15 Minute Spicy Udon Stir Fry

spicy udon stir fry in bowls from overhead

This quick and easy recipe makes 2 main dish servings, or 4 servings as a side dish. If needing more, simply double the recipe. This is a great base recipe, that is ripe for addition add-ins. Chicken, shrimp or pork is a nice addition for a meal. Extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, bean sprouts, chopped cabbage or just about anything else you might have around would also be great.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Total Time15 mins

Servings: servings

Ingredients

Stir Fry:

1 Tbsp vegetable oil or other neutral cooking oil
1/2 medium onion sliced or diced
1 medium carrot spiralized and chopped or grated
1 cup green onion sliced diagonally (green part only)
3 cups baby spinach
14 oz soft vacuum-packed udon noodles or see Notes for other types of udon you can use(400g)

Sauce:

1-2 tsp Sambal Oelek or Asian Chili Garlic Sauce/Sriracha, to taste
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 cloves garlic minced
1 Tbsp fresh ginger minced

For garnish:

Sesame seeds
Additional sliced green onion
1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro

Instructions

Prepare your vegetables and set aside. Mix up the sauce by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside. If you like, you can fill a large bowl with hot tap water and add udon noodles to the bowl to soak, so they can be separated before adding to the wok This isn't necessary though, as you can add fresh udon noodles directly from the package to the wok. I just find it easier to stir fry them having them separate before the go in to the wok.
In a large frying pan or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Add carrots and cook, stirring for a minute or so. Add onions and cook, stirring, until onions are soft and carrots are tender. Add green onion and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or so.
If soaking udon noodles, gently stir to loosen udon noodles and separate, then drain. Add drained noodles (or unsoaked noodles)to the wok and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or so. (Stir fry a little longer is soaked, to cook off any extra water before adding the sauce). Add sauce and cook for another 30 second, stirring to combine well. Scatter baby spinach over top and cook, stirring constantly, until spinach is wilted.
Remove stir fry to a bowl or plate and garnish with sesame seeds, additional sliced green onion and parsley/cilantro.

Notes

Be sure to read the "Cook's Notes" above the Recipe Card, for more tips, options, substitutions and variations for this recipe! You will also find step-by-step photos there, as well.

You can also use frozen udon or dried udon noodles. Simply prepare per the package instructions before using. Dried udon will need to be boiled, but frozen udon can usually be used after a quick soak in hot water.

Nutrition