Description
This Vegan Garlic Udon Noodles recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender udon noodles tossed in a savory garlic sauce with soy, sesame oil, and a hint of chili flakes. Garnished with sesame seeds, fresh green onions, and cilantro, it delivers a perfect balance of umami and freshness. This quick and easy stir-fry is ideal for a satisfying plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200 grams udon noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/2 cup water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the udon noodles.
- Cook Noodles: Add the udon noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain Noodles: Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and set aside to keep warm.
- Heat Olive Oil: While noodles cook, warm olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Sauces and Sugar: Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to dissolve sugar and blend flavors.
- Incorporate Chili Flakes: Sprinkle chili flakes into the sauce and stir thoroughly to distribute the heat.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup water, mix the sauce, and simmer for another minute to meld the flavors.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan and gently toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Heat Noodles: Cook the noodles in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally so the noodles absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Remove from Heat: Once noodles are coated and heated through, take the pan off the stove.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the noodles, then top with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro.
- Final Toss: Toss the noodles again to evenly distribute the garnishes.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the noodles and serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh udon noodles if available for better texture, but dried noodles work well too.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free udon noodles.
- The recipe can be doubled to serve more people without adjusting cooking times.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
