Yaki Udon: What is it and Where Did it Come From?

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated August 4, 2022

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Yaki udon (焼きうどん) translates to “fried udon noodles,” and it’s a dish similar to yakisoba, except the udon noodles are thicker and made of wheat, not buckwheat. It’s a stir-fry recipe with a great protein source that can be made out of ground beef, pork, chicken, or seafood, coupled with vegetables, an umami sauce made of soy sauce and mirin, and of course, Japan’s udon noodles.

The reason why yaki udon is so popular is that people love slurping these thick noodles. They’re especially great for stir-fries because they have a certain thick and chewy texture that clings to the sauce.

Udon is the Japanese version of spaghetti. It’s just so popular, and you’ll see it served everywhere, on almost all street corners.

These days, you can often find street food stalls serving yaki udon alongside yakisoba and ramen. It’s pretty inexpensive, but tastewise, it’s definitely a culinary delight!

What is yaki udon

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Origin of yaki udon

Udon noodles have been popular for many centuries, not only because they’re tasty and wholesome, but also because they’re made from the ingredients that Japan has cultivated for a long time.

In the Edo period, more than 300 years ago, many udon dishes were developed, including tempura udon, which is udon with fried veggies and shrimp.

Udon is quite an old invention, but yaki udon dates back to some time during the Pacific War and WWII. Since food was scarce, people got creative with rice and noodle dishes.

Since udon soup was already popular, it was only natural that noodle stir-fries became new favorites.

A restaurant called “Darumado” first introduced yaki udon because they ran out of buckwheat and yakisoba. So they replaced the soba with udon, which was easier to make and readily available.

Since ingredients were scarce, stir-fries were a great way to use minimal ingredients but still offer a filling and tasty meal.

Mastering the Art of Stir Frying Udon Noodles for Yaki Udon

Bring a pot of hot water to a boil.
Add the udon noodles to the boiling water and stir gently to prevent clumping.
Cook the noodles for 1-2 minutes until they reach a chewy texture.
Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Toss the noodles with a bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together.

Serving the Yaki Udon

Serve the yaki udon immediately while it is still hot.
Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or shredded nori.
Enjoy your homemade yaki udon!

Pro tip: If you don’t have fresh udon noodles, you can find vacuum packaged or precooked packets of udon noodles at your local Asian grocery store. To use these, simply rinse them with hot water and gently pry them apart before stir frying.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Udon Noodles for Your Yaki Udon Dish

When it comes to choosing the best udon noodles for your yaki udon dish, there are a few different types to consider:

Frozen udon noodles: These are a great option if you don’t have access to fresh udon noodles at your local grocery store. Simply defrost them in the refrigerator or in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes before using.
Packaged udon noodles: These are pre-cooked and can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. They’re a convenient option if you’re short on time, but they may not have the same chewy texture as fresh or frozen udon noodles.
Fresh udon noodles: These are the best option if you want the most authentic and flavorful yaki udon dish. Look for them in the refrigerated section of your local Asian grocery store.

Texture and Thickness

The texture and thickness of udon noodles can vary depending on the type and brand you choose. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Chewiness: Udon noodles should be chewy and slightly firm, but not too hard or too soft.
Thickness: Thicker udon noodles are better for dishes with a rich and savory sauce, while thinner udon noodles are better for lighter soups and dishes.
Glossiness: Look for udon noodles that have a slightly glossy appearance, as this indicates that they’re made with high-quality wheat flour.

Flavor and Starch Content

Udon noodles have a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of sauces and toppings. Here are a few things to consider:

Starch content: Udon noodles are made with wheat flour and have a higher starch content than other types of noodles like rice noodles or soba noodles. This makes them a great choice for dishes that require a thick and hearty broth or sauce.
Adding flavor: Udon noodles can be lightly seasoned with salt or ginger for added flavor, or topped with tempura or other proteins for extra texture and flavor.
Pairing with other dishes: Udon noodles are a staple in many Japanese dishes, including yaki udon, kake udon (served in a hot broth), and zaru udon (served chilled with a dipping sauce). They can also be used in place of ramen noodles in curry or other soups.

Storage and Cooking Tips

Here are a few tips for storing and cooking udon noodles:

Store fresh udon noodles in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
Frozen udon noodles can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
Packaged udon noodles can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.
To cook udon noodles, bring a pot of water to a boil and simmer the noodles for 1-2 minutes until they’re heated through and slightly chewy.
Drain the noodles and rinse them lightly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Add the cooked udon noodles to your yaki udon dish and stir-fry them with vegetables, protein, and a savory sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Mastering Yaki Udon: Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Dish

When it comes to making yaki udon, the sauce you use can make or break the dish. Traditional Japanese yaki udon uses a soy-based sauce, but you can also use a sweet and dark sauce or a neutral sauce if you prefer. Here are some tips for choosing the right sauce and recipe:

If you’re making a vegetarian or vegan yaki udon, make sure to use a soy-based sauce or a substitute that is free of animal products.
For a simple and easy recipe, mix soy sauce, sugar, and water in a bowl and set it aside.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of sugar or add cornstarch to the mix.
If you’re going for a traditional yaki udon, try using a Japanese sauce like Worcestershire sauce or Tonkatsu sauce.

Cooking the Udon and Vegetables

Cooking the udon and vegetables is the main part of making yaki udon. Here are some tips to make sure your dish turns out great:

Make sure to cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll turn mushy.
When stir-frying the vegetables, make sure to thinly slice them so they cook evenly.
Use a neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
If you’re using meat, make sure to cut it into small pieces so it cooks quickly.
To prevent the vegetables from becoming too soggy, stir-fry them gently over high heat.
Add the sauce to the pan and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles and vegetables evenly.

Adding Extra Protein

If you want to add extra protein to your yaki udon, here are some tips:

Use ground pork or sliced pork for a traditional yaki udon.
Try using tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan option.
If you prefer chicken or beef, make sure to cut it into small pieces so it cooks quickly.
For a quick and easy option, use leftover steamed rice as a side dish.

Storing and Reheating Udon: Tips and Tricks

If you have leftover udon noodles, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Make sure to separate the noodles before storing them to avoid clumping.
You can also freeze udon noodles, but make sure to individually package them before freezing to prevent sticking.

Reheating Udon

To reheat udon noodles, the easiest way is to heat them up in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes until they are warm.
Alternatively, you can heat them up in a microwave-safe container with a little bit of water, covered with a lid or plastic wrap.
If you want to enjoy crispy char on your udon noodles, the best way is to heat them up on a pan or stove with a little bit of oil until they are heated through and slightly crispy.

Reheating Udon with Protein and Vegetables

If you have leftover yakiudon with protein and vegetables, the best way to reheat them is to heat them up on a pan or stove with a little bit of oil until they are heated through.
Make sure to cut the protein and vegetables thinly and uniformly to ensure even heating.
If the yakiudon is too dry, you can add a little bit of sauce or water to help with the reheating process.

Reheating Traditional Udon Dishes

If you have leftover traditional udon dishes, such as udon with pork or seafood, the best way to reheat them is to heat them up on a stove with a little bit of water or sauce until they are heated through.
Make sure to cover the pot to help with the heating process and to prevent the ingredients from drying out.

Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover udon dishes that have been refrigerated or frozen, make sure to heat them up completely before serving.
It’s best to reheat leftovers individually to ensure that each portion is heated through evenly.

Final Tips

When reheating udon, make sure to heat it up right before serving to ensure that it’s hot and fresh.
If you find that your udon noodles are sticking together, add a little bit of oil or water to help separate them.
Rest the udon noodles for a few minutes after cooking to help them absorb the sauce and flavors.
Different udon dishes may require different reheating methods, so make sure to find the right way to reheat your specific dish.
With these tips and tricks, you can reheat your udon perfectly and enjoy it just as much as when it was freshly made!

Other Similar Dishes to Yaki Udon

Soba noodles are a popular alternative to udon noodles in Japanese cuisine. They are made from buckwheat flour and have a nuttier flavor than udon noodles. Soba noodles can be used in stir-fried dishes, such as yaki soba, which is similar to yaki udon but made with soba noodles instead.

Fried Rice

Fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, including Japanese cuisine. It is made by stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables, meat, and/or eggs. Fried rice can be made with udon noodles instead of rice to create a dish similar to yaki udon.

Beef and Chicken Stir-Fry

Beef and chicken stir-fry dishes are popular in many Asian cuisines, including Japanese cuisine. These dishes are made by stir-frying thinly sliced beef or chicken with vegetables and a sauce. The sauce can be made with miso or soy sauce, similar to the sauce used in yaki udon.

Seafood Stir-Fry

Seafood stir-fry dishes are also popular in Japanese cuisine. They are made by stir-frying a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, squid, and scallops, with vegetables and a sauce. The sauce can be made with miso or soy sauce, similar to the sauce used in yaki udon.

Vegetarian Stir-Fry

Vegetarian stir-fry dishes are a great option for those who don’t eat meat. They are made by stir-frying a variety of vegetables with a sauce. The sauce can be made with miso or soy sauce, similar to the sauce used in yaki udon.

Spicy Stir-Fry

For those who like a bit of heat, a spicy stir-fry dish is a great option. These dishes are made by stir-frying meat or vegetables with a spicy sauce. The sauce can be made with miso or soy sauce, similar to the sauce used in yaki udon.

Conclusion

Yaki udon is a delicious Japanese dish made with udon noodles and a savory sauce. You can make it with almost any kind of protein and vegetables.
Yaki udon is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that’s quick and easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftovers! So don’t be afraid to give it a try.

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.