Beef Udon Noodles with Chili Sauce is a bold and satisfying noodle dish that brings together tender beef, thick chewy udon noodles, and a spicy-sweet chili sauce for a quick, flavor-packed meal. Perfect for spice lovers, this dish is a comforting bowl full of umami and heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and spicy, with a hearty texture from the udon noodles and richness from the marinated beef. The chili sauce adds a kick without overwhelming the flavors, while the green onions provide a refreshing contrast. It’s a fast, fuss-free recipe that delivers restaurant-level satisfaction in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick yet flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 200g udon noodles
- 200g beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (such as Sriracha or chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the beef slices and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili sauce, and sugar. Stir and bring to a simmer, cooking for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked noodles to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
- Plate the noodles in a bowl, top with the beef slices, and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Drizzle additional chili sauce on top if more heat is desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms and use a vegetarian chili paste.
- Extra Veggies: Add bok choy, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for a vegetable boost.
- Mild Version: Reduce or omit the chili sauce for a less spicy dish.
- Richer Sauce: Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for more depth.
- Cold Noodles: Serve the dish chilled for a spicy noodle salad variation.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it may dry out the beef.
FAQs
What type of beef is best for this dish?
Sirloin or flank steak works well due to their tenderness and quick cooking time. Thin slices ensure even cooking.
Can I use dried udon noodles?
Yes, but follow the package instructions closely. Fresh or frozen udon will yield the best chewy texture.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has moderate heat from the chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the level by adding more or less to suit your taste.
What’s a good chili sauce to use?
Sriracha, gochujang, or sambal oelek are excellent options. Each offers a different heat and flavor profile.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can pre-slice the beef and prepare the sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook the noodles and combine just before serving.
What can I serve with this?
Pair with steamed edamame, miso soup, or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free udon noodles to accommodate dietary needs.
Do I need to marinate the beef first?
Not necessary for this recipe, but you can marinate it briefly in soy sauce and sesame oil for enhanced flavor.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended due to the noodles’ texture. Freshly prepared is best.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Rinse the noodles with cold water after boiling and toss with a little sesame oil before adding to the sauce.
Conclusion
Beef Udon Noodles with Chili Sauce is a quick, bold, and satisfying dish that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite. From the tender beef to the silky noodles and spicy-savory sauce, it’s a perfect fusion of taste and texture. Ideal for weeknights or when you’re craving something with heat and heart, this noodle bowl is sure to become a go-to favorite.
PrintBeef Udon Noodles with Chili Sauce
A savory and spicy bowl of thick, chewy udon noodles topped with tender slices of beef, fresh green onions, and a rich chili sauce for an exciting, flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 200g udon noodles
- 200g beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (such as Sriracha or chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the beef slices to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili sauce, and sugar. Stir and bring to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan and toss to coat them in the chili sauce. Add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Serve the noodles in a bowl, topped with the cooked beef and garnished with fresh green onions.
- For extra heat, drizzle more chili sauce on top before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked udon noodles for a quicker meal prep.
- Thinly slicing the beef against the grain helps keep it tender.
- Add vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg