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To make a tasty Spicy Garlic Udon Stir Fry, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 300g udon noodles - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 1 carrot, julienned - 3 green onions, chopped - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for spice level) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays an important role in flavor and texture. The udon noodles give a delightful chewy base. The garlic and ginger add warmth and aroma, making each bite special. The vegetables bring crunch and color, while the sauces tie it all together. When you gather these ingredients, think about freshness. Fresh produce makes a big difference in taste. Choose bright bell peppers and crisp snap peas. This will enhance your dish and make it more enjoyable to eat. Feel free to adjust the chili paste based on your spice preference. More paste means more heat! With these ingredients, you are ready to create a simple yet flavorful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, cook the udon noodles. Follow the package instructions for best results. Once they are cooked, drain them. Toss the noodles with a little oil to keep them from sticking together. Next, grab a large skillet or wok. Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these for about one minute. You want to smell the wonderful aroma. Now it's time for the veggies. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry these for three to four minutes. Cook until they are tender-crisp. This keeps them fresh and bright. Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet or wok. Pour in the soy sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil. Mix everything well. Ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauces. This step is key for flavor. Finally, stir-fry everything for another two to three minutes. This ensures all the ingredients heat through. Once done, remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Add fresh cilantro if you like. This adds a nice touch before serving. - Choosing the right noodles: Use fresh or frozen udon noodles. They have a soft, chewy texture. Dried udon works too but may need longer cooking time. Always follow package instructions for best results. - Adjusting spice levels with chili paste: Start with a small amount of chili paste. You can always add more later. For less heat, use less chili paste. For a spicier dish, add more to your liking. - Using fresh ingredients for maximum taste: Fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables make a big difference. They add bright, bold flavors to your dish. Avoid canned or frozen ingredients if you can. - Suggestions for additional seasonings: Try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar. Both can balance the heat and enhance the overall flavor. Experimenting with sesame oil adds a nutty taste. - Serving ideas: Serve the stir fry in a large bowl. This creates a beautiful, inviting dish. You can also plate it individually for guests. - Creative garnishing options: Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Fresh cilantro adds color and taste. You can also add thinly sliced chili for extra flair. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They not only enhance the taste but also add vibrant colors to your dish. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili paste according to your heat preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to find your perfect spice level. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: To maintain their crunch and vibrant color, stir-fry the vegetables until they are just tender. This will provide a delightful texture contrast with the noodles. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Adding fresh cilantro and sesame seeds as a garnish can elevate the dish, providing additional flavor and a beautiful presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Spicy Garlic Udon Stir Fry. Tofu is a great choice. It soaks up flavors well. Just cut it into cubes, and sauté it in your oil before the garlic. Chicken is another good option. Use diced chicken breast for a quick cook. Add it after the garlic and ginger. If you want a twist, try seafood. Shrimp or scallops work nicely. Cook them until they turn pink and firm. This adds a rich taste to your dish. Feel free to change up the veggies. You can use broccoli or bok choy. Both add crunch and color. Spinach is also a great choice. It wilts down and adds nutrients. Use seasonal vegetables for the best taste. Carrots in spring are sweet, while squash is great in fall. If you need gluten-free options, try gluten-free udon. They are available at many stores. You can also use rice noodles or even zucchini noodles. For a low-carb version, use shirataki noodles. They have fewer carbs and calories. Just rinse them well before cooking. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal without gluten. To keep your Spicy Garlic Udon Stir Fry fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the dish tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. This method warms the noodles evenly and keeps their texture. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to help maintain moisture. Stir gently until everything is hot. For long-term storage, you can freeze your stir fry. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet as mentioned above for the best results. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To store it, let the stir fry cool down. Place it in a sealed container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. You can add a splash of water to help it steam and stay moist. If you need an alternative, try using tamari. It is gluten-free and rich in flavor. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste. Both options work well and keep the umami flavor of your dish. To make it milder, reduce the amount of chili paste. You can start with half a tablespoon. For more heat, add more chili paste or some sliced fresh chili. Adjust it to fit your taste. Always taste as you go to find the right balance. Yes, this recipe is both vegetarian and vegan. It uses only plant-based ingredients. You can enjoy it without any worry. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a tasty meat-free meal. This blog post guided you through making a tasty Spicy Garlic Udon Stir Fry. We covered the key ingredients, steps for cooking, and tips for perfecting your dish. You learned about flavor, texture, and how to customize for your needs. Making this dish can be fun and rewarding. Experiment with different veggies, spices, or protein to suit your taste. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly! Enjoy your cooking journey with udon noodles!

Spicy Garlic Udon Stir Fry

A delicious and quick stir fry featuring udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and a spicy garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g udon noodles
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 piece carrot, julienned
  • 3 pieces green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • optional fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, tossing them lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Toss in the sliced bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
  • Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet/wok, followed by the soy sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all ingredients and ensure the noodles are evenly coated.
  • Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Adjust the chili paste for your desired spice level.
Keyword spicy, stir fry, udon, vegetarian