Name: Spicy Udon Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 package Udon noodles (thick ones, about ½ pound); 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 green onions (thinly sliced); 2 red chilis (thinly sliced); 1 cup green beans (sliced); 1 carrot (thinly sliced); ¼ cup toasted peanuts (chopped); Sesame seeds; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup hoisin or Oyster sauce; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tablespoons ginger (minced); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that packs heat, crunch, and irresistible chewiness all in one bowl, Spicy Udon Noodles are about to become your new obsession. Thick, silky udon noodles tangle with crisp veggies, nutty toasted peanuts, and a glossy, punchy sauce that hits every note—savory, spicy, and just a whisper of sweetness. Whether you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner or impress a few spice-loving friends, this is the flavor bomb that delivers comfort and excitement all at once. Dive in, and get ready for noodly happiness!

Spicy Udon Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Spicy Udon Noodles is how each ingredient brings something essential—bold spice, velvety smoothness, and vibrant color. Don’t be intimidated by the list; every component plays its part to make each bite unforgettable.

Udon noodles: Choose thick, chewy noodles—the authentic backbone of this dish that soaks up all that spicy sauce.
Sesame oil: This nutty oil adds deep flavor and a glossy finish to the noodles.
Green onions: These bring freshness and a gentle bite to every forkful.
Red chilis: They offer dramatic heat and vibrant red flecks throughout your bowl.
Green beans: Crisp-tender green beans add necessary crunch and a pop of color.
Carrot: Thinly sliced for texture and earthy sweetness that balances the heat.
Toasted peanuts: Chop them up for a salty, irresistible crunch mingling with every noodle.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle these on at the end for a satisfying finish and visual flair.
Soy sauce: Delivers deep umami, so every noodle is satisfyingly savory.
Water: Loosens the sauce just enough so it clings to each strand.
Hoisin or Oyster sauce: Choose your favorite—each adds rich depth, but hoisin brings sweetness while oyster gives savoriness.
Garlic: Mince it fresh for a bold, aromatic base note.
Ginger: Minced ginger gives the sauce a warm, zippy backbone.
Sugar: Just a little to balance the fieriness and round out all the flavors.
Cornstarch: Helps the sauce glisten and cling beautifully to the udon.

How to Make Spicy Udon Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Udon Noodles

Start by making the udon noodles according to the instructions on the package—usually just a few minutes in boiling water. Once they’re plump and chewy, quickly drain and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the noodles from getting mushy, ensuring every strand is just right for your Spicy Udon Noodles.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, hoisin (or oyster) sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is where all the flavor comes together—the spicy, sweet, and umami notes that will coat your noodles in sheer joy.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies and Peanuts

Heat your wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat, then drizzle in the sesame oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the green onions, red chilis, toasted peanuts, green beans, and carrot. Stir-fry for about five minutes. The veggies should still have a vibrant crunch and color, while the peanuts release their fragrance and start turning just a bit golden.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add your reserved noodles and the prepared sauce right into the wok with the veggies. Toss everything vigorously, making sure the Spicy Udon Noodles are fully coated in that amazing sauce. As the sauce starts to bubble and thicken, it wraps each noodle and veggie with spicy, glossy goodness. This only takes about five minutes, so keep moving those noodles for even coating.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your noodles to a big bowl or serve straight from the pan. Sprinkle liberally with sesame seeds for extra texture and eye appeal. Each bite will be a joyful mix of heat, crunch, and savory depth, all thanks to your perfectly crafted Spicy Udon Noodles.

How to Serve Spicy Udon Noodles

Garnishes

Generous garnishes make Spicy Udon Noodles sing! After plating, top your noodles with extra sliced green onions, a handful of fresh cilantro, or even more chopped toasted peanuts for a fabulous crunch. A drizzle of chili oil or a scatter of crispy fried shallots brings a chef’s touch to your homemade bowl.

Side Dishes

Pair these noodles with simple sides that complement their bold flavors. Steamed bok choy, a crisp cucumber salad, or a light miso soup cools the spice a bit and rounds out your meal. For protein, try serving with pan-seared tofu, grilled shrimp, or a soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness and satisfaction.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with the presentation! Serve Spicy Udon Noodles in deep bowls with nested chopsticks, or pile them into a sizzling cast-iron skillet for dramatic flair at the table. For parties, divide into small cups and top each with unique garnishes, letting guests choose their favorites for a noodle bar twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Spicy Udon Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld and intensify overnight, so they’ll taste even more robust the next day. If you can, store noodles and any extra sauce separately to prevent them from getting too soft.

Freezing

While these noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked Spicy Udon Noodles for up to a month. Divide into single portions to make reheating easier. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating, though be aware the texture of the noodles may soften a bit after freezing.

Reheating

To revive your leftover noodles, splash a tablespoon of water into the container and microwave gently, stirring halfway through for even heat. Alternatively, toss them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a touch more sauce or water to loosen them up and restore their saucy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle for Spicy Udon Noodles?

Absolutely! While thick udon noodles give the signature chewy bite, you can substitute with thick rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the cook time—whatever noodle you choose, aim for that toothsome texture.

How spicy are Spicy Udon Noodles?

It really depends on how many red chilis you use. For milder heat, use just one chili and remove the seeds. Want to turn up the fire? Add an extra chili or a dash of chili oil at the end—this recipe is endlessly customizable to your taste.

Is this dish vegetarian?

If you opt for hoisin over oyster sauce and check that your noodles are egg-free, Spicy Udon Noodles can be completely vegetarian. Just double-check your sauces and toss in some crispy tofu for protein to make it a hearty meal.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix up the sauce ingredients a day or two in advance and keep them in a sealed jar in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using, and you’ve shaved precious minutes off your dinner prep.

What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?

Swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari, use gluten-free udon or rice noodles, and make sure your hoisin or oyster sauce is also labeled gluten-free. With these tweaks, everyone can dig into the joy of Spicy Udon Noodles.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Udon Noodles are one of those recipes that never gets old—every slurp is satisfying and full of playful heat. If you’re ready for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, grab those noodles and get cooking. I can’t wait for you to experience the magic for yourself!

Spicy Udon Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Spicy Udon Noodles are a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines thick Udon noodles with a spicy, savory sauce and crunchy vegetables.

Instructions

Prepare the Noodles: Cook the Udon noodles according to package directions and set aside in cold water.
Make the Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add green onions, red chilis, peanuts, green beans, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
Cook Noodles: Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the wok. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.