This Quick Udon Noodles Stir Fry with Vegetables became one of my go-to meals during a busy weeknight stretch when I barely had time to chop an onion. What started as a fridge-clear-out turned into a flavorful, satisfying noodle dish that now lives in my permanent rotation. The chewy udon noodles soak up all the rich soy-garlic sauce, while the crisp veggies keep everything light and colorful. Best part? It’s done in under 15 minutes. No fuss, all flavor.

Table of Contents
Why I Always Come Back to This Stir Fry
Fast, Filling, and So Simple
There’s something deeply satisfying about tossing thick udon noodles in a hot pan until they’re glossy and just caramelized at the edges. Add a quick homemade sauce and any veggies on hand, and you’ve got dinner ready faster than takeout. It’s hearty but not heavy—exactly what I crave after a long day.
First Tried, Forever Hooked
I first made this stir fry with leftover udon from a miso soup night. I added carrots, bell peppers, and a splash of soy sauce—and just like that, it became a staple. It’s forgiving, flexible, and delivers every time. Whether I’m cooking solo or feeding a crowd, this recipe never fails.
What You’ll Need and How to Make It
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Fresh or frozen udon noodles | 2 packs |
Carrot (julienned) | 1 medium |
Red bell pepper (sliced thin) | 1 small |
Green onions (sliced) | 2 stalks |
Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
Oyster sauce or hoisin (optional) | 1 tbsp |
Minced garlic | 1 clove |
Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
Sesame seeds | for garnish |
Instructions

- If using frozen noodles, soak them in warm water until loosened, then drain.
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add carrots and bell peppers. Stir fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the noodles and pour in soy sauce and optional oyster or hoisin sauce. Toss everything to coat.
- Stir fry for 3–4 more minutes until noodles are glossy and vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Kitchen Tips and Swaps
Swap Veggies Based on What You Have
Don’t have bell peppers? Use cabbage, snap peas, or mushrooms. This recipe is great for using up leftover vegetables from the fridge. Just be sure to keep textures balanced — some crisp, some soft.
No Udon? Try These
Can’t find fresh udon? Use vacuum-packed or frozen ones. In a pinch, thick spaghetti or even soba noodles work surprisingly well. Just cook until chewy and rinse to remove excess starch before stir frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and check your noodle and sauce labels. There are gluten-free udon noodles made from rice or sweet potato starch.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely. Add tofu, scrambled egg, or stir-fried tempeh for a plant-based option. You could also toss in cooked shrimp or sliced chicken if you’re not vegetarian.
Conclusion
This Quick Udon Noodles Stir Fry with Vegetables proves that fast food can still be homemade and delicious. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have a bowl full of chewy noodles, crisp veggies, and bold flavor that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Print
Quick Udon Noodles Stir Fry with Vegetables
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick udon noodle stir fry is a fast, flavorful Japanese dish packed with chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and savory soy-garlic sauce — all done in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Fresh or frozen udon noodles – 2 packs
Carrot (julienned) – 1 medium
Red bell pepper (thinly sliced) – 1 small
Green onions (sliced) – 2 stalks
Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
Oyster sauce or hoisin (optional) – 1 tbsp
Minced garlic – 1 clove
Sesame oil – 1 tsp
Sesame seeds – for garnish
Instructions
1. If using frozen noodles, soak them in warm water until loosened. Drain well.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add carrots and bell pepper. Stir fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
4. Add noodles and pour in soy sauce and oyster or hoisin sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
5. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are heated through and glossy.
6. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Swap in any vegetables you have like cabbage, snap peas, or mushrooms.
For extra protein, add tofu, egg, or tempeh to keep it vegetarian.
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check noodle labels.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: udon stir fry, quick noodles, Japanese dinner, vegetarian stir fry, noodle bowl