Vegan Garlic Udon Noodles

The aroma of garlic sizzling in a hot pan is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble with anticipation. As soon as you toss the garlic into the oil, it starts to soften, releasing a warm, savory scent that fills the room. It’s like a hug in a pan, with each slice of garlic turning golden brown, just begging to be stirred into those silky udon noodles. When you add soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil, that savory umami flavor comes alive. The noodles, already soft and slightly chewy, absorb all the garlic goodness, becoming coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce. The rich saltiness from the soy sauce is perfectly balanced by the nutty sesame, while the garlic adds just the right amount of depth and warmth. Every bite is like a comforting, savory explosion in your mouth. You could stop right there, but there’s always room for a little extra magic—maybe some sautéed veggies, like crunchy bell peppers and tender mushrooms, to bring in color and texture. Or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a bit of crunch and even more toasty flavor. The beauty of these noodles is that they’re endlessly customizable, but the garlic is always the star of the show.

Key Ingredients in Vegan Garlic Udon Noodles

This dish is all about bringing together a few simple, but powerful ingredients that make each bite irresistibly delicious. Let’s break down the key players in this savory noodle creation:

• Udon noodles – These thick, chewy Japanese noodles are the perfect base for this dish. Their satisfying texture holds up beautifully when coated in the rich garlic sauce, making each forkful comforting and hearty.
• Olive oil – The olive oil adds a smooth, rich base for sautéing the garlic. It helps bring out the golden, crispy edges of the garlic while giving the noodles a silky finish.
• Garlic – Of course, garlic is the star here! Minced and sautéed, it releases its full savory flavor, infusing the oil and the noodles with warmth and depth.
• Soy sauce – Soy sauce brings that essential umami flavor to the dish. Its salty richness enhances the overall savory profile, making every bite a bit more indulgent.
• Sesame oil – The toasted nutty flavor of sesame oil adds a layer of complexity to the sauce, perfectly complementing the garlic and soy sauce for that mouthwatering finish.
• Rice vinegar – A splash of rice vinegar provides a subtle tanginess, balancing out the richness of the soy and sesame oils. It brightens the whole dish without overwhelming the flavors.
• Sugar – Just a touch of sugar helps to round out the savory and tangy elements, creating a harmonious sweet-savory balance that elevates the garlic sauce.
• Chili flakes – A small pinch of chili flakes adds just the right amount of heat to the dish. It’s not too spicy, but enough to make your taste buds sit up and take notice, adding an extra kick.
• Water – Water is essential to create the sauce that coats the noodles. It helps to loosen up the other ingredients, giving them room to blend together and absorb into the noodles.
• Sesame seeds – Sprinkling sesame seeds on top not only adds a bit of crunch but also gives an extra layer of nutty flavor and a little visual pop to the dish.
• Green onions – Sliced green onions bring a fresh, crisp bite to the dish, offering a bright contrast to the savory garlic sauce and adding a touch of color.
• Fresh cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous brightness, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. It’s the perfect herb to lift the richness of the noodles and garlic sauce.

How to Make Vegan Garlic Udon Noodles

Serving Suggestions for Vegan Garlic Udon Noodles

1. Pair with Crispy Tofu
For a protein-packed addition, serve your garlic udon noodles with crispy, golden tofu on the side. The crunchy edges of the tofu create the perfect contrast to the soft, chewy noodles, and its mild flavor soaks up the savory sauce in the most delightful way. Just pan-fry the tofu cubes until they’re crisp and golden, and arrange them alongside or on top of your noodles for a satisfying meal.

2. Add a Side of Steamed Veggies
To make this dish even more vibrant, serve it with a side of lightly steamed veggies. Think broccoli, snap peas, or even some bok choy. The freshness and crunch of the veggies complement the rich noodles, offering a nice balance to the flavors. Plus, it’s an easy way to add some extra color and nutrition to your meal.

3. Top with a Fried Egg
For an extra indulgent touch, add a fried egg on top of your noodles. The yolk will break open and ooze over the noodles, giving them a luscious, creamy finish. If you’re looking to stick to vegan, you can skip this or go for a plant-based egg substitute for a similar effect. Either way, it’s a simple upgrade that feels like a real treat!

How to Store Vegan Garlic Udon Noodles

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing your vegan garlic udon noodles is easy! The key is keeping them as fresh and flavorful as possible. Start by allowing the noodles to cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation from forming in the container, which could make the noodles soggy. Once cooled, transfer them into an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and they’ll still taste delicious when reheated.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can gently reheat the noodles in a pan over low heat with a little splash of water or vegetable broth to bring back some of that glossy, savory sauce. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them, but be sure to cover the container to lock in moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out. You might want to stir them halfway through to make sure everything heats evenly.

Freezing these noodles is also an option if you want to save them for a later date. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring them into a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, and then reheat as usual. They might lose a bit of texture, but the flavors will still be on point. Perfect for when you need a quick meal that’s packed with comfort!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new go-to recipe for vegan garlic udon noodles! From the golden, crispy garlic to the silky udon noodles, every bite is packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a crispy tofu side, this dish is versatile, easy, and so incredibly satisfying. You can’t go wrong with a bowl of these delicious noodles, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones.

I hope you give this recipe a try and find yourself falling in love with the cozy, savory flavors just like I did. If you’ve got any questions, need help with the recipe, or just want to share your thoughts after you try it out, don’t be shy—drop me a comment! I’d love to hear what you think. Let me know how it turns out or if you made any fun tweaks along the way. And, of course, if you’re looking for any tips or tricks to perfect your dish, I’m here to help!

Print Recipe

Vegan Garlic Udon Noodles

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Calories: 400

Description

Soft, chewy udon noodles tossed in a rich, gary sauce with hints of U savory of savory umami-packed vegan dish a, flavorfulon simple crowd sauce, burstingple bold! a hint of heat, and a satisfying depth that will keep you coming back for more. Simple, yet unforgettable!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 200 grams udon noodles

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon chili flakes

• ¹⁄₂ cup water

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• 2 green onions, sliced

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Once boiling, add the udon noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
4. When the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside.
5. While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
6. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
7. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar to the pan, stirring to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve.
9. Sprinkle in the chili flakes and stir to incorporate them into the sauce.
10. Add the water to the pan and mix everything together, letting the sauce simmer for another minute to combine.
11. Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan, tossing them gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
12. Cook the noodles in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure all the noodles absorb the flavor.
13. Once the noodles are fully coated and heated through, remove the pan from the heat.
14. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the noodles, then add the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro on top.
15. Toss the noodles one more time to mix the garnishes evenly throughout.
16. Serve the noodles immediately while hot.

Note

• The udon noodles should be cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft when tossed in the sauce.
• For a spicier version, increase the chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers.
• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, adjust the sugar to your taste.
• Feel free to use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch.

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