Today we're talking about yakiudon , a classic Japanese dish consisting of stir-fried wheat noodles with meat, vegetables, and a savory soy sauce and mirin dressing. It's an alternative to the more popular yakisoba , which is made with thinner buckwheat noodles.
The main difference lies in the type of noodles: udon , thicker and with a soft, springy texture, absorbs the sauce better and offers a more enveloping flavor experience. Perfect for a quick but tasty meal, yakiudon can be customized with different ingredients , making them ideal for any dietary preference.
History and curiosities about yakiudon
Yakiudon originated in Japan, in the Fukuoka Prefecture , during the post-war period. It is said that they were born as an alternative to yakisoba, when buckwheat noodles were in short supply in some restaurants and it was decided to replace them with udon, which was more readily available.
Today, yakiudon is a popular dish in izakaya restaurants , the typical Japanese pubs, but it's also often prepared at home for a quick and nutritious meal. They can be found at street fairs and Japanese festivals , served piping hot in convenient single-serving containers.
Our recipe: yakiudon with chicken, kale, and pink ginger
In this reel, we made yakiudon with chicken, kale, and pink ginger... How? We'll explain it to you step by step!
Ingredients for 2 people
- 200g fresh udon noodles (or dried, to be rehydrated)
- 200g chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1/2 onion , finely chopped
- 1 carrot , cut into julienne strips
- 100g black cabbage , cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons yakisoba sauce
- 1 pinch of salt
- Sesame seeds to taste
- Fresh pink ginger to taste
- Katsuobushi (dried tuna flakes) to taste
Preparation
- Marinate the chicken : In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil . Let sit for 10–20 minutes .
- Prepare the udon : If using fresh noodles, blanch them for 1 minute in boiling water , to prevent them from breaking in the pan.
- Sauté the herbs : In a large pan, heat the sesame oil and sauté the garlic and onion until golden.
- Cook the chicken : Add the marinated chicken and sauté over high heat. Add more mirin and cook until golden brown.
- Add the vegetables : Add the carrots and cavolo nero, cook for a few minutes until slightly wilted.
- Stir-fry the udon : Add the drained udon noodles, soy sauce , yakisoba sauce , and another teaspoon of mirin. Stir-fry over high heat until the noodles absorb the seasoning and change color.
- Plating : Serve the yakiudon hot, garnished with sesame seeds, fresh pink ginger, and a sprinkling of katsuobushi , which will jiggle slightly as the plate heats.
Yakiudon, just the way you like them!
As mentioned, yakiudon can be customized in several ways:
- Vegetarians : Replace the chicken with scrambled egg and shiitake mushrooms for a flavorful version.
- Seafood : use prawns or squid instead of chicken for a lighter, more refined option.
- Spicy : Add a pinch of shichimi togarashi (Japanese spice mix) for a spicy kick.
Asian cuisine has never been so easy, with Mood Market
At Mood Market , both in-store and online, you'll find all the essential ingredients to replicate the most authentic Asian recipes at home ! Udon noodles, mirin, yakisoba sauce, and all the other seasonings are available to help you create an authentic Japanese dinner in just a few simple steps. Discover our selection and start cooking with us!
