Are you ready for a quick and tasty meal? This Spicy Garlic Udon Stir-Fry takes only 15 minutes to whip up! Packed with fresh veggies and zesty flavors, it’s a perfect dish for any night. I’ll guide you through each simple step, from prepping the ingredients to adding just the right kick of spice. Let’s turn up the heat in your kitchen and get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 200g udon noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Udon noodles are the star of this dish. They are thick, chewy, and soak up flavors. You can find them in most stores, either fresh or dried. Vegetable oil is great for cooking at high heat. It lets the garlic and ginger shine without burning. Speaking of garlic and ginger, they add a punchy flavor. Minced garlic brings warmth, while grated ginger adds a fresh kick.
Vegetables
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 carrot, julienned
– 1 cup snap peas
I love using colorful veggies in my stir-fry. The red bell pepper adds sweetness. Broccoli florets give a nice crunch and bright green color. Carrots add a bit of sweetness, and snap peas offer crispness. Together, they create a vibrant, tasty mix.
Seasonings
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Soy sauce is a must for savory depth. It balances the sweetness of the veggies. Chili paste adds heat and can be adjusted to your taste. If you like it spicy, add more. Sesame oil rounds out the flavor with its nutty notes. It’s a finishing touch that elevates the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Udon Noodles
First, bring a pot of water to a rapid boil. This is key for cooking udon noodles. Add 200g of udon noodles to the boiling water. Cook them for 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Prepare the Wok
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. This heat level is important for a good stir-fry. It helps cook the food quickly and evenly.
Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Once the oil is hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Stir them quickly for about 30 seconds. You want to release their fragrant oils without burning. Then, toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup of broccoli florets, 1 julienned carrot, and 1 cup of snap peas. Stir-fry these veggies for 3 to 4 minutes. They should be tender but still bright and crisp.
Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the cooked udon noodles back to the wok. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of chili paste, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until well mixed. If you want more heat, add a bit more chili paste.
Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the stir-fry from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nice touch. Serve the stir-fry in a big bowl or on individual plates. Drizzle some extra sesame oil on top for added flavor. Enjoy your Spicy Garlic Udon Stir-Fry!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Stir-Fry Technique
– High heat importance: Always use high heat when stir-frying. This helps cook the food fast and keeps flavors bright. It also gives veggies a nice crunch.
– Keeping veggies vibrant: Stir-fry vegetables quickly. This keeps their color and nutrients. Look for bright greens and vivid reds.
Adjusting Spice Levels
– Recommendations for chili paste: Start with one tablespoon of chili paste. If you love heat, add more. Test the flavor as you go.
– Alternatives for milder taste: If spice is not your thing, try using less chili paste. You can swap it for sweet chili sauce for a milder kick.
Time-Saving Suggestions
– Pre-chopping ingredients: Chop your veggies before you start cooking. This saves time and makes cooking smooth. You can use a food processor to speed up this task.
– Using pre-cooked noodles: For an even faster meal, use pre-cooked or frozen udon noodles. Just heat them briefly before adding them to the stir-fry.
Variations
Protein Additions
You can boost your dish with protein. Try adding chicken, tofu, or shrimp. For chicken, slice it thin and cook it before the garlic. If you choose shrimp, add them after the garlic. Tofu works great too! Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and pan-fry until golden.
Vegetarian Options
Change up the vegetables to fit the season. In spring, add asparagus or snap peas. In fall, use mushrooms or squash. You can also mix in leafy greens like spinach or kale. The key is to keep it colorful and fresh!
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free dish, look for gluten-free udon noodles. You can also use rice noodles as an alternative. They cook fast and soak up the sauce well. Just be sure to check the labels for hidden gluten!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your Spicy Garlic Udon Stir-Fry, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Before sealing, let the stir-fry cool down. This step keeps moisture out and prevents sogginess.
Reheating Instructions
For reheating, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the stir-fry in a bowl, cover it, and heat for one minute. Stir and heat for another minute if needed. On the stovetop, warm it in a pan over medium heat. Stir gently until hot.
Freezing Guidelines
Yes, you can freeze udon stir-fry! However, it may lose some texture. To freeze, place it in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop to restore some texture.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Spicy Garlic Udon Stir-Fry?
It takes about 15 minutes total. You spend 5 minutes prepping and 10 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it perfect for busy nights.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan. Just swap the soy sauce for a vegan brand. You can also use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based options in your pantry.
What vegetables can I use in the stir-fry?
You can use many veggies! Try bok choy, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus work great, too. The stir-fry is flexible, so use what you have.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends on the chili paste you choose. A teaspoon gives a nice kick. If you like it spicier, add more! You can also reduce the chili paste for a milder dish.
This blog post covered the key steps to make Spicy Garlic Udon Stir-Fry. We discussed ingredients like udon noodles, fresh vegetables, and seasonings. You learned how to cook and combine these for a tasty dish. I shared tips to perfect your stir-fry and adjust spice levels. Remember, you can customize this recipe with proteins or different veggies. Follow storage tips to enjoy leftovers later. Dive in and enjoy your cooking adventure with this simple and delicious meal!
