In search of some tasty sauces for udon noodles? Here’s 15+ delicious recipes! From creamy sauces, to spicy sauces, tangy sauces and more…
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Udon noodles, a staple of Japanese cuisine, are thick and chewy wheat noodles that have gained popularity worldwide.
They offer endless culinary possibilities when paired with different sauces.
From traditional Japanese flavors to international twists, you can explore a wide range of taste sensations.
Whether you prefer a spicy kick, a tangy zest, or a comforting glaze, there’s a udon noodle sauce for every palate.
So, get creative in the kitchen, experiment with these sauces, and enjoy the slurpy world of udon noodles!
The BEST Sauces for Udon Noodles
Yaki Udon
Yaki Udon: Make this Japanese-inspired yaki udon recipe for easy weeknight dinners! Bouncy udon noodles, a variety of stir fried vegetables, and your favorite ground meat are tossed in a homemade stir fry sauce to give you a hassle-free and satisfying meal in only 20 minutes.
Peanut Sauce: Indulge in the creamy and nutty goodness of peanut sauce. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a dash of chili flakes for a Thai-inspired sauce that pairs beautifully with udon noodles.
Stir Fry Sauce: Elevate your udon noodles with a simple homemade Stir Fry Sauce. It’s a 5-minute sauce made from pantry-staple ingredients, like soy sauce, broth, garlic, and ginger.
This homemade Chili Crisp Recipe is ready in 15 minutes and adds a bold pop of flavor to noodles, dumplings, scrambled eggs, and more. It’s the ultimate spicy, tangy, and crunchy condiment to keep in your fridge!
Oyster Sauce: Bring a touch of umami to your udon noodles with oyster sauce. Combine it with soy sauce, sugar, and a splash of rice wine for a savory and slightly sweet sauce that complements the noodles perfectly.
Curry Sauce: Take a break from traditional flavors and try udon noodles with a curry sauce. Prepare a rich curry base with spices, coconut milk, and a variety of vegetables, then pour it over the noodles for a hearty and aromatic dish.
Soy-based Sauce: A classic choice, soy-based sauces like shoyu or tamari add a savory and slightly sweet flavor to udon noodles. Combine it with sliced scallions and grated ginger for an authentic touch.
Ginger Miso Udon Noodles with Five-Spice Tofu (Vegan)
Miso Sauce: Miso, a fermented soybean paste, brings a rich umami flavor to udon noodles. Mix it with a little dashi (Japanese soup stock) and mirin (sweet rice wine) for a flavorful miso-based sauce.
Ponzu Sauce: Ponzu, a tangy citrus-based sauce made from soy sauce and citrus juice, adds a refreshing and zesty taste to udon noodles. Sprinkle some grated daikon radish and garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness.
Sesame Sauce: Indulge in the nutty aroma of sesame with a sesame-based sauce for udon noodles. Blend roasted sesame seeds with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar to create a creamy and flavorful dressing.
Spicy Chili Sauce: For those who enjoy a fiery kick, a spicy chili sauce like gochujang or sriracha can liven up udon noodles. Adjust the spiciness to your preference and balance it with a hint of sweetness from honey or sugar.
Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce, a popular Japanese condiment, provides a sweet and savory glaze to udon noodles. Simmer soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger together to create a thick and glossy sauce that coats the noodles.
Ginger Scallion Sauce: Harness the flavors of ginger and scallions to create a simple yet delicious sauce for udon noodles. Sauté grated ginger and chopped scallions in sesame oil, then drizzle it over the noodles for an aromatic delight.
Black Bean Sauce: Embrace the bold and robust flavors of black bean sauce. Sauté minced garlic, ginger, and fermented black beans, then add soy sauce and a bit of sugar for a savory and aromatic sauce.
Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin Chicken Udon Noodles – a delicious plate of sweet yet a bit spicy plate of steaming hot noodles with chicken and mushrooms, in under 30 minutes.
Boil a pot of water and add the udon noodles. Follow the instructions on the package for the cooking time, as it can vary based on the thickness of the noodles.
Stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. Cook until they reach your desired level of tenderness. Be careful not to overcook them, as udon noodles are best when slightly chewy.
Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them with cold water to remove excess starch and cool them down.
If you’re planning to use the noodles in a hot dish, such as soup, transfer them directly to the hot broth to warm them up before serving.
For cold dishes or salads, toss the cooled noodles with a little sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Udon Noodle FAQs
Are udon noodles gluten-free?
No, udon noodles are typically made from wheat flour, so they contain gluten. However, you can find gluten-free alternatives made from rice flour or other grains.
Can I substitute udon noodles with other types of noodles?
While udon noodles have a unique texture, you can substitute them with soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti or bucatini (thick spaghetti) if needed. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ from the original dish.
How to Make Ahead & Store
Many of these sauce recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead.
Did you Make Any of These Sauces for Udon Noodles?
Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of udon noodle sauces. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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Full Recipe
15+ Sauces for Udon Noodles (So Good!)
In search of some tasty sauces for udon noodles? Here’s 15+ delicious recipes! From creamy sauces, to spicy sauces, tangy sauces and more… Try this 15-minute cold Peanut Noodle Salad. Featuring udon noodles and a Thai-style creamy peanut sauce with crunchy red cabbage and quick-pickled cucumbers.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic and salt. Add the cucumber slices and toss to combine. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the noodles. Note: These can be prepared up to 2 days ahead.
Noodles:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Cook noodles in boiling water for about 3 minutes, until al dente.
Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, honey, vegetable oil and ¼ cup water in a large bowl. Whisk until combined.
Drain noodles and rinse with cold water to cool them down. Add the noodles and cabbage to the bowl with the sauce and toss to combine. Serve garnished with pickled cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds and additional hot chili oil, if desired.
Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥
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