, the ingredients are plant-based.

How to make it

Boil some water in a large saucepan.
Add 250ml cold water and the udon noodles. (As they are so thick, adding cold water helps them to cook a little bit slower so the middle cooks through).
If using frozen or fresh noodles, cook for 2 mins or until al dente; dried will take longer, about 5-6 mins.
Drain and leave in the colander.
Heat 1 tbsp of the oil, add the onion and cabbage and sauté for 5 mins until softened.
Add the mushrooms and some spring onions, and sauté for 1 more min.
Pour in the remaining sesame oil and the noodles.
If using cold noodles, let them heat through before adding the ingredients for the sauce – otherwise tip in straight away and keep stir-frying until sticky and piping hot.
Sprinkle with the remaining spring onions.

You'll use: Frying pan / skillet · Saucepan · Pan

Tips & common questions

How long does Yaki Udon take to make?

About 70 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 9 steps and 10 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Try tamari (gluten-free). See the substitutions section above for more swaps.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?

Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.

Is Yaki Udon vegan?

Based on its ingredients, this recipe contains no meat, fish, dairy or egg, so it looks vegan-friendly. Always double-check labels on packaged items.