If you crave a comforting, savory meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, thinly sliced flank steak with chewy, luscious udon noodles and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish brings together perfectly balanced savory and subtly sweet notes. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together quickly and easily. Whether you’re new to Asian cooking or a long-time fan, this recipe delivers satisfying textures and bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender steak that adds protein and depth to the silky noodles that soak up every drop of the savory sauce. Fresh aromatics and vibrant veggies bring brightness and color, while the sauces create a wonderful umami punch.
- Flank steak, 1 pound: Thinly sliced against the grain for ultimate tenderness and quick cooking.
- Udon noodles, 14 ounces: Fresh or frozen, these thick noodles provide the chewy texture that makes the dish so hearty.
- Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons: Salty and savory, it’s the foundation of the sauce flavor.
- Oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon: Adds rich umami depth to complement the beef perfectly.
- Hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the mix.
- Sesame oil, 1 tablespoon: Offers a toasty, nutty aroma that enhances the overall dish.
- Vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon: For searing the steak and stir-frying the veggies.
- Brown sugar, 1 tablespoon: Balances savory with a touch of sweetness that wakes up the flavors.
- Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant warmth and zest.
- Fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon grated: Adds a bright, slightly spicy note to brighten the sauce.
- Mushrooms, 1 cup sliced: Earthy and tender, they add more depth and texture.
- Red bell pepper, 1 thinly sliced: For vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- Green onions, 2 sliced: Fresh pop of onion flavor and color throughout.
- Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon, and water, 2 tablespoons: Combined to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: Perfect finishing garnishes that add crunch and freshness.
How to Make Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
First, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This flavorful sauce mix will coat the beef and noodles later, so let those ingredients meld while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Make the Cornstarch Slurry
In another small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This simple slurry is your secret weapon for creating that irresistible glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles and beef. Set it aside for now.
Step 3: Cook the Udon Noodles
Follow the package instructions to cook your udon noodles until just tender. Whether fresh or frozen, udon cooks quickly but holds a pleasantly slippery, chewy texture that’s key to this dish’s character. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and sear it for about 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is a nice brown crust on the exterior while keeping the inside juicy and not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms and red bell pepper. Stir-fry these for about 3 to 4 minutes or until tender but still vibrant and crisp. The vegetables add lovely color and contrast to the dish’s rich sauce and meat.
Step 6: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the beef to the skillet with the veggies, then pour in the sauce mixture. Stir everything to coat the ingredients evenly. Next, pour in your cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Step 7: Toss in the Udon Noodles
Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet, gently tossing everything together to combine and warm through. This allows the noodles to soak up all that luscious sauce and flavors from the beef and veggies, creating a harmonious dish that’s packed with deliciousness.
How to Serve Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up both flavor and presentation, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions over the top just before serving. These garnishes add a subtle crunch and fresh, bright notes that balance the rich components beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe shines as a main course on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed bok choy, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some pickled vegetables to cut through the richness and add refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual shallow bowls or small cast iron skillets right off the stove to keep them warm. You can also offer extra chili flakes or sriracha on the side for anyone who loves a spicy kick. Adding a soft-boiled egg on top makes for an indulgently beautiful finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier!
Freezing
While freezing is possible, udon noodles can change texture slightly when thawed. If you choose to freeze leftovers, separate the sauce and noodles if possible and freeze the beef and sauce mixture alone. Thaw overnight in the fridge before combining and reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftover noodles and beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir continuously to heat evenly without drying it out. Microwave reheating works too, but be careful to avoid overcooking the beef or noodles.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just be sure to slice against the grain for tenderness and adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I can’t find fresh udon noodles?
Frozen or dried udon noodles work just fine in this recipe. Follow the cooking instructions on the package to ensure they’re perfectly cooked—fresh or frozen noodles have the best texture, but dried udon can be a pantry-friendly backup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can easily swap out the beef for firm tofu or tempeh, and substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian alternative or mushroom sauce. The key flavors from garlic, ginger, and the sauces will still make it satisfying and delicious.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add chili flakes while stir-frying the vegetables or drizzle some sriracha over the finished dish to give your Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
This recipe is quick and efficient—about 20 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 35 minutes. Perfect for those busy nights when you want a wholesome, flavorful meal without hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Asian Beef Udon Noodles Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels comforting and exciting all at the same time. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right at home. From the tender beef to the chewy noodles and the rich, glossy sauce, every bite is a celebration of flavor. Happy cooking!
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-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Asian Beef Udon Noodles recipe features tender flank steak stir-fried with fresh vegetables and chewy udon noodles in a savory, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this dish combines classic Asian sauces with fragrant garlic and ginger, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Noodles and Vegetables
- 14 ounces udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In another small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry; set aside for later use to thicken the sauce.
- Cook Udon Noodles: Prepare the udon noodles according to package instructions, typically boiling them for a few minutes until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak and sear for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the seared beef to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Add Noodles and Toss: Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine and heat through evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving immediately.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute flank steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variation.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
- Fresh or frozen udon noodles can be used depending on availability.
- Ensure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
