Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon

Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon is a quick and flavor-packed noodle dish loaded with thick, chewy udon noodles, crisp-tender vegetables, and a bold black pepper sauce. It’s savory, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor in under 30 minutes. This dish is a fusion of comfort and heat, with umami depth and irresistible texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Thick, chewy udon noodles soak up the savory, peppery sauce
• Customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins
• Naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan
• Better than takeout with simple pantry ingredients

ingredients

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

For the sauce:

• Soy sauce or tamari
• Dark soy sauce (for richness)
• Oyster sauce or mushroom oyster sauce (for vegan option)
• Brown sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper (coarsely cracked)
• Water or low-sodium broth
• Cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

For the stir-fry:

• Udon noodles (fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable)
• Oil (neutral or sesame)
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Bell pepper, sliced
• Carrot, julienned
• Green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Optional add-ins: mushrooms, bok choy, snap peas, tofu, or your choice of protein

directions

this recipe

1. Cook the noodles: Prepare udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and water. Add cornstarch if using for a thicker sauce. Set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add vegetables: Add bell pepper, carrots, and any other veggies. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
5. Add noodles and sauce: Add cooked udon noodles to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together, cooking for 2–3 minutes until heated through and evenly coated.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with more black pepper or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 2–3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add chili oil, Sriracha, or fresh chili with the garlic.
• Add protein: Toss in tofu, tempeh, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef or chicken.
• Use other noodles: Substitute with lo mein, soba, or even spaghetti.
• Add egg: Stir in a scrambled egg for extra richness.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari and rice noodles or GF udon.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles.
Freezing is not recommended due to the noodles’ texture.

FAQs

Can I use dried udon noodles?

Yes—just cook according to package instructions and rinse well to remove excess starch.

Is this dish very spicy?

It’s more peppery than spicy. Adjust the amount of black pepper or add chili to suit your taste.

What’s the best soy sauce to use?

A combo of regular and dark soy sauce gives depth and color. If using only one, regular soy sauce works fine.

Can I skip the oyster sauce?

You can substitute with mushroom oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Rinse cooked noodles with cold water and toss in a little oil if not using immediately.

Can I add meat?

Yes! Thinly sliced beef, chicken, or shrimp can be stir-fried before the veggies and added back in.

What vegetables work best?

Bell peppers, carrots, onions, mushrooms, snap peas, and leafy greens are all great.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container.

How can I make this oil-free?

Use a non-stick skillet and a splash of water or broth to sauté the veggies.

Is this similar to yaki udon?

Yes! This dish is a variation with a bolder black pepper kick, inspired by yaki udon’s stir-fried noodle style.

Conclusion

Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon is a fast, flavorful, and highly customizable noodle dish that brings bold heat and comfort to your plate. With its perfect balance of chewy noodles, crisp veggies, and peppery sauce, it’s the kind of easy weeknight meal that feels anything but basic. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular dinner rotation.

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