Quick Chicken Udon Noodles
Quick Chicken Udon Noodles is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Brooke Ervin on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $9.67 total, $4.84 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g Chicken Breast (thinly sliced into bite‑size strips)
- 200 g Udon Noodles (fresh or dried, thick and chewy)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 100 g Mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 Bell Pepper (sliced thin, any color)
- 100 g Asparagus (cut into 2‑inch pieces)
- 1 Onion (sliced thin)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Slice the chicken breast into thin strips, slice mushrooms, bell pepper, asparagus, and onion as described. Mince the garlic.
Time: PT5M
Boil Udon Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, add the udon noodles and cook for 2 minutes or until just tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high heat
Drain and Rinse Noodles
Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Time: PT1M
Cook Chicken
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, black pepper, white pepper, and minced garlic. Stir‑fry until the chicken is cooked through, about 5‑6 minutes.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium‑high
Remove Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside while you stir‑fry the vegetables.
Time: PT1M
Stir‑Fry Asparagus
Add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add asparagus pieces and stir‑fry for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Onions
Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until they turn translucent.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Bell Pepper
Add the bell pepper strips and stir‑fry for another 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Combine Chicken and Veggies
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix with the vegetables.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Sauce
In a small bowl combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the chicken‑vegetable mix and stir to coat evenly.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Noodles and Finish
Add the drained udon noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together for 2 minutes until the noodles are hot and fully coated with sauce.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high
Serve
Plate the chicken udon stir‑fry, garnish with extra sliced green onions if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: contains gluten, contains shellfish, dairy‑free, can be made gluten‑free with rice noodles, can be made vegetarian with tofu
Allergens: soy, wheat, shellfish (oyster sauce), sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: tofu, turkey breast
- Instead of Udon Noodles: soba noodles, rice noodles (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of White Pepper: ground black pepper
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: hoisin sauce, black bean sauce
- Instead of Sesame Oil: vegetable oil (less flavor)
- Instead of Mushrooms: shiitake, portobello
- Instead of Bell Pepper: snap peas
- Instead of Asparagus: broccoli florets
- Instead of Onion: shallots
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Pot for Boiling Noodles
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Bowl for Sauce
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the chicken until fully done
- Boiling the udon noodles for the correct time
- Seasoning with white pepper and garlic for flavor
- Coating the noodles and vegetables with the soy‑oyster‑sesame sauce
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high heat to get a nice sear on the chicken and a slight char on the veggies
- Fresh udon noodles give the best chew; if using dried, rinse after boiling
- A drizzle of extra sesame oil at the end adds a fragrant finish
Troubleshooting
Noodles are soggy or mushy
Do not overcook; boil for exactly 2 minutes and rinse with cold water. Add noodles at the very end and toss quickly.
Chicken is dry
Slice chicken thin and cook just until opaque; remove from heat as soon as done.
Sauce is too salty
Add a splash of water or a pinch of sugar to balance; reduce soy sauce next time.
Vegetables are too crunchy
Stir‑fry the longer‑cooking veggies (asparagus) first and add quicker‑cooking ones later as shown.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Not recommended – noodles become mushy when frozen
Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours of cooking
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice all vegetables and store them in a sealed bag in the fridge for up to 24 hours
- Cook the chicken ahead and keep it refrigerated; reheat quickly when adding to the stir‑fry
- Boil the udon noodles, rinse, and toss with a little oil; store in the fridge and add at the end
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken udon noodle stir‑fry in Japanese cuisine?
Udon noodles have been a staple in Japan for centuries, traditionally served in broth. In modern Japanese‑inspired home cooking, stir‑frying udon with protein and vegetables became popular as a quick, hearty meal that blends the chewy texture of udon with the savory flavors of soy‑based sauces.
What are the traditional regional variations of udon stir‑fry in Japan?
In Kansai, yaki‑udon often includes cabbage, pork, and a sweet soy sauce, while in Kanto regions the dish may feature beef and a lighter soy glaze. Each region adjusts the sauce sweetness and vegetable mix based on local tastes.
How is chicken udon noodle stir‑fry traditionally served in Japan?
It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, on a shallow plate or bowl, sometimes garnished with sliced green onions, shichimi pepper, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added aroma.
What occasions or celebrations feature udon stir‑fry in Japanese culture?
Udon stir‑fry is a popular weekday family dinner and is also served at casual gatherings, festivals, and after‑work meals because it is quick to prepare and satisfies a crowd.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Japanese udon stir‑fry versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include fresh udon noodles, soy sauce, mirin, dashi broth, and thinly sliced meat such as pork or chicken. Substitutes like oyster sauce, sesame oil, or mixed vegetables are modern adaptations that add flavor but are not required in classic recipes.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making chicken udon noodle stir‑fry at home?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, overcrowding the pan which steams instead of sears, and adding the sauce too early causing the noodles to become soggy. Follow the staged‑vegetable method and add sauce at the end for the best texture.
Why does this recipe use white pepper instead of extra black pepper?
White pepper provides a milder, more aromatic heat that blends smoothly with soy‑based sauces without leaving black specks, giving the dish a cleaner appearance and subtle spice.
Can I make this chicken udon noodle stir‑fry ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the cooked noodles in an airtight container with a drizzle of oil. Reheat everything together in a hot wok for a few minutes before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin specialize in?
The YouTube channel Brooke Ervin focuses on fast, family‑friendly meals that make use of pantry staples and leftover ingredients, often featuring simple weeknight recipes with a casual, relatable cooking style.
How does the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin's approach to Japanese‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Brooke Ervin emphasizes speed and flexibility, encouraging viewers to substitute any vegetables on hand, whereas many other channels stick to strict ingredient lists. Her relaxed narration and real‑time cooking make the recipes feel achievable for busy home cooks.
What other Japanese‑inspired recipes is the YouTube channel Brooke Ervin known for?
Brooke Ervin has popular videos on quick teriyaki salmon, miso‑glazed tofu bowls, and simple ramen hacks, all showcasing her focus on easy, flavorful Asian‑style dishes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






