Yaki Udon (Stir-Fried Udon Noodles)

Thick, chewy udon noodles stir-fried with pork and vegetables in a savory sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 portions fresh or frozen udon noodles
• 1/2 lb pork belly or shrimp
• 2 cups cabbage, roughly chopped
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sauce: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp sake, 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and aonori to garnish

Directions

1. Blanch frozen udon in boiling water to separate. Drain.
2. Heat oil in a large wok over high heat. Cook pork until browned.
3. Add onion, carrot, and cabbage. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes.
4. Add udon noodles. Stir-fry vigorously 2-3 minutes until noodles absorb some color.
5. Pour sauce over everything. Toss well over high heat.
6. Top with green onions. Serve with katsuobushi, which will dance from the heat.

Notes

The high heat and constant movement creates the wok hei (smoky char) that defines great yaki udon. Add noodles last so they don’t over-soften.