Dinner

Ginger Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe

ByJack Voss January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Introduction

Ginger chicken udon noodles combine tender chicken thighs with fragrant ginger, fresh vegetables, and chewy udon noodles for a quick and satisfying meal. This stir-fry is full of flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty yet simple to prepare.

A white bowl filled with thick, light brown noodles mixed with small chunks of cooked chicken and sprinkled with green herbs. On top, thin, soft, pink slices of pickled ginger form a small, delicate mound. Behind the bowl, there is a smaller white bowl holding more pink pickled ginger. To the right, there is a pair of brown wooden chopsticks resting on the white marbled surface next to a clear glass of water. The background also shows another white bowl with a similar noodle dish, all sitting on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tsp sunflower oil
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
¼ white cabbage, finely sliced
25g ginger, peeled and finely grated
1 red chilli (deseeded if preferred), finely chopped
1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce
2 tsp rice vinegar
2 tsp mirin
100g ready-to-eat beansprouts
3 spring onions, finely sliced
300g straight-to-wok udon noodles
Small handful of coriander, finely chopped
1 tbsp pickled ginger (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the sunflower oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken thighs and finely sliced cabbage. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
Step 2: Add the grated ginger and chopped red chilli to the pan. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
Step 3: Add the low-salt soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, beansprouts, spring onions, and udon noodles to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the noodles are heated through and tender.
Step 4: Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce, vinegar, or mirin according to your preference.
Step 5: Remove from heat and top with the finely chopped coriander and pickled ginger if using. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
If you like it spicy, keep the chilli seeds for more heat.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Pickled ginger adds a nice tang but can be omitted if unavailable.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the noodles tender.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of thick, light brown stir-fried noodles with a glossy texture, scattered with small pieces of cooked chicken that are golden brown with a slight sear. The middle layer consists of chopped fresh green herbs sprinkled evenly across the noodles and chicken. The top layer is made of soft, thinly sliced pink pickled ginger arranged like delicate petals in the center. The bowl is placed on a soft blue cloth over a white marbled textured surface. To the right, a pair of wooden chopsticks lie next to a clear glass of water. Behind the bowl, there is a smaller white bowl also containing pickled ginger. Another white bowl filled with the same noodles and chicken sits partly in view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?

Fresh ginger gives the best flavor and aroma, but you can use about 1 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute. The dish won’t have quite the same brightness, though.

What are straight-to-wok udon noodles?

Straight-to-wok udon noodles are pre-cooked, thick Japanese wheat noodles that can be added directly to stir-fries without prior boiling. They save time and have a soft, chewy texture.