The aroma of stir-fried noodles fills the air! Now, if you’re anything like me, you might be thinking of what to serve with black pepper stir-fried udon.
1teaspoontoasted sesame oil: Adds nuttiness and depth without being overpowering.
2tablespoonssavory oyster sauce: This brings a lovely umami flavor to the dish.
1½tablespoonspacked brown sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile.
½teaspoonfreshly grated ginger: This brightens up the sauce with a subtle kick.
3tablespoonsrich dark soy sauce: If you can’t find dark soy saucecheck the FAQs for alternatives.
Udon Stir-Fry Base
Two 7-ounce packages of pre-cooked thick udon noodles: These are the chewy kind we want.
A small amount of neutral high-heat oil: Options include canola or avocado oil.
2cupsof mixed stir-fry vegetables: You can use a frozen blend or your fresh favorites!
Finishing Touches
A generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper: This is what gives the dish its name and flavor punch!
1–2 cloves of minced fresh garlic: Because who doesn’t love garlic?
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop any fresh vegetables you’re using and set them aside. If you're using frozen vegetables, there's no need to thaw them; we’ll cook them directly from frozen.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, brown sugar, freshly grated ginger, and dark soy sauce. Whisk until fully combined. This sauce is the magic behind your black pepper stir-fried udon and really amps up the flavor.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add a splash of your neutral oil. You want it hot enough that when you add ingredients, they sizzle immediately but not so hot that they burn.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add your mixed vegetables to the skillet. If using frozen, stir-fry for about five to seven minutes until they're heated through and just starting to get tender. Fresh veggies may require slightly less time. The goal is to maintain some crunch.
Step 5: Add the Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and stir it around with the vegetables for about a minute. Don’t let it brown too much; we want that fresh garlic flavor to shine.
Step 6: Add the Noodles and Sauce
Add the udon noodles into the skillet, followed by your prepared sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are well-coated. You may need to use tongs to separate the noodles a bit.
Step 7: Finish with Black Pepper
Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper onto the mixture. Don’t be shy! Mix everything well until combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a pinch more sugar or soy sauce.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once everything is warmed through and mixed perfectly, it's time to plate your creation. Get ready for the best bite!
Notes
Use high-quality soy sauce: The taste difference can be remarkable.
Don't overcrowd the pan: This allows the ingredients to fry rather than steam.
Experiment with vegetables: Try incorporating bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for color and crunch.
Adjust the black pepper: If you're a spice lover, go heavy on the black pepper.
Garnish wisely: Green onions or sesame seeds can add a delightful finish.