Welcome to Nippon Spoon!
Today, we’re making halal-friendly Japanese Yaki Udon.
Yaki Udon is a Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with udon, meat, and vegetables.
This version is a simple soy sauce-based recipe made with basic ingredients and easy steps.
Rich, savory, and satisfying, Yaki Udon is one of Japan’s classic home-style meals.
Let’s get started!
Halal-Friendly Notes
No Pork
Yaki Udon is often made with pork in Japan.
This recipe uses halal beef instead to keep it halal-friendly.
No Alcohol (No Mirin, or Sake)
Mirin and sake are often used for yaki udon sauce.
This recipe does not use mirin or sake. Mirin is replaced with sugar, and sake is completely omitted.
Soy Sauce Choice
This recipe uses added-alcohol free soy sauce.
The added alcohol-free soy sauce I use is linked here.
Halal-certified soy sauce is also a good option if available.
Ingredients (Serves 1 generously or 2 smaller servings)
- Thinly sliced beef ー 80 g (3 oz)
- Salt — a pinch
- Cabbage — 70 g (2.5 oz)
- Carrot — 30 g (1 oz)
- Onion — 50 g (2 oz)
- Frozen udon noodle — 1 pack
- Soy sauce — 1 tbsp
- Sugar — 1 tsp
- Dashi powder (optional) — 1/2 tsp
- Cooking oil — as needed
Prepare the Vegetables
I’m using cabbage, carrot, and onion this time, but you can use any vegetables you like.
Roughly chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Peel the carrot and slice it thinly.
Cut the onion into wedges.
That’s it for the vegetable preparation.
Prepare the Beef
I’m using 80 g of thinly sliced beef.
If the slices are large, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Season lightly with a pinch of salt.
That’s it for the meat preparation.
Make the Sauce
In a small container, combine:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp dashi powder (optional)
Dashi powder is optional, but it adds so much umami and aroma, so I highly recommend adding it if you have some.
Mix well.
The sauce is ready.
Prepare the Udon
I’m using frozen udon noodles.
Microwave them according to the package instructions.
Pre-cooked udon noodles work just fine as well.
Now all the preparation is done.
Cook the Yaki Udon
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil.
Once the pan is hot, add the beef and cook until it is mostly browned.
Add the carrot and onion.
When the carrot has softened, add the cabbage.
Stir-fry briefly until the vegetables are coated with oil.
Add the thawed udon noodles.
Pour in the sauce mixture.
Continue stir-frying and mixing until the sauce is evenly distributed.
Depending on the type of udon you use, the noodles may stick together.
If needed, add up to 1 tablespoon of water.
Once everything is evenly coated with the sauce, remove the pan from the heat.
Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the Yaki Udon to a serving plate.
A simple, classic Yaki Udon is ready.
With its rich and savory flavor, it is one of Japan’s beloved home-style dishes.
In Japan, many people enjoy Yaki Udon for lunch on weekends.
Simple and just plain delicious.
Enjoy!
Watch How to Make It
This video shows how to make halal-friendly Japanese Yaki Udon step by step.
A quick peek at today’s halal Japanese dish