Spicy Sesame Udon Noodles are tossed in a flavorful sesame dressing, crisp slices of bell peppers, vibrant steamed broccoli and carrots. It's an easy to make, vegetarian weeknight dinner recipe that is deliciously savory and satisfying.
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Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I am sharing a recipe that I make very often with Cameron and I figured if we love these Spicy Sesame Udon Noodles so much then you all will too!
Udon noodles are thick wheat noodles that are soft, chewy, and neutral in flavor so they go well with strong & flavorful sauces, like this spicy sesame sauce.
Fresh or dried udon? I personally prefer buying the fresh udon noodles. Dried udon is still good, but the texture is more dense. Dried is also flatter than the fresh noodles and the fresh are more fat and bouncy and more delicate than the dried.
How to cook udon noodles:
Cook the udon noodles in well-salted boiling water until just tender (about 3 minutes for fresh, 8 minutes for dried). Drain the noodles and rinse them briefly under cold water before tossing with the sesame dressing.
Why rinse the udon noodles? Rinsing the udon noodles stops the cooking and also removes some of the surface starch, preventing them from sticking together.
Ingredients you will need
This Spicy Sesame Udon Noodle dish is:
Well balanced in flavor
Vegetarian but can easily be paired with shrimp, tofu, chicken or steak!
Yummy warm or chilled
Tossed in great flavors such as garlic, ginger, sesame oil and red pepper chili flakes
Even better than take out!
What to serve Spicy Sesame Udon Noodles with?
Spicy Sesame noodles are delicious served on their own and they make a great quick and healthy weeknight dinner. 20 minutes tops to make!
If you want to serve the noodles with a protein try:
Shrimp
Tofu
Steak
Grilled chicken
Or just add more veggies – bulk it up by adding mushrooms, edamame and snap peas.
These udon noodles take only 20 minutes to make and are tossed in a spicy sesame dressing that adds a flavorful punch to these thick and chewy noodles.
4clovesgarlic, minced or pressed through garlic press
1-2tsp.red pepper chili flakes (1 tsp. if you like spicy, 2 tsp. if you REALLY like spicy!)
1tsp.hoisin sauce
1tsp.fresh ginger, minced
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
Whisk all ingredients for the sesame dressing together in a mason jar, measuring cup or bowl and set aside.
Boil water in a medium saucepan for udon noodles and cook according to package directions (fresh udon noodles take ~3 minutes). Once done, drain, rinse and set side.
In a non stick frying pan over medium heat, pour 1 Tbsp. sesame dressing into the pan with the carrots and bell peppers and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. While that is cooking, steam the broccoli in the microwave for 5 minutes.
Add the broccoli into the pan. Gently toss together the cooked udon noodles with the veggies and pour the sauce on top and mix. (Pour ~1/2 cup of the sauce first, then taste and add more as desired).
Top with additional sesame seeds before serving and enjoy warm as is or with your protein of choice.
Video
Notes
Serve with chicken, shrimp or your favorite protein. Tofu is a great option as well!If you don’t have mirin and are in a crunch, you can sub in a dry sherry or a sweet marsala wine. Dry white wine or rice vinegar will also do, but you’ll need to counteract the sourness with about a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon used.
Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.
I did make this recipe, and my husband loved it, and he is not an Asian noodle person! Thank you, great recipe!
I am so glad! Thank you Roberta! xo, Tawnie
Another delicious recipe!! We loved it and will definitely be making again!
I’ve used this recipe for udon noodles several times now. It’s absolutely incredible. If I could give it ten stars I would. Thank you so much!
Hi Brittany – OMG you just made my day – thank you SO much!! I’m so happy you love it!
I could probably eat that dressing with a spoon. Sounds so delicious and love all the colorful vegetables too!
I pretty much do hahah thank you!!
This looks so good! So much flavor!!
Thank you so much Mindy!
Love udon noodles! This looks wonderful with all that color and the flavors from the sesame dressing. Yum!
Udon noodles are so fun! Thank you so much Tara!
I love Udon noodles! So glad to find this recipe.
Yay! I hope you love this one! Thanks Suzy!
I love this recipe! It was great with no meat but next time I think I am going to make it with shrimp 🙂
Thank you so much Noelle! Love this one with shrimp!!
Udon noodles are my weakness. Add some spiciness and I am in heaven. Love that it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
They’re soo good right?! Thank you! All about quick, healthy and YUMMYYY!