Chicken Yaki Udon: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal
Chicken Yaki Udon is a flavorful and satisfying Japanese noodle stir-fry that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This dish combines chewy udon noodles with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce that will leave you wanting more. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein options. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to help you create a restaurant-quality Yaki Udon in the comfort of your own home.
## What is Yaki Udon?
Yaki Udon (焼きうどん) translates to “stir-fried udon.” It’s a popular Japanese dish made by stir-frying thick, chewy udon noodles with meat (typically pork or chicken), vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. Yaki Udon originated in Kokura, Japan, after World War II, when resources were scarce. A cook at a restaurant called “Darumado” wanted to make yakisoba (stir-fried wheat noodles) but ran out of yakisoba noodles. He substituted udon noodles instead, and Yaki Udon was born! It quickly gained popularity as a simple, affordable, and delicious meal.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Quick and Easy:** This Chicken Yaki Udon recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The savory-sweet sauce perfectly complements the chicken, vegetables, and udon noodles.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by swapping out the chicken for pork, shrimp, or tofu, and using different vegetables.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Udon noodles and the other ingredients are relatively inexpensive, making this a great meal for those on a budget.
* **Customizable:** Add a touch of spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Udon Noodles:** The star of the show! Use pre-cooked or frozen udon noodles for convenience. If using frozen, thaw them completely before cooking. Vacuum-packed udon, while shelf-stable, can sometimes have a slightly rubbery texture compared to fresh or frozen. Look for thicker, chewier varieties for the best results.
* **Chicken Breast:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
* **Vegetables:** This recipe calls for onion, carrots, and bell peppers. However, feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, cabbage, snow peas, or broccoli.
* **Soy Sauce:** Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Mirin:** A sweet Japanese rice wine that adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of sake and sugar (1 tablespoon sake + 1/2 teaspoon sugar per tablespoon of mirin).
* **Oyster Sauce:** Adds a savory umami flavor to the sauce. If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute it with vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.
* **Sesame Oil:** Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the dish.
* **Garlic and Ginger:** Freshly minced garlic and ginger add a pungent and aromatic flavor to the stir-fry.
* **Green Onions:** Used as a garnish, adding a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.
* **Sesame Seeds:** Also used as a garnish, adding a nutty flavor and texture.
* **Vegetable Oil:** For stir-frying the ingredients. Canola oil or peanut oil also work well.
**Detailed Ingredient List:**
* 1 pound pre-cooked or frozen udon noodles
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
* 1 large carrot, julienned
* 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons mirin
* 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
* Optional: Red pepper flakes (for spice)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large wok or skillet
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing bowl
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect Chicken Yaki Udon:
**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**
* If using frozen udon noodles, thaw them completely according to the package instructions. You can run them under warm water or microwave them briefly.
* Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
* Slice the onion thinly.
* Julienne the carrot (cut into thin, matchstick-like pieces).
* Thinly slice the bell pepper.
* Mince the garlic and ginger.
* Chop the green onions for garnish.
**2. Make the Sauce:**
* In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside.
**3. Cook the Chicken:**
* Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken pieces to the wok and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it properly. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
**4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:**
* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
* Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
* Add the julienned carrots and sliced bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
* Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**5. Add the Noodles and Sauce:**
* Add the cooked chicken back to the wok with the vegetables.
* Add the udon noodles to the wok.
* Pour the sauce over the noodles, chicken, and vegetables.
* Toss everything together well, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
**6. Cook and Serve:**
* Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
* Serve immediately.
## Tips for the Best Chicken Yaki Udon
* **Use a Hot Wok:** A hot wok is essential for achieving the signature wok hei (smoky flavor) in stir-fries. Make sure your wok is hot before adding any ingredients.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Wok:** Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Prepare Ingredients in Advance:** This will make the cooking process much faster and easier.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your preference. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, mirin for sweetness, or oyster sauce for umami flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked udon noodles can become mushy. Cook them just until they are heated through and coated with the sauce.
* **Garnish Generously:** Garnish with plenty of green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
* **Consider Toppings:** Add other toppings like nori seaweed flakes (kizami nori), bonito flakes (katsuobushi) or a fried egg.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Protein:** Substitute the chicken with pork, shrimp, beef, tofu, or tempeh.
* **Vegetables:** Use your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, cabbage, snow peas, bok choy, or broccoli.
* **Sauce:** Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or black bean sauce. You can also add a dash of chili garlic sauce for some heat.
* **Vegetarian:** Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Deluxe:** Add tempura flakes (tenkasu) for a crispy topping or a soft boiled egg. A drizzle of Japanese mayonnaise also elevates the dish.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken Yaki Udon is a complete meal on its own. However, you can also serve it with:
* **Miso Soup:** A classic Japanese soup made with fermented soybean paste.
* **Edamame:** Steamed soybeans sprinkled with salt.
* **Gyoza:** Japanese dumplings.
* **Japanese Salad:** A simple salad with a ginger dressing.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare some of the ingredients in advance to save time. For example, you can:
* Cut the chicken and vegetables a day ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
* Make the sauce a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
## Storage Instructions
* Store leftover Chicken Yaki Udon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat in a microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on the recipe above):
* Calories: Approximately 550-650
* Protein: 40-50g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Fat: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use other types of noodles?**
A: While udon noodles are traditional for Yaki Udon, you can experiment with other types of noodles such as yakisoba noodles (thin wheat noodles) or ramen noodles.
**Q: Can I freeze Chicken Yaki Udon?**
A: Freezing is not highly recommended as the noodles can become mushy after thawing. However, if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly.
**Q: Where can I find udon noodles?**
A: Udon noodles are widely available in most Asian grocery stores and some supermarkets. Look for them in the refrigerated or frozen section.
**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free udon noodles (made from rice flour or other gluten-free flours) and gluten-free soy sauce (tamari).
**Q: What is the best type of wok to use?**
A: A carbon steel wok is the best option for stir-frying because it heats up quickly and evenly. However, you can also use a cast iron skillet or a large stainless-steel skillet.
**Q: How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?**
A: To prevent the noodles from sticking together, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can also toss them with a little oil before adding them to the wok.
## Conclusion
Chicken Yaki Udon is a delicious, easy, and versatile meal that is perfect for any night of the week. With its savory-sweet sauce, tender chicken, and chewy udon noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a taste of Japan in your own kitchen!