This easy and quick to put together vegan stir fry combines Japanese udon noodles and delicious veggies in a rich, sticky and spicy sauce!

So summer has finally arrived here in the UK!  It may not be anywhere near as hot as a lot of countries but I’m finding myself growing less and less tolerant of the heat the older I get.  It’s maybe a menopause thing but when the sun is out, I don’t really want the oven on!  I also don’t just want salad every day.  So a quick stir fry with udon noodles is the perfect meal to satisfy those savoury cravings.  It’s also easy enough to rustle up in just a few minutes but totally deliver on taste.

What are udon noodles?

Most cuisines have some kind of noodle dish they call their own – everything from ramen noodles to spaghetti.  Udon noodles are traditionally Japanese and are made from just three ingredients – wheat flour, water and salt.  They’re thicker and chewier than a lot of noodles and can be both flat and rounded in shape.  These days they’re much more readily available in general supermarkets rather than having to seek out an Asian market.

They can be served in a simple broth or hot soup, topped with crispy deep fried tofu or even cooked in a Japanese hot pot to make a curry.

What is black garlic?

Quite simply it is whole bulbs of garlic that are aged under special heat and humidity conditions until they become a rich, deep black colour.  During its ageing, the enzymes that give fresh garlic its pungent smell and flavour are broken down and its this chemical process that produces new flavour compounds.  The result is the cloves turn black, develop a sticky date-like texture and have a deeper, sweeter flavour.

Because it’s mild and sweet it can even be eaten on its own, spread on bread, crushed into mayonnaise or whisked into a vinaigrette without it being an overpowering flavour.

I am in LOVE with this stuff.  The smell alone had me sold before I’d ever even tasted it!

How to make this quick and easy udon noodle stir fry:

Start by making the sauce.  Because this dish is all cooked in one pan it makes it even easier to have the sauce ingredients ready to just add to the pan and thicken before stirring in the noodles and mushrooms.  Simply whisk all the ingredients together in a jug and set aside.

Thickly slice the mushrooms.  Heat a glug of sesame oil in a large frying pan then melt in a knob of vegan butter.  The mushrooms will soak up the butter and really help to bring out their flavour.  Add the mushrooms to the pan and sizzle for a couple of minutes each side until they’re just soft and a lovely caramelised golden colour. Lift out of the pan onto a plate.

Using the same pan, add the sliced onion and shredded cabbage.  Stir into any juices left from cooking the mushrooms.  Cook for a few minutes until softened.

Add the chopped black garlic to the pan and stir in.  Then add the sauce mix and the noodles and stir well, breaking up the noodles into separate strands as you stir.

Bubble for a few minutes to heat the noodles through.  In a small mug, jug or bowl whisk the cornflour with a splash of water to make a runny paste then stir into the noodles until the sauce bubbles and thickens.

Return the mushrooms to the pan to heat through.  Taste for seasoning before spooning into serving bowls.  Sprinkle with some sesame seeds and chopped parsley (optional).

This dish is actually just as good cold too so don’t be afraid to make extra and pack it into a lunchbox for the next day!

Looking for more easy vegan meals?  Try these:

Thai Coconut Red Curry with Noodles

Instant Pot Vegetable Chow Mein with Crispy Onions

Potato and Chickpea Curry

Enchiladas with Spinach and Lentils

I’d also love to hear from you if you make these Udon Noodles with Black Garlic and Oyster Mushrooms! Just leave a comment as it’s so helpful and I love to hear how the recipe worked out for you! Thank you so much!

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