Beef And Udon Stir Fry

Beef And Udon Stir Fry is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 3. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $26.00 total, $8.67 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g Beef Sirloin (thinly sliced across the grain)
  • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular light soy sauce)
  • 2 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
  • ¼ tsp Baking Soda (helps tenderize the beef)
  • 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (for coating the beef)
  • 2 Tbsp Water (for the beef marinate)
  • 4 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (divided for cooking and tossing udon)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • ½ medium Onion (cut into thin strips)
  • ¼ head Green Cabbage (cut into large pieces)
  • 400 g Frozen Udon Noodles (thawed briefly before cooking)
  • 2 Tbsp Additional Soy Sauce (Stir‑Fry Sauce) (light soy)
  • 1 Tbsp Additional Dark Soy Sauce (Stir‑Fry Sauce)
  • 1 tsp Additional Sugar (Stir‑Fry Sauce)

Instructions

  1. Prep aromatics and vegetables

    Mince the garlic, slice the onion into thin strips, and cut the cabbage into large bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice the beef

    Trim any excess fat and slice the beef thinly across the grain into 1‑2 mm strips.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Marinate the beef

    In a mixing bowl combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp baking soda, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 2 Tbsp water and 1 Tbsp oil. Add the sliced beef and toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Make the stir‑fry sauce

    Mix together 2 Tbsp light soy sauce, 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Cook the udon noodles

    Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the frozen udon and cook for 2 minutes, then drain in a colander and toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: boiling

  6. Stir‑fry the onion

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add 1 Tbsp oil, then add the onion strips. Stir‑fry for 20‑30 seconds until the raw bite is gone, then remove and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  7. Stir‑fry the cabbage

    Add another 1 Tbsp oil to the wok, then add the cabbage pieces. Stir‑fry until the leaves are hot and the edges begin to soften, about 2‑3 minutes. Drizzle ½ Tbsp dark soy sauce for color, then remove and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  8. Stir‑fry the beef

    Re‑heat the wok, add 1 Tbsp oil, then spread the marinated beef in a single layer. Let the bottom brown undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic. Stir‑fry until the beef is about 50 % cooked, about 1 minute. Add ½ Tbsp dark soy sauce and a splash of water (≈2 Tbsp), cooking until the liquid reduces to a glossy coating, about 2 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  9. Stir‑fry the udon

    Add the cooked udon to the wok, spreading it out. Toss every 15‑20 seconds until the noodles develop a light char, about 3 minutes. Pour in the prepared stir‑fry sauce and mix until the noodles are evenly coated and you smell the soy aroma, about 1 minute.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  10. Combine cabbage and udon

    Return the cabbage to the wok, add a splash of water (≈2 Tbsp), cover the wok and let steam for 20‑30 seconds. Uncover and stir‑fry briefly to incorporate.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  11. Finish the dish

    Add the beef and the previously set‑aside onion back into the wok. Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper, give everything a quick toss for 30 seconds, then serve hot.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
26 g
Carbohydrates
58 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Can be made gluten‑free with rice noodles and tamari

Allergens: Soy, Wheat (udon noodles)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Beef And Udon Stir Fry

Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook

A quick and satisfying Japanese‑inspired stir‑fry featuring thinly sliced beef, crisp cabbage, onion, and tender frozen udon noodles tossed in a savory soy‑based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

EasyJapaneseServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
18m
Prep
19m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$26.00
Total cost
$8.67
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the beef with baking soda and cornstarch for tenderness.
  • Cooking the beef only until 50% done before adding sauce to avoid over‑cooking.
  • Ensuring the udon is tossed quickly to get a light char without sticking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board to prevent cuts.
  • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle the pot with oven mitts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of beef and udon stir fry in Japanese cuisine?

A

Udon stir‑fry, known as yaki‑udon, originated in post‑war Japan as a quick street‑food dish that combined readily available wheat noodles with inexpensive proteins like beef. It reflects Japan’s adaptation of Chinese stir‑fry techniques to local ingredients, becoming a beloved comfort food for busy families.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of yaki‑udon in Japan?

A

In Osaka, yaki‑udon often includes pork and a sweeter soy‑based sauce, while in Tokyo the dish may feature beef and a lighter soy glaze. Some regions add local vegetables such as shiitake mushrooms or carrots, and a dash of mirin for extra sweetness.

cultural
Q

How is beef and udon traditionally served in Japanese households?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the wok on a shallow plate, garnished with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds, and accompanied by a side of pickled ginger or a simple miso soup to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature beef and udon stir fry in Japanese culture?

A

Yaki‑udon is a popular weekday dinner and is also served at casual gatherings, school festivals, and izakaya menus. Its quick preparation makes it a go‑to dish for family meals after work or school.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Japanese beef and udon stir fry versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include Japanese wheat udon noodles, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce (koikuchi), and thinly sliced beef such as sirloin. Substitutes can be rice noodles for a gluten‑free version, tamari for soy sauce, or flank steak instead of sirloin without losing the dish’s character.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with beef and udon stir fry?

A

A light miso soup, Japanese cucumber salad (sunomono), and a side of pickled daikon complement the savory noodles. For a fuller meal, serve with a small portion of grilled fish or tempura.

cultural
Q

How has yaki‑udon evolved over time in modern Japanese cooking?

A

Modern versions often incorporate global flavors—adding chili oil for heat, using sesame oil for nuttiness, or swapping beef for tofu for vegetarian diets. Home cooks also experiment with quick‑cook frozen udon, making the dish even faster for busy lifestyles.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beef and udon stir fry?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the beef, which makes it tough; overcrowding the wok, which steams rather than sears; and not tossing the udon quickly enough, causing it to stick together. Following the high‑heat, quick‑toss method prevents these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this beef and udon stir‑fry recipe use baking soda in the beef marinate instead of a longer tenderizing method?

A

A small amount of baking soda raises the pH on the meat’s surface, weakening protein bonds and allowing the thin slices to stay tender during the brief high‑heat stir‑fry. It’s a fast technique suited for a quick dinner, whereas longer methods like brining are unnecessary for thin cuts.

technical
Q

Can I make the beef and udon stir fry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the beef up to 2 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Cooked udon can be stored separately with a light coating of oil. Reheat everything together in a hot wok for a few minutes; add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the sauce.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize quick weeknight meals, classic comfort foods, and step‑by‑step visual guides for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook's approach to Japanese‑style cooking differ from other Asian cooking channels?

A

Stacey Cook emphasizes simplicity and uses readily available grocery‑store ingredients, often opting for frozen udon and basic pantry soy sauces, whereas many Asian‑focused channels may delve into specialty ingredients and more intricate techniques.

channel

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