If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances hearty beef, slurpy noodles, and a sauce bursting with umami, then this Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a mouthwatering combination of tender flank steak, fresh vegetables, and thick udon noodles coated in a savory blend of soy, hoisin, and oyster sauces. This dish comes together quickly yet feels indulgent and comforting, making it an ideal go-to for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress without stress. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward, accessible ingredients that come together to create a vibrant, well-rounded flavor profile. Each component plays a key role—from the silky udon noodles providing chewy texture to the punchy ginger and garlic elevating the sauce.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for tender, quick-cooking beef strips.
- Udon noodles: Fresh or frozen, they add that satisfyingly thick, chewy bite.
- Soy sauce: The salty, savory backbone of the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a deep, slightly sweet oceanic richness.
- Hoisin sauce: Provides a touch of sweetness and complexity.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a distinct nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistible.
- Vegetable oil: For stir-frying the beef and veggies to perfection.
- Brown sugar: Balances the savory sauces with gentle sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that essential aromatic punch.
- Fresh ginger: Grated to add warmth and a touch of zest.
- Sliced mushrooms: Earthy flavor and tender texture that pairs beautifully.
- Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for crunch and vibrant color.
- Green onions: Sliced to add freshness and a mild onion bite.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce without clumping.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish, adding toasty crunch.
How to Make Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Slurry
Begin by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl. This magical mixture will coat the beef and vegetables with that authentic Asian flavor we love. Separately, mix cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry; this will later thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Cook the Udon Noodles
Follow the package instructions to cook your udon noodles—fresh or frozen. Once tender and chewy, drain them well and set aside. Properly cooked noodles are essential because they soak up the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak in batches, searing each side for just 2 to 3 minutes until it turns brown but remains slightly pink inside. Removing the beef at this point prevents it from overcooking and drying out.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms and red bell pepper. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften while still maintaining a bit of crunch. Cooking the vegetables separately amplifies their natural flavors and adds beautiful color to the dish.
Step 5: Combine Beef, Sauce, and Noodles
Return the seared beef to the pan with the vegetables, then pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything together so that each ingredient is coated evenly. Next, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, enveloping the beef and veggies in a luscious glaze.
Step 6: Toss in the Udon Noodles
Add the cooked udon noodles into the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are heated through and perfectly coated in the delicious sauce. This final step brings all the flavors and textures harmoniously together, making your Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe ready to serve.
How to Serve Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and add an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thin slices of fresh green onion on top just before serving. These simple garnishes lend a delightful crunch and a pop of color that makes the dish as enticing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
This Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides to balance the richness. Consider serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad drizzled with rice vinegar, or steamed bok choy sprinkled with garlic. These sides contribute refreshing contrast and complement the warm, savory noodles perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the noodles in individual deep bowls with extra sauce ladled over. Alternatively, you can plate the noodles in a neat nest topped with beef slices arranged artfully on top. Adding a soft-boiled egg or a sprinkle of chili flakes can also add visual appeal and an extra kick!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to mellow, and the noodles may absorb more of the flavors, making them just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
While fresh udon noodles don’t freeze ideally due to texture changes, you can freeze the beef and sauce mixture separately. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 2 months, ready to be paired with freshly cooked noodles when you want a quick meal.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftover noodles and beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently so the noodles don’t stick, until thoroughly heated. This method brings back that fresh-off-the-stove magic.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute sirloin or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Are fresh udon noodles better than frozen?
Fresh udon noodles offer the softest texture and quickest cooking time, but frozen noodles are an excellent, convenient alternative that still deliver great chewiness and flavor when cooked properly.
Is this recipe spicy, and can I adjust the heat level?
The base recipe isn’t spicy but has plenty of rich, savory flavor. If you love spice, add sriracha or chili flakes while cooking or as a garnish for a personalized kick.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce or additional soy and hoisin sauce to replicate depth of flavor for a delicious plant-based version.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Cook the udon noodles according to package directions and rinse them briefly under cold water to remove excess starch. Tossing them with a little sesame oil after draining also helps keep them separated.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe is truly a game-changer when it comes to quick, satisfying meals that don’t sacrifice flavor or comfort. Its harmony of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and thick, chewy noodles drenched in that irresistibly savory sauce invites you to come back for seconds and thirds. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every cozy, delicious bite!
Print
Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Asian Beef Udon Noodles recipe features tender flank steak stir-fried with fresh vegetables and coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Combined with chewy udon noodles, this quick and delicious dish makes for a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers bold Asian flavors with a nutritional balance of protein, carbs, and veggies.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Noodles
- 14 ounces udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Vegetables
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce and slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger to create the flavorful sauce. In another small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry; set aside for thickening the sauce later.
- Cook the udon noodles: Follow package instructions to cook the udon noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside, ready to be combined with the stir-fry.
- Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced flank steak and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Stir-fry vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized, absorbing the beef flavors left in the pan.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the seared beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, coating consistency.
- Add noodles and finish: Add the cooked udon noodles into the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly. Continue cooking until the noodles are heated through and well coated with the sauce and ingredients.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions for a fresh and nutty finish. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Asian Beef Udon Noodles.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes during the sauce preparation.
- You can substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content and make the dish heart-healthier.
