Craving a taste of Asian comfort food? Look no further than my Garlic Udon Noodles recipe! This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with thick and chewy Sanuki udon noodles, a savory garlic sauce, and topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, these Garlic Udon Noodles are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this dish is a surefire way to elevate your dinner experience.
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 blocks Sanuki udon noodles (frozen)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 fresh egg yolks
Required Kitchen Tools
To make these flavorful Garlic Udon Noodles, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Here’s what I recommend:
- Large Pot: To boil the udon noodles, a large pot is essential to ensure they cook evenly and have enough space to expand.
- Colander: A colander is handy for draining the cooked noodles quickly and effectively.
- Large Skillet or Wok: Using a large skillet or wok allows you to stir-fry the garlic, onions, and sauces, creating a flavorful base for the noodles.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and tossing the noodles with the sauce, a spatula or wooden spoon works best to ensure everything is well-coated.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To prepare the garlic, onion, and optional toppings, a sharp knife and cutting board are essential.
Having these tools ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating a delicious bowl of Garlic Udon Noodles.
Preparing the Noodles
Cook the Udon Noodles
To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the frozen Sanuki udon noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once the noodles are tender and chewy, use a colander to drain them and rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the garlic sauce.
Prepare the Garlic and Onions
While the noodles are cooking, you can prepare the garlic and onions. Mince 6 cloves of garlic and slice ½ cup of onion. These ingredients will form the base of the flavorful sauce that will coat the udon noodles.
Making the Garlic Sauce
Sauté the Garlic and Onions
Now that the noodles are ready, it’s time to prepare the savory garlic sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced onions. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the onions have softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Add the Sauces
With the garlic and onions sautéed, it’s time to add the flavor-packed sauces. Pour 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce into the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the garlic and onions are well coated with the sauce mixture. The dark soy sauce will add a rich color and depth of flavor, while the oyster sauce will provide a savory, umami taste that enhances the overall dish.
Incorporate the Sesame Oil
To finish off the sauce, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the garlic and onion mixture. The sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor that complements the garlic and soy-based sauce. Stir everything well to combine and ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. At this point, your kitchen should be filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic, soy, and sesame.
Combining the Noodles with the Sauce
Add the Udon Noodles
With the garlic sauce prepared, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked and drained udon noodles directly into the skillet with the garlic sauce. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, toss the noodles gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. The noodles should start to absorb the flavors, becoming glossy and rich with the garlic and soy mixture.
Stir-Fry for a Few Minutes
Continue to stir-fry the noodles in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes over medium heat. This step helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, allowing the noodles to soak up more of the savory sauce. Keep tossing the noodles to prevent them from sticking to the skillet and to ensure that each strand is coated with the delicious garlic sauce.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of salt or a dash more soy sauce if you prefer a saltier taste. If you like your noodles spicier, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil for an extra kick. Once the seasoning is just right, turn off the heat and prepare to serve.
Serving and Garnishing the Garlic Udon Noodles
Plate the Noodles
Your Garlic Udon Noodles are now ready to be served! Use tongs or a large serving fork to portion the noodles onto individual plates or bowls. The noodles should be glossy and well-coated with the garlic and soy sauce, making them both visually appealing and incredibly appetizing. If you’re serving this dish as a main course, it pairs wonderfully with stir-fried vegetables or grilled meats.
Add Optional Toppings
To elevate the dish and add more flavor, consider using some optional toppings. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions over the noodles for a burst of freshness and color. Add 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds to give a slight crunch and a nutty flavor. For an extra layer of richness, you can also top each serving with a fresh egg yolk. The yolk will mix into the noodles, creating a creamy texture that enhances the overall taste.
Serve Immediately
Garlic Udon Noodles are best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the skillet. The combination of chewy udon noodles, aromatic garlic, and savory sauce makes this dish a true delight. Serve the noodles immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor. They make a perfect meal for lunch or dinner, whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a bit more sesame oil to help loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as it can cause the noodles to become tough and less flavorful.
Conclusion
Garlic Udon Noodles are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil, you can create a rich and savory dish that highlights the chewy texture of udon noodles. The optional toppings, such as green onions, sesame seeds, and a fresh egg yolk, add extra layers of flavor and texture, making this dish versatile and customizable to your taste.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a side dish, or a light dinner, these Garlic Udon Noodles fit the bill perfectly. The combination of aromatic garlic and savory soy-based sauce makes every bite an indulgence. Plus, this dish comes together in no time, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or a quick and tasty treat.
Experiment with additional toppings or side dishes to make this meal your own. From adding vegetables to incorporating different proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, there are endless ways to enjoy these Garlic Udon Noodles. So grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and savor a bowl of these delicious noodles whenever the craving strikes. Enjoy your culinary journey into the delightful flavors of Garlic Udon Noodles!