Name: Veggie yaki udon recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp cornflour; 2 tbsp reduced-salt dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp mirin, rice vinegar or lime juice; 1 tbsp clear honey; ½ tbsp sriracha (plus extra (optional)); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 150 g chestnut or shiitake mushrooms (quartered); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced); 570 g large vegetable stir-fry; 600 g straight-to-wok udon noodles (2 x 300g packs); 1 leek (thinly sliced); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted); 2 spring onions (trimmed and thinly sliced); 20 g ginger (peeled and finely sliced); ¼ tsp fine salt; 10 g caster sugar; 60 ml rice wine vinegar

Introduction to Veggie Yaki Udon

What is Veggie Yaki Udon?

If you're looking for a quick and delicious meal that combines healthiness with taste, then you’re in for a treat with this veggie yaki udon recipe. Originating from Japan, yaki udon refers to stir-fried udon noodles, and this veggie version packs in a colorful variety of vegetables, making it not just satisfying but also a powerhouse of nutrients.

Typically made with thick, chewy udon noodles, the dish gets a delightful lift from a rich sauce. The combination of dark soy sauce, sweet mirin, and a kick of sriracha ensures every bite bursts with flavor. For added zest, we toss in some quick-pickled ginger, which contrasts beautifully with the savory sauce.

Not only is veggie yaki udon a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables, but it also serves as an excellent option for busy weeknights. Preparations are simple, allowing you to whip up a colorful, nutritious meal in just about 35 minutes. What’s not to love?

Would you like to explore more about noodle dishes? Check out this comprehensive guide on Asian noodles! So, ready to dive into this flavorful adventure? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Veggie Yaki Udon

Creating a flavorful and satisfying veggie yaki udon recipe begins with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s a handy list to ensure you have everything you need for this colorful dish:

Fresh Ingredients

Vegetable Stir-Fry Mix (570g): Look for a vibrant mix that includes bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for an extra crunch.
Leek (1, thinly sliced): This will add a mild sweetness that complements the other flavors.
Mushrooms (150g, quartered): Shiitake or chestnut mushrooms work wonderfully for depth and umami.

Pantry Staples

Cornflour (2 tbsp): This will help thicken your sauce.
Reduced-salt Dark Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Offers a rich, savory base without overpowering.
Mirin or Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp): Either gives a lovely tang to balance the dish.
Clear Honey (1 tbsp): Adds sweetness; feel free to substitute agave if needed.
Sriracha (½ tbsp, plus extra if desired): Spice it up according to your taste!

Oils and Seasonings

Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): For frying.
Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): This will enhance the authentic Asian flair.
Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced): Fresh garlic is a must for that robust flavor.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp): For garnishing and adding a delightful crunch.
Spring Onions (2, trimmed and thinly sliced): Adds freshness and color to your finished dish.

Making Pickled Ginger

Ginger (20g, finely sliced): A zingy addition for flavor.
Salt (¼ tsp) and Caster Sugar (10g): For balancing sweetness in the pickling process.
Rice Wine Vinegar (60ml): Perfect for a quick pickle burst.

Having these ingredients prepared not only makes cooking smoother but also elevates your veggie yaki udon recipe into a culinary delight. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite veggies, and don’t hesitate to check out more resources like BBC Good Food for additional inspiration!

Preparing Veggie Yaki Udon

Creating a delicious veggie yaki udon is easier than you might think! With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a flavorful, healthy meal that’s packed with colorful vegetables. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Gather Everything You Need

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. For this veggie yaki udon recipe, you’ll need:

Noodles and vegetables: 2 packs of straight-to-wok udon noodles, a large vegetable stir-fry pack, and some sliced leeks.
Flavor enhancers: Cornflour, reduced-salt dark soy sauce, mirin (or rice vinegar/lime juice), clear honey, and sriracha.
Aromatic additions: Garlic cloves and mushrooms (chestnut or shiitake) provide depth and flavor.
Finishing touches: Sesame oil, sesame seeds, spring onions, and, of course, pickled ginger to bring it all together.

You can find these items at your local grocery store or through online retailers like Tesco.

Quick Pickling for Extra Flavor

While your ingredients are prepped, let’s make that zesty pickled ginger! Here’s a simple step:

Slice your ginger: Peel and finely slice about 20g of ginger.
Prepare the brine: In a bowl, combine the ginger with ¼ teaspoon fine salt, 10g of caster sugar, and mix with 60ml rice vinegar.
Set it aside: Give it a good stir and let it mingle while you focus on the noodles.

This quick pickling process not only adds flavor but also helps cut through the richness of the dish.

Mixing Up the Sauce

Next up, let’s create that sticky, delicious sauce that’s the heart of your veggie yaki udon recipe:

In a bowl, add 2 tablespoon cornflour.
Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoon reduced-salt dark soy sauce, stirring until smooth.
Then, continue by adding in 1 tablespoon each of mirin, clear honey, and ½ tablespoon of sriracha (or more if you like it spicy!).

Set this sauce bowl aside for later; it will work wonders once added to your dish.

Sautéing the Veggies

Now, onto the fun part—cooking those vibrant veggies:

Heat 2 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or a large frying pan over high heat.
Add your quartered mushrooms and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re nicely golden.
Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and in the same pan, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, followed by your vegetable mix. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is tender.

By sautéing at a high temperature, you ensure those flavors caramelize beautifully.

Noodle Time and Everything Comes Together

Let’s bring it all home! Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions, then combine:

Once the noodles are ready, add them to the wok with the sautéed veggies.
Add your sautéed mushrooms and the prepared sauce, mixing everything well for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the noodles and veggies beautifully.
Serve your veggie yaki udon in bowls, topped with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, sliced spring onions, and, don’t forget, your delightful pickled ginger!

This dish not only looks appetizing but feels incredibly satisfying—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful veggie yaki udon recipe!

Variations on Veggie Yaki Udon

Add Protein Options

Elevate your veggie yaki udon recipe by adding protein for an even heartier meal. Here are some popular choices:

Tofu: Firm tofu, diced and pan-fried, adds texture and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Turkey Bacon: For a smoky twist, crispy turkey bacon brings an unexpected crunch.
Chicken Ham: Light and flavorful, chicken ham complements the dish without overwhelming it.

Feel free to incorporate any of these proteins to suit your taste—cooking is all about experimenting!

Spice It Up!

If you crave a little heat, why not turn up the flavor dial? You can easily personalize your veggie yaki udon with these options:

Extra Sriracha: A drizzle on top before serving can really kick things up a notch.
Chili Flakes: Sprinkle some into the wok while stir-frying for a subtle, spicy warmth.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste offers a sweet and savory depth—just a spoonful can transform your dish.

These quick tweaks not only enhance taste but can also make your dinners feel uniquely your own! For more variations and inspiration, check out BBC Good Food or Serious Eats.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Veggie Yaki Udon

When preparing your veggie yaki udon recipe, here are some thoughtful tips to elevate your dish:

Prep Ahead: Slice your veggies and garlic in advance. This saves time during cooking, especially on busy weeknights.
Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest veggies for the best flavor and texture; crisp and vibrant produce makes all the difference.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your wok or pan is too full, your veggies will steam instead of stir-frying, leading to a less than ideal texture. Cook in batches if needed.
Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sriracha level; spice lovers can add more, while those preferring milder flavors can reduce it.

For more insights on cooking techniques, check out resources like Serious Eats. Happy cooking!

Serving suggestions for Veggie Yaki Udon

When you whip up this veggie yaki udon recipe, you’re on your way to a delicious and satisfying meal. To elevate your dining experience, consider the following serving suggestions:

Garnish generously: Top your yaki udon with toasted sesame seeds and fresh spring onions for a burst of flavor and texture.
Pair with protein: For a heartier option, add grilled chicken ham or sliced turkey bacon. They complement the noodles seamlessly.
Serve with sides: Complement your main dish with sides like crispy tempura vegetables or a light miso soup to enhance the Japanese theme.

Don’t forget to enjoy it all with some pickled ginger—you’ll love the zing it brings! For more veggie-infused options, check out this article on creative vegetable stir-fries!

Time Breakdown for Veggie Yaki Udon

Preparation Time

Get rolling with your veggie yaki udon recipe in just 10 minutes! This is the time you’ll need to gather your ingredients, chop your veggies, and make the pickled ginger that amps up the flavor.

Cooking Time

Prepare to sizzle! Cooking will take about 25 minutes. This quick routine is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Total Time

In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delicious, veggie-packed dish that serves four. With minimal time spent, you can enjoy a healthy dinner that's bursting with flavors and textures. Perfect, right?

For more tips on meal prep, check out The Kitchn for handy resources and ideas. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Facts for Veggie Yaki Udon

Calories Per Serving

Each serving of this delightful veggie yaki udon recipe contains approximately 514 calories. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying yet healthy meal during busy weeknights.

Key Nutrients

This dish is not only tasty but also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals:

Carbohydrates: 74.8g – Provides the energy needed for your day.
Protein: 10.3g – Important for muscle repair and growth.
Fibre: 7.5g – Aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Fat: 17g (with only 2g saturated fat) – Healthy fats that enhance your meal.
Sugars: 17g – A natural sweetness, largely from the vegetables.
Salt: 1.7g – It's best to monitor salt intake, and this dish stays in a reasonable range.

Packed with two of your five-a-day, this veggie yaki udon recipe caters to your nutritional needs while being utterly delicious. For more about healthy eating, consider checking out NHS guidelines on balanced diets or Nutritional Science.

This dish is a great example of how nutritious meals can also be quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect option for a busy lifestyle. Enjoy the flavors and health benefits that come with every bite!

FAQs about Veggie Yaki Udon

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! One of the best things about the veggie yaki udon recipe is its versatility. Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and even snap peas would work wonderfully. Using seasonal veggies not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile of your dish. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly!

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have leftovers (though they might be hard to resist!), simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a pan or microwave. You might want to add a splash of soy sauce to revive the flavors!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, indeed! This veggie yaki udon recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook a big batch and portion it out for the week ahead. Just prepare your noodles and sauce in advance, and keep the veggies separate until you're ready to stir-fry. This way, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal ready to go on busy days. Plus, it’s a great way to pack in those veggies!

Conclusion on Veggie Yaki Udon

In summary, this veggie yaki udon recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with nutrients and low in saturated fat, you can enjoy the vibrant taste of fresh vegetables and a sticky, savory sauce that's hard to resist. Enjoy!

For more inspiration, check out this article on the health benefits of vegetables and explore variations of noodle dishes at National Noodle Month resources.