Name: Beef Udon Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 250 g beef steak (about 8.8 oz) — ribeye, sirloin, rump, or any tender cut, thinly sliced; 400 g udon noodles (about 14 oz); 2 heads pak choi (or bok choy/choy sum), cut lengthwise or thinly sliced; 100 g mushrooms (about 3.5 oz) — button, shiitake, white, or oyster, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 2 spring onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce); 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon cornstarch

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Tender slices of beef stir-fried with thick, chewy udon noodles, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce—this Beef Udon Stir Fry is a deliciously satisfying dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a cozy Japanese-inspired meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish hits the perfect balance of flavor and texture: the beef is juicy and tender, the udon noodles are hearty and chewy, and the vegetables bring a fresh crunch. The sauce is deeply savory with a touch of sweetness and a hint of sesame. It’s a complete meal in one pan, incredibly easy to make, and endlessly adaptable to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Beef Udon Stir Fry

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

250 g beef steak — ribeye, sirloin, rump, or any tender cut, thinly sliced
400 g udon noodles — fresh, frozen, or vacuum-sealed
2 heads pak choi — or bok choy/choy sum, sliced
100 g mushrooms — button, shiitake, white, or oyster, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral oil

For the Stir Fry Sauce

2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon cornstarch

Directions

Blanch the udon noodles in hot water for 1–2 minutes to separate and loosen. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
Thinly slice the beef against the grain and toss it with 1 tablespoon of the sauce.
Prepare all the vegetables and keep them ready.
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and stir-fry the beef for 2–3 minutes until just browned.
Push the beef to one side of the pan, add garlic and onion, and stir-fry for a few seconds.
Add the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute. Then add the pak choi and toss everything together.
Add the udon noodles to the center of the pan, pour in the remaining sauce, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until everything is coated and heated through.
Turn off the heat, sprinkle with spring onions, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 709 kcal

Variations

Protein Swap: Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for added color and nutrients.
Low Carb Option: Swap udon for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Sauce Twist: Add a spoonful of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles if they’ve dried out.

FAQs

What type of beef works best for stir fry?

Ribeye, sirloin, or rump steak work well due to their tenderness and flavor. Make sure to slice thinly against the grain.

Can I use dried udon noodles instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, just cook them according to the package instructions, then rinse and drain before stir-frying.

What can I use instead of pak choi?

Bok choy, choy sum, napa cabbage, or even spinach are great substitutes.

Is this dish gluten-free?

No, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauces and noodles.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, it’s recommended to eat immediately after cooking. If making ahead, store and reheat as directed above.

How do I avoid soggy noodles?

Don’t overcook the udon when blanching, and rinse them in cold water to stop cooking before stir-frying.

What mushrooms work best?

Shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms are all excellent choices. Use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the beef with tofu or more mushrooms and ensure the sauces are plant-based.

What oil is best for stir frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

How can I add more flavor?

Try adding grated ginger, garlic chili sauce, or a splash of rice vinegar for added complexity.

Conclusion

Beef Udon Stir Fry is the kind of comforting, flavor-packed meal that brings restaurant-style quality to your home kitchen in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a flexible recipe base, it’s a go-to dish you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.