If you don't have time but love NOODLES, give this recipe a try!

If you don't have time but love NOODLES, give this recipe a try! is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS on YouTube.

Prep: 4 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 15 min

Cost: $3.97 total, $1.99 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Vegetarian Oyster Sauce (store‑bought, vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted, for flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
  • 200 grams Mushrooms (sliced; button or cremini work well)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 200 grams Udon Noodles (fresh or pre‑cooked dried; if dried, cook according to package then drain)
  • 1 cup Thai Basil Leaves (packed, roughly chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Sauce

    In a small bowl whisk together the vegetarian oyster sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Prep Ingredients

    Slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and roughly chop the Thai basil leaves.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Cook Udon (if using dried)

    Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the dried udon noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 3‑4 minutes). Drain and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Boiling

  4. Sauté Mushrooms & Garlic

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add a drizzle of oil if needed, then add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Stir‑fry for 2‑3 minutes until mushrooms are lightly browned.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Add Udon and Sauce

    Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan, pour the prepared sauce over, and toss everything together for another 2‑3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  6. Finish with Thai Basil

    Turn the heat to high, add the chopped Thai basil leaves, and stir‑fry for about 1 minute until the basil wilts and releases its fragrance.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: High

  7. Plate and Serve

    Transfer the mushroom basil udon to serving bowls and enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
68 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with vegan oyster sauce

Allergens: Soy, Wheat, Sesame

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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If you don't have time but love NOODLES, give this recipe a try!

Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS

A quick 15‑minute vegetarian mushroom basil udon stir‑fry packed with umami sauce, fresh Thai basil, and chewy udon noodles. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.

EasyJapaneseServes 2

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

Source Video
4m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.97
Total cost
$1.99
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté mushrooms until lightly browned to develop umami.
  • Ensure the sauce fully coats the udon without making it soggy.
  • Add Thai basil on high heat for just 1 minute to preserve its aroma.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot pan and oil with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a splatter guard if oil pops while sautéing mushrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of mushroom basil udon in Japanese cuisine?

A

Udon is a staple wheat noodle in Japan, traditionally served in hot broth. Modern stir‑fry versions like mushroom basil udon blend Japanese noodles with Southeast Asian aromatics such as Thai basil, reflecting the fusion trends in contemporary Japanese home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of udon dishes in Japan?

A

In Kansai, udon is often served in a light soy‑based broth with scallions, while in Kagawa (Sanuki) the noodles are chewier and paired with a simple dipping sauce. Stir‑fried versions with vegetables and herbs, like this mushroom basil udon, are more recent adaptations.

cultural
Q

How is mushroom basil udon traditionally served in Japan?

A

When served at home, the stir‑fried udon is plated hot in a shallow bowl, sometimes garnished with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil. It is eaten immediately to enjoy the fresh aroma of Thai basil.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is mushroom basil udon associated with in Japanese culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, quick noodle stir‑fries like mushroom basil udon are popular for weekday family meals and late‑night dinners because they can be prepared in under 15 minutes.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with mushroom basil udon?

A

A light miso soup, a simple cucumber sunomono salad, or a side of pickled ginger (gari) complement the rich umami of the mushroom basil udon and balance the meal.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for mushroom basil udon versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional stir‑fry udon uses soy sauce, mirin, and Japanese mushrooms like shiitake. This recipe swaps mirin for a touch of sugar and uses Thai basil for a fragrant twist; substitutes include mushroom soy sauce for oyster sauce and sweet basil if Thai basil is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making mushroom basil udon?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than browns the mushrooms, and adding the basil too early, which can make it turn bitter. Also, over‑cooking the udon makes it mushy; keep the final stir‑fry short.

technical
Q

Why does this mushroom basil udon recipe use vegetarian oyster sauce instead of regular oyster sauce?

A

Vegetarian oyster sauce provides the same deep umami flavor without using shellfish, keeping the dish suitable for vegetarians and those who avoid animal products while still delivering a rich, savory base.

technical
Q

Can I make mushroom basil udon ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prep the sauce, slice mushrooms, and cook the udon ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then re‑heat and finish with fresh basil just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making mushroom basil udon?

A

The mushrooms should be lightly browned, the udon noodles glossy and slightly coated with sauce, and the basil should be wilted but still bright green. The dish should look moist, not soggy, with a glossy sheen from the sauce.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS focuses on fast, approachable Asian‑inspired home cooking, offering quick recipes that use everyday ingredients and minimal equipment for busy home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS' approach to Japanese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

TIFFYCOOKS emphasizes speed and simplicity, often adapting traditional Japanese dishes into 15‑minute meals with modern twists like Thai basil, whereas many other channels may focus on authentic, time‑intensive preparations.

channel

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