Yaki Udon is a beloved Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with thick, chewy udon noodles and savoury sauce. Quick, versatile, and packed with umami, it's a favorite among street food lovers and home cooks alike.

What Is Yaki Udon?

Yaki Udon (焼きうどん) literally translates to “fried udon.” It's a dish that originated in post-war Japan when ingredients were scarce, and cooks began stir-frying thick udon noodles with whatever vegetables and protein they had on hand. Today, Yaki Udon remains a staple in Japanese cuisine, celebrated for its adaptability and deep flavour.

Unlike noodle soups, this dish is dry-fried and typically tossed with soy-based sauces, meat or seafood, and crunchy vegetables.

Yakiudon Recipe by Hiroko Liston
One day, my daughter asked me what the difference between ‘Yakisoba’ and ‘Yakiudon’ was. ‘Yakisoba’ is a dish of stir-fried noodles flavoured with Yakisoba sauce, which tastes like mix of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. ‘Yakiudon’ is obviously stir-fried udon noodles and originally seasoned with…

Yaki Udon vs Yakisoba: What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably come across both Yaki Udon and Yakisoba on Japanese menus — but how do they differ?

Noodles:

  • Yaki Udon uses thick, chewy udon noodles, made from wheat flour.
  • Yakisoba uses thinner, more elastic noodles made from wheat and sometimes with a touch of kansui (alkaline water), similar to Chinese-style noodles.

Texture & Taste:

  • Udon offers a soft, slightly chewy texture.
  • Yakisoba tends to be firmer and often more heavily sauced with tangy, Worcestershire-style yakisoba sauce.

Flavour Profiles:

  • Yaki Udon is usually soy-based and lighter in sauce.
  • Yakisoba leans into a sweet-sour-savory balance.

So, when choosing between yaki udon or soba, think about your preference in noodle texture and sauce style.

Japanese Pork Yakisoba (豚肉焼きそばの作り方) Recipe by Julie - Mrs. Lin’s Kitchen
Yakisoba is popular Japanese street food and often found at festivals or outdoor food stalls. Yakisoba is literally translated as grilled noodle. Most of the ingredients are available in any supermarket. It is also easy to whip it up so it’s a perfect dish to have during the weeknight. Different typ…
Delicious Butter Flavored Yaki Udon With Sauce Recipe by ねっちゃんっ
Just a little butter makes this yaki udon so delicious! It’s more creamy than rich, with a savory sauce flavor. Perfect for lunch! The story behind this recipe: I always make yaki udon with sauce at home, and on a whim, I added margarine. It turned out delicious! Butter soy sauce is great, but butte…

Yaki udon is highly customizable—just swap out your proteins or vegetables based on your taste or fridge contents. Here are a few tasty ideas:

Chicken Yaki Udon

Tender strips of chicken breast or thigh stir-fried with cabbage, scallions, and carrots. A comforting, protein-packed favorite.

Yaki Udon Recipe by M.A.DFoodie
Yaki udon brings back my childhood memories! When I was 5 years old, mum would take my sisters and I to Piano lessons. After our lesson, she would take us to an indoor play area and right beside there was a tiny food stall where they freshly cooked the the most delicious Yakisoba! This lockdown has …

Beef Yaki Udon

Thinly sliced beef (like ribeye or flank) pairs beautifully with onions, bell peppers, and a touch of garlic. Add a splash of sesame oil for extra depth.

Beef Yaki Udon 🍻 Recipe by Erica
Udon Stir Fry in just 15 minutes ! I always make it when I have no idea what to go best with beer. #oxfordstudents

Seafood Yaki Udon

Shrimp, squid, or scallops make great additions. Toss with bok choy or bean sprouts for a light but flavorful dish.

Naniwa Style Sauce Yakisoba Or Yaki Udon Recipe by *ai*
【Thank you for 100 reports】 In the competitive okonomiyaki district of Naniwa, people are picky about their sauce noodles (lol). This is my yakisoba and yaki udon recipe. The origin of this recipe: I was born and raised in Chuo Ward, Osaka, and of course, I love “okonomiyaki”, “yakisoba”, and “takoy…

Vegetable Yaki Udon

A great plant-based option. Mix mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, or whatever veggies you love. Make it a veggie yaki udon or add tofu for protein.

Veggie Yaki Udon Recipe by lilis.home
This is a simple, flavorful dish with thick noodles and fresh vegetables. The recipe is super versatile and I make it often by substituting with veggies I have on had or adding meat.

What’s in Yaki Udon Sauce?

The magic of yaki udon lies in its sauce. While there’s no single formula, a classic version might include:

  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Mirin or sugar
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic and ginger

Some versions use chili oil or even a splash of rice vinegar for heat and brightness. You can keep it classic or create your own yaki udon sauce mix depending on your flavor preferences.

☆Yaki Udon☆ Recipe by ☆栄養士のれしぴ☆
★★★ Hall of Fame Recipe ★★★ 4,800 reviews Simple yaki udon with a savory soy sauce flavor♪ It’s easy because you mix the seasonings in advance♪ The origin of this recipe Simple yaki udon

Cooking Tips for Perfect Yaki Udon

  • Use pre-cooked or fresh udon noodles for ease. If using frozen, just boil briefly to loosen.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan. Stir-fry ingredients in batches for better texture.
  • Finish with sesame seeds or scallions for extra crunch and flavour.
Mackerel ‘Chan Chan Yaki’ Udon Recipe by Hiroko Liston
‘Chan-Chan-Yaki’ is originally a fishermen’s dish from Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island. Salmon is used for the dish, but it is delicious with Mackerel. I have shared my ‘Mackerel Chan-Chan-Yaki Rice Bowl’ on this website. This is Udon Noodle version of the dish. I used Canned Mackerel. It’s anothe…

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Yaki Udon healthy?
    It can be! When loaded with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal.
  • Can I use soba noodles instead?
    You could, but it would no longer be yaki udon. The texture and flavour would change — and you’d be closer to making yakisoba.
  • Which is better — yaki soba or yaki udon?
    It’s a matter of taste. Prefer thicker, chewier noodles with a light soy sauce base? Go with yaki udon. Like tangy sauces and thinner noodles? Yakisoba is your go-to.
  • What is yaki udon?
    A Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with thick udon noodles, vegetables, and protein in a soy-based sauce.
  • Is yaki udon gluten-free?
    Traditional udon noodles contain wheat, so it’s not naturally gluten-free— unless you use gluten-free noodles and sauces.
  • Can I use any vegetables?
    Absolutely. Use what you have—cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers all work well.
Easy Soy Sauce Yaki Udon With Frozen Udon Recipe by strathisla
This is a fragrant soy sauce yaki udon. The origin of this recipe Frozen udon recipe

Yaki udon is the kind of dish that’s endlessly adaptable, deliciously satisfying, and ready in minutes. Whether you go with chicken yaki udon, load it up with shrimp, or make it a vegetable yaki udon, it’s all about balance, bold flavors, and that irresistible noodle chew.

Next time you're stuck with leftover veggies or want to try something new, toss it all into a hot pan and turn it into a steaming bowl of comfort—with yaki udon noodles as your base.

Find your favorite yaki udon recipes on Cookpad, or share your own version!

Explore Delicious Yaki Udon Recipes: A Taste of Japan
Create mouthwatering yaki udon with fresh veggies, tender chicken, or juicy beef. Discover these must-try recipes and enjoy Japanese flavors at home!