These Chicken Udon Noodles a hearty meal that’s both comforting and satisfying!
The tender slices of marinated chicken, combined with the savory sauce and fresh vegetables, create a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
The udon noodles provide a hearty base that absorbs the delicious flavors of the sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Udon Noodles
- Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with additional sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Side Dish:
- Serve with a side of steamed edamame, Japanese pickles (tsukemono), or a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and soy sauce.
- Miso Soup:
- Enjoy alongside a bowl of miso soup for a traditional Japanese meal experience. Garnish the soup with tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
- Tempura:
- Accompany the noodles with a side of tempura vegetables or shrimp for a crispy and delicious contrast.
- Sushi Rolls:
- Serve with a selection of sushi rolls or sashimi for a complete Japanese-inspired feast.
- Japanese-Inspired Appetizers:
- Start the meal with appetizers like gyoza (dumplings), agedashi tofu (deep-fried tofu in a savory broth), or yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
- Japanese Tea:
- Pair with traditional Japanese green tea (sencha) or roasted green tea (hojicha) for a refreshing and authentic beverage option.
- Fresh Fruit Dessert:
- Conclude the meal with a light and refreshing dessert like sliced seasonal fruits or a small serving of green tea ice cream.
- Japanese-Inspired Cocktails:
- For a festive touch, serve with Japanese-inspired cocktails such as a sake-based cocktail or a refreshing yuzu mojito.
- Family-Style Sharing:
- Arrange the Chicken Udon Noodles, along with the suggested sides and accompaniments, on a large platter for a family-style dining experience where everyone can help themselves to their favorite dishes.
These serving suggestions will complement the flavors of the Chicken Udon Noodles and enhance your dining experience with a variety of textures, flavors, and traditional Japanese elements.
Cooking Tips
- Prep Ingredients in Advance:
- Chop vegetables, slice chicken, and measure out sauces before you start cooking to streamline the process.
- Use High Heat for Stir-Frying:
- Stir-fry the chicken and vegetables over high heat to achieve a nice sear and retain crispness.
- Slice Chicken Thinly:
- Thinly slice the chicken to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Marinate Chicken for Flavor:
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, sake (or rice wine), and cornstarch to infuse it with flavor and tenderize it.
- Don’t Overcook Vegetables:
- Stir-fry vegetables until they are crisp-tender to retain their vibrant color and texture.
- Use Fresh Udon Noodles if Possible:
- Fresh udon noodles have a better texture than dried ones. However, if using dried noodles, follow the package instructions for cooking.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste:
- Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or mirin if desired.
- Keep Ingredients Separate:
- If preparing the noodles in advance, store them separately from the sauce and vegetables to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Reheat Carefully:
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the noodles from drying out.
- Garnish Before Serving:
- Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for a fresh and flavorful touch.
Following these cooking tips will help you create perfectly cooked and flavorful Chicken Udon Noodles every time, making for a satisfying and delicious meal!
Recipe FAQ’s
How long do udon noodles take to cook?
Udon noodles typically cook in boiling water for about 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the noodles.
Can I make udon noodles from scratch?
Yes, you can make homemade udon noodles using flour, water, and salt. However, it requires some skill and patience.
What is dashi, and can I substitute it in udon noodles?
Dashi is a Japanese stock made from fish flakes and seaweed. If unavailable, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Chicken Udon Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sake or rice wine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece ginger minced
- 1 carrot julienned
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy
- 2 packs 7-8 ounces each fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin or rice wine optional
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 green onions sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sake or rice wine, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the Udon Noodles:If using fresh udon noodles, boil them according to the package instructions, usually for 2-3 minutes. If using frozen noodles, cook them a bit longer, about 5-6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken:Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through and slightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Add the carrot and red bell pepper, and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine Ingredients:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the baby spinach or bok choy and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet.
- Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin (if using), and 1 cup chicken broth.Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and the noodles are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:Divide the chicken udon noodles into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chicken udon noodles!
Notes
- Noodle Options: If you can’t find udon noodles, you can substitute with other thick noodles like soba or even spaghetti in a pinch.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli based on your preference and availability.
- Spice It Up: Add a little chili paste or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables in advance to save time.