Go Back
- 300g udon noodles - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 to 2 red chilies, sliced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon chili paste - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 1 bell pepper, sliced - 2 green onions, chopped - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Udon noodles: 300 grams - Sesame oil: 3 tablespoons - Garlic: 4 cloves - Ginger: 1 teaspoon - Red chilies: 1 to 2 - Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons - Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon - Chili paste: 1 tablespoon - Snap peas: 1 cup - Bell pepper: 1 - Green onions: 2 - Sesame seeds: for garnish - Cilantro: for garnish - Udon noodles: These thick noodles give the dish a chewy texture. - Sesame oil: This oil adds a nutty flavor and depth to the dish. - Garlic and ginger: These aromatics create a strong, fragrant base. - Red chilies: They bring heat and color; adjust for your spice level. - Soy sauce and rice vinegar: These add salty and tangy notes, balancing the flavors. - Chili paste: This ingredient enhances the heat, making the dish bold. - Snap peas and bell pepper: They provide crunch and freshness. - Green onions: These add a fresh finish, enhancing the overall taste. - Sesame seeds and cilantro: They serve as garnishes, adding visual appeal and extra flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. I find that a big pot helps keep the noodles from sticking. When the water boils, add the udon noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside. This step is key, as it creates a good base for our dish. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste. I like to use Sriracha for its kick. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Set this sauce aside for later. It adds a rich flavor that pulls everything together. Heat sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chilies. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. Next, toss in the snap peas and bell peppers. Stir-fry these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still crispy. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together gently. Make sure the noodles get coated well. Heat through for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor. Just before serving, stir in chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. This adds both color and flavor to the dish. Serve the noodles in bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top. This finishing touch makes the dish look inviting and even more delicious. I love spice, but I know everyone is different. You can adjust the heat in this dish easily. Start with one red chili if you prefer mild. Taste the noodles when cooking and add more chilies if needed. Remember, the chili paste adds heat too. Mix in a little at a time to avoid overwhelming flavors. Cooking udon noodles is simple, but there are tips to get it right. Always boil water first, then add the noodles. Follow the package time, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Stir them gently to avoid sticking. Once done, drain them well to prevent sogginess. Rinsing with cold water can help too if you want to stop the cooking. Flavor is key in cooking. To boost the taste of your udon noodles, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference. Try adding a splash of lime juice for brightness. You can also use different soy sauces for depth. Experiment with sesame oil; it adds a nutty richness you’ll love. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: Feel free to customize the spice level by adding more or fewer red chilies or chili paste according to your preference. Vegetable Variations: Experiment with other vegetables like bok choy, carrots, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition. Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Avoid overcooking the udon noodles; they should be al dente for the best texture in your dish. Garnish Wisely: For extra flavor, try adding crushed peanuts or a squeeze of lime juice as a garnish before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily change the veggies in this recipe. Try using broccoli, carrots, or bok choy. These choices add color and crunch. Feel free to mix your favorites. Just remember to cook them until they are tender but still crisp. Adding protein makes this dish heartier. Tofu is a great choice if you want a plant-based option. Just cube it and sauté until golden. For meat lovers, chicken or shrimp works well too. Cook the chicken in bite-sized pieces or add shrimp right after the garlic and ginger. This way, they cook quickly and soak up all the flavors. If you need a gluten-free version, swap udon noodles for rice noodles. They have a similar texture and taste great too. Make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free. You can use tamari instead. This way, everyone can enjoy this spicy dish! To store your leftover Spicy Garlic Udon Noodles, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to keep any extra sauce separate. This helps keep the noodles from getting too soggy. Store the container in the fridge. They will stay good for about three days. When you are ready to eat, here’s how to reheat your noodles: - Use a microwave: Place the noodles in a bowl. Add a splash of water. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. - Use a skillet: Heat a little sesame oil in a pan. Add the noodles and a splash of soy sauce. Stir until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Both methods keep the noodles tasty and fresh. You can freeze leftover udon noodles, too! To do this: 1. Cool the noodles completely. 2. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. 3. Squeeze out as much air as possible. 4. Seal and label the bag with a date. These noodles can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned above. Udon noodles are thick, chewy noodles made from wheat flour. They come from Japan and have a soft texture. Udon can be served hot or cold. They work well in soups, stir-fries, and salads. Their neutral taste lets them soak up flavors from sauces and spices. You can find them dried or fresh in stores. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Just replace the soy sauce with a vegan brand or use tamari. Check the chili paste to ensure it's vegan. The rest of the ingredients, like vegetables and noodles, are already plant-based. This way, you keep all the bold flavors while staying vegan. To make udon noodles from scratch, follow these steps: 1. Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of water. 2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth. 3. Wrap it in plastic and let it rest for 30 minutes. 4. Roll it out and cut it into thick strips. 5. Cook in boiling water for 8-10 minutes. Making noodles from scratch is fun and rewarding! Spicy garlic udon noodles pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. - A light salad to balance the spice. - Miso soup for a comforting side. - Steamed vegetables for extra crunch. These pairings enhance your meal and create a delightful dining experience. This blog post covered all you need for making delicious Udon noodles. We explored the key ingredients, their measurements, and special purposes. The step-by-step cooking method made it easy to follow along. I shared valuable tips for flavor and cooking adjustments. Plus, we looked at variations for different diets. In the end, remember that Udon can be fun and flexible. Get creative with your meals and enjoy your cooking journey.

Spicy Garlic Udon Noodles

A flavorful dish featuring udon noodles tossed in a spicy garlic sauce with fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g udon noodles
  • 3 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 to 2 red chilies, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish
  • to taste fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Udon Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add udon noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Mix well and set aside.
  • Sauté the Aromatics: In a large wok or skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add Vegetables: Add snap peas and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
  • Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Finish with Green Onions: Stir in chopped green onions just before serving for a fresh crunch.
  • Garnish and Serve: Serve the noodles in bowls, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top.

Notes

Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference.
Keyword noodles, spicy, udon, vegetarian