Craving something warm, comforting and packed with flavour? Udon noodles are a great base for quick and satisfying Asian-inspired meals.
Below are three easy udon noodle recipes that are perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners. From a spicy stir-fry to a creamy miso soup and garlic butter udon with prawns, there’s something for every craving.
Let’s get cooking!
Spicy Stir-Fried Udon Noodles

A quick and savoury stir-fry featuring chewy udon noodles, fresh vegetables and a kick of chilli. It’s an easy option for a flavourful weeknight dinner.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
-
200g fresh udon noodles
-
150g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
-
100g red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 small carrot, julienned (about 80g)
-
1 spring onion, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced (10g)
-
2 tbsp soy sauce (30ml)
-
1 tbsp chilli paste (15ml)
-
1 tbsp sesame oil (15ml)
-
1 tsp sugar (5g)
-
1 tsp sesame seeds (5g)
-
Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Cook the udon noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add the mushrooms, bell pepper and carrot. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
-
Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, chilli paste and sugar. Toss well to combine.
-
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
-
Garnish with spring onions, sesame seeds and fresh coriander before serving.
Creamy Miso Udon Soup

A comforting bowl of creamy miso soup with thick udon noodles, tofu and vegetables. This warming noodle soup is ideal for a chilly evening.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
-
400g fresh udon noodles
-
1 litre vegetable broth
-
100g firm tofu, cubed
-
80g baby spinach
-
2 tbsp white miso paste (30g)
-
1 tbsp soy sauce (15ml)
-
1 tbsp mirin (15ml)
-
1 tsp grated ginger (5g)
-
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
-
1 tbsp sesame oil (15ml)
-
50g fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
-
1 small carrot, thinly sliced (about 70g)
Instructions:
-
Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ginger and sauté for about 1 minute.
-
Add the mushrooms and carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
-
Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce and mirin. Bring to a gentle boil.
-
Stir in the miso paste until completely dissolved. Add the tofu and simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Meanwhile, cook the udon noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Add the baby spinach to the broth and cook until wilted.
-
Divide the cooked noodles between bowls and ladle the hot soup over them.
-
Garnish with sliced spring onions and serve hot.
Garlic Butter Udon Noodles with Prawns

This flavourful fusion dish combines chewy udon noodles with a rich garlic butter sauce and succulent prawns. It’s quick to prepare and works well as an easy dinner.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
-
250g fresh udon noodles
-
200g prawns, peeled and deveined
-
3 cloves garlic, minced (15g)
-
2 tbsp unsalted butter (30g)
-
1 tbsp soy sauce (15ml)
-
1 tbsp oyster sauce (15ml)
-
1 tsp sugar (5g)
-
1 tbsp vegetable oil (15ml)
-
1 tbsp chopped parsley (10g)
-
1 lemon wedge, for garnish
-
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
-
Cook the udon noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through.
-
Remove the prawns from the pan and set aside.
-
Melt the butter in the same pan. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar. Stir well to combine.
-
Add the cooked noodles and prawns to the pan. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
-
Garnish with chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon and black pepper before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes udon noodles special?
A: Udon noodles are thick, soft and chewy, making them ideal for absorbing the flavours of broths and sauces. They can be used in a wide range of hot and cold dishes.
Q: How should I store udon noodles?
A: Fresh udon noodles should be refrigerated and used according to the instructions on the packaging. Dried udon noodles can generally be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.
Q: Can I use udon noodles in cold dishes?
A: Yes. Udon noodles can be served hot or cold and work well in chilled noodle dishes and salads.
Q: Where can I buy udon noodles in Ireland?
A: Udon noodles are available from Asia Market online and in store in Dublin, making it easy to enjoy these versatile Japanese noodles at home.
