Savory Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon Recipe That Sizzles

Crispy veggies and tender black pepper stir fried udon dance together in a quick, mouthwatering meal.

Noodles packed with robust flavor await you at the dinner table.

Asian cuisine offers incredible shortcuts for busy cooks seeking delicious solutions.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of spice and comfort.

Fragrant ingredients blend seamlessly, creating depth beyond standard pasta dishes.

Minimal ingredients translate into maximum satisfaction for hungry families.

You’ll want to keep this recipe close for those evenings when time is short but hunger runs deep.

Tips for Deep, Peppery Flavor in Every Bite

• Noodle Prep Perfection: Rinse udon noodles in cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
• High-Heat Searing Secret: Use a blazing hot wok or skillet to create a beautiful caramelized crust on the beef, locking in maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Sauce Mixing Magic: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy coating that clings perfectly to noodles and meat.
• Veggie Crunch Strategy: Stir-fry vegetables quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, avoiding soggy or overcooked results.
• Protein Swap Flexibility: Easily substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp to accommodate different dietary preferences or what's in your refrigerator.

Leftover Udon? Here’s How to Keep It Great

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Quickly warm stir-fry in a hot wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of water to prevent drying and restore moisture to noodles.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a tablespoon of water to keep noodles from becoming tough.
• Udon noodles lose texture when frozen, so enjoy this dish fresh for the best taste and consistency.

The Best Sidekicks for Your Udon Bowl

• Choose a bold Pinot Noir with medium tannins that complements the rich beef and cuts through the savory sauce.
• Select a crisp Japanese lager like Sapporo or Asahi that refreshes the palate and echoes the dish's Asian ingredients.
• Brew an iced green tea with a hint of ginger to balance the black pepper's heat and cleanse the taste buds between bites.
• Serve alongside quick pickled cucumber salad with rice vinegar to add a bright, tangy contrast to the hearty udon noodles.

Udon Variations That Bring the Heat

• Vegetarian Udon Delight: Replace beef with firm tofu or tempeh, pressed and cubed. Marinate protein in sauce for extra flavor and sear until golden brown.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional udon with rice noodles or gluten-free udon. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Seafood Sensation: Substitute beef with shrimp, scallops, or a mix of seafood. Reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate proteins.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of udon noodles. Keep the same stir-fry technique and sauce for a lighter meal.

Common Questions About This Stir-Fry Dish

• How do I know when the beef is properly seared?

Look for a golden-brown crust on the outside of the beef pieces. The meat should have a nice caramelized color and develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.

• Can I substitute Shaoxing wine if I don't have it?

Yes, you can use dry sherry or white wine as a replacement. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, use chicken or vegetable broth to maintain the depth of flavor.

• What's the best way to prevent udon noodles from sticking together?

After cooking or separating the noodles, rinse them with cold water and gently toss them to prevent clumping. Make sure to drain them well before adding to the stir-fry.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some chili oil, red pepper flakes, or sriracha sauce during the final tossing stage. You can adjust the heat level to your personal preference by adding small amounts of spicy ingredients.

What Makes Black Pepper Udon So Craveable

• Easily swap beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp to match dietary preferences or pantry ingredients, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different tastes.
• Achieve a professional-level Asian stir-fry with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, delivering bold black pepper and umami-rich sauce that rivals takeout.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single wok or skillet, creating a complete meal with protein, noodles, and vegetables in one efficient cooking process.

Key Ingredients in Stir-Fried Udon

• Beef: Tender meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the stir-fry, choose well-marbled cuts like sirloin or flank steak.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that provides deep, savory undertones to the dish.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Bell Pepper: Brings color, crunch, and fresh vegetable notes.
• Snow Peas: Provides crisp texture and light green vegetable freshness.
• Scallions: Bright, sharp garnish that adds final punch of color and mild onion flavor.

• Udon Noodles: Thick, chewy Japanese wheat noodles that hold sauce well, available in frozen or vacuum-sealed options.
• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Essential umami-rich Asian sauce base for deep savory flavor.
• Shaoxing Wine: Traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds complex depth.
• Water: Helps balance and thin sauce consistency.
• Black Pepper: Provides spicy, sharp seasoning throughout dish.
• Sugar: Balances and rounds out sauce flavors.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and helps create glossy coating.
• Cooking Oil: Allows high-heat cooking and prevents sticking.

How to Stir-Fry Udon Like a Pro

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Shaoxing wine
• Water
• Black pepper
• Sugar
• Cornstarch

Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare Udon Noodles

For frozen udon: Cook according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.

For vacuum-sealed udon: Separate gently using hot water, then drain completely.

Step 3: Sizzle the Protein

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add beef and cook until beautifully browned. Transfer cooked beef to a separate plate.

Step 4: Toss Colorful Vegetables

• Garlic
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Snow peas

Stir-fry quickly until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return beef to the pan. Add cooked udon noodles. Pour prepared sauce over everything. Toss vigorously over high heat until all ingredients are well-coated and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh scallions over the top. Remove from heat and serve immediately while piping hot.

Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Silky black pepper stir fried udon delivers a bold Asian culinary journey with luxurious noodles dancing through peppery waves. Savory spices and quick wok techniques promise an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Noodles and Vegetables:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) fresh or frozen udon noodles
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snow peas or baby bok choy
• 2 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons oil (neutral, like canola or vegetable)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the flavor-enhancing sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, water, black pepper, sugar, and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
2. Prepare udon noodles by cooking frozen varieties according to package instructions until they reach a tender consistency. For vacuum-sealed noodles, gently separate strands using hot water and thoroughly drain.
3. Preheat a large wok or skillet with oil over high heat, creating an intense cooking surface for protein caramelization.
4. Sear the protein swiftly, ensuring a rich golden-brown exterior by cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer the browned protein to a separate plate.
5. Replenish the cooking surface with additional oil, then introduce aromatic garlic, crisp onions, vibrant bell peppers, and delicate snow peas into the hot pan.
6. Stir-fry the vegetable medley rapidly, maintaining their crispness and preventing overcooking for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Reintroduce the seared protein and prepared udon noodles back into the sizzling pan, creating a harmonious mixture.
8. Pour the pre-prepared sauce over the ingredients, tossing vigorously to ensure complete and even coating while generating intense heat.
9. Finish the dish by incorporating fresh scallions, allowing their bright flavor to elevate the overall taste profile.
10. Remove from heat immediately and serve piping hot, celebrating the dynamic blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Test udon noodle texture by cooking briefly to prevent mushiness, ensuring they remain pleasantly chewy and springy.
• Swap beef with tofu, chicken, or shrimp for versatile protein options that complement the black pepper sauce’s bold flavors.
• Control heat levels by adjusting black pepper quantity, allowing customization for mild or spicy preference without overwhelming the dish.
• Enhance stir-fry technique by using high heat and quick movements, creating restaurant-style wok hei caramelization and preventing vegetables from becoming soggy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg