If you’ve ever craved a warm, comforting bowl of chewy noodles, you’re going to fall in love with this Homemade Udon Noodle Recipe in Minutes! Udon noodles are a Japanese favorite — thick, soft, and perfectly chewy — ideal for soups, stir-fries, or cold noodle salads. The best part? You can make them from scratch with just a few simple ingredients found in most kitchens.
Whether you’re a total beginner or a home cook looking to explore Japanese cuisine, this quick and easy udon noodle recipe will make you feel like a noodle master in no time! 🇯🇵✨
🍶 What Are Udon Noodles?
Udon noodles are a traditional Japanese wheat noodle known for their thick, bouncy texture and mild flavor. They’re often served in a light broth or stir-fried with savory sauces and vegetables.
Unlike ramen or soba, udon noodles have a soft and chewy bite that makes them extra comforting — perfect for slurping on chilly days or enjoying cold in summer.
🥢 Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make homemade udon noodles:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon salt
Cornstarch or extra flour (for dusting and kneading)
💡 Optional: Add ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil to make the dough slightly softer.
🍜 Step-by-Step: How to Make Udon Noodles
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, dissolve salt in water. Add the salted water to the flour a little at a time while mixing with your hands or chopsticks.
Keep mixing until the dough comes together — it should be firm but not sticky.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth.
If it’s too dry, sprinkle a bit of water; if it’s too sticky, dust with flour.
💡 Pro Tip: Traditional Japanese cooks sometimes knead udon dough by placing it in a plastic bag and gently stepping on it (yes, with clean feet!) to get the perfect texture.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
This allows the gluten to relax, giving the noodles their signature chewiness.
Step 4: Roll & Cut the Noodles
After resting, dust your surface with flour or cornstarch. Roll the dough out to about ⅛-inch thick.
Fold the dough gently into thirds and use a sharp knife to cut into ¼-inch wide strips.
Unfold the noodles and dust them lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 8–10 minutes, until tender yet chewy.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and enhance texture.
🍲 Serving Ideas — Udon Your Way!
1. Udon Soup (Kake Udon)
Combine the noodles with a simple broth made from:
4 cups dashi stock (or chicken broth)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin
A pinch of sugar
Top with green onions, nori, tempura bits, or a soft-boiled egg.
2. Stir-Fried Udon (Yaki Udon)
Toss your noodles in a hot pan with:
Sliced vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cabbage)
Soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic
Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes for a quick, flavorful meal!
3. Cold Udon (Zaru Udon)
Perfect for hot weather — serve chilled udon with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi.
Top with sesame seeds, scallions, and shredded seaweed.
💡 Expert Tips Inside!
✨ Tip 1: Use bread flour for extra chewy texture — it has more gluten than all-purpose.
✨ Tip 2: Don’t skip resting time — that’s the secret to perfect elasticity.
✨ Tip 3: Dust generously with flour while cutting to prevent sticking.
✨ Tip 4: Always rinse cooked noodles under cold water — it stops overcooking and firms them up.
🧂 Quick Udon Sauce Recipe
For a quick and delicious udon stir-fry sauce, mix:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Toss your cooked noodles in this sauce for a 5-minute flavor bomb! 💣🍜
🕒 Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 2–3
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Udon Noodle Recipe
✅ Simple ingredients, no machine required
✅ Customizable — use in soups, stir-fries, or salads
✅ Soft yet chewy texture — authentic Japanese feel
✅ Quick and satisfying meal anytime
🍽️ Storage & Reheating
Store uncooked noodles in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat cooked noodles, simply dip them in hot water for 30 seconds — they’ll be as good as fresh!
🥢 Final Thoughts
Making Homemade Udon Noodles in Minutes is easier than you might think — and incredibly rewarding! With just flour, water, and salt, you can create thick, chewy noodles that rival any restaurant’s version.
Whether you enjoy them in a steaming bowl of soup or a quick stir-fry, udon noodles bring comfort and flavor to every bite. So, roll up your sleeves and start slurping — your kitchen is about to become your new favorite noodle shop! 🍜💫