Source: Jacek Chabraszewski, AdobeStockUdon is one of the most popular types of Asian noodles. It's made from wheat flour, similar to what we're used to, but the process is a bit different. Traditionally, udon noodles are quite thick, which is their main visual distinction. They are added to various dishes, including those prepared with beef and other ingredients. Here are 8 of the best recipes!
1. Udon with Beef and Bell Pepper
Source: AdobeStockThe finished noodles are traditionally sprinkled with sesame seeds or chopped herbs.
You will need: 200g udon noodles, 200g beef, 2 bell peppers, 1 red onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp soy sauce, spices.
Preparation: Cook udon according to package instructions. Slice the beef into strips and fry for 5-7 minutes. Add thinly sliced vegetables with garlic and fry for another 5 minutes, stirring. Pour in the soy sauce, add the noodles, and season. Mix well and cook the udon for another 2 minutes.
2. Udon with Beef in Teriyaki Sauce
Source: AdobeStockA little teriyaki sauce adds a more piquant, sweet note to the udon.
You will need: 100g udon noodles, 200g beef, 1 bell pepper, 1 carrot, 1 handful green beans, 1/2 red onion, 1 clove garlic, 20ml soy sauce, 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce.
Preparation: Slice the meat into strips and the vegetables into julienne. Cook udon according to package instructions. Fry the beef for 5-7 minutes over high heat, stirring. Pour in one-third of the soy sauce and one-third of the teriyaki, and stir again. Add the vegetables and continue frying until browned. Then pour in the remaining soy sauce and teriyaki, add garlic, add the udon, mix everything together and cook for another 3 minutes.
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3. Udon with Beef, Mushrooms, and Broccoli
Source: AdobeStockNot only delicious, but also quite healthy!
You will need: 100g udon noodles, 150g beef, 100g broccoli, 100g mushrooms, 80g carrots, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 30ml soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, spices.
Preparation: Mix soy and oyster sauces, ginger, garlic, sugar, and spices. You can add a little sesame oil for aroma. Cook udon according to package instructions until done. Slice the beef into strips, carrots into julienne, mushrooms into slices, and break broccoli into small florets.
Fry the beef with spices until cooked, and separately fry the vegetables with mushrooms. Combine everything in one pan, add the noodles, and pour in the sauce. Fry the udon for another 3 minutes, stirring.
4. Udon with Beef and Napa Cabbage
Source: AdobeStockNapa cabbage is a popular ingredient in many Chinese recipes.
You will need: 200g udon noodles, 400g beef, 300g Napa cabbage, 2 carrots, 200g mushrooms, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 30ml soy sauce, spices.
Preparation: Cook udon according to package instructions. Thinly slice and fry the beef until cooked. Separately chop the vegetables and mushrooms. Fry the onion with mushrooms until soft, add carrots and pour in soy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add Napa cabbage and simmer everything together until the cabbage is soft. Combine all ingredients and heat the udon for another 2 minutes.
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5. Udon with Beef and Eggplant
Source: AdobeStockEggplant, with its distinctive flavor, harmoniously complements the noodles.
You will need: 200g udon, 300g beef, 1-2 eggplants, 1 bell pepper, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 25ml soy sauce, spices.
Preparation: Thinly slice the vegetables and beef, cook udon according to package instructions. Fry the meat over high heat and set aside. Separately fry the eggplants and separately – the other vegetables. Combine all vegetables with beef, pour in soy sauce and simmer for 1 minute. Add garlic and spices, mix and add udon. Heat everything for another 1 minute.
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6. Udon with Beef and Cucumber
Source: AdobeStockAdding fresh cucumber to noodles is not common for us, but it is common in Asian cuisine.
You will need: 200g udon noodles, 500g beef, 2 bell peppers, 2 cucumbers, 2 carrots, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp soy sauce, ginger, spices.
Preparation: Slice the vegetables into julienne or grate them on a Korean grater. Cook udon according to package instructions. Slice the beef into strips and fry over high heat until cooked. Pour in soy sauce, season, heat for another 1 minute, and add all vegetables with garlic and ginger. Cook for 3 minutes over high heat, stirring. Mix the noodles with meat and vegetables, and remove the dish from heat.
7. Udon with Beef and Zucchini
Source: AdobeStockInstead of zucchini, you can also use yellow or green courgettes.
You will need: 200g udon noodles, 400g beef, 2 zucchini, 2 bell peppers, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 2-3 tbsp soy sauce, spices, sesame oil, sesame seeds.
Preparation: Thinly slice, season, and fry the beef over high heat until cooked. Cook udon according to instructions. Thinly slice all vegetables. Add the onion to the meat and fry for 7-8 minutes, then add bell pepper with zucchini. After another 5 minutes, add the noodles, pour in soy sauce, season, sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds, drizzle with sesame oil, mix and cook for another 2 minutes.
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8. Udon with Beef and Green Beans
Source: AdobeStockThe extra highlight of this recipe is the thick, sweet sauce.
You will need: 200g udon noodles, 250g beef, 1 bell pepper, 100g green beans, 1 clove garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 80ml water, 50ml soy sauce, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 0.5 tsp rice vinegar, 30g brown sugar, 0.25 tsp baking soda, 0.5 tsp white sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, green onions.
Preparation: Slice the beef into strips. Mix a tablespoon of soy sauce, baking soda, half of the cornstarch, regular sugar, half of the oil, and rice vinegar. Marinate the meat in this mixture for half an hour. Cook udon according to package instructions. Fry the sliced bell pepper with green beans in the remaining oil, set aside, and separately fry the meat until cooked.
Mix the remaining soy sauce, water, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ginger. Pour this sauce over the beef and cook for another 1 minute. Then add the udon and vegetables, mix and cook for another 1 minute. Sprinkle the finished udon with chopped green onions.