Who doesn’t love a hearty bowl of Spicy Beef Udon Noodles? This beef udon recipe is a perfect blend of tender beef mince, chewy udon noodles, and vibrant flavours that come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you're craving a cosy weeknight dinner or something impressive to wow your friends, this recipe hits the spot.
Bonus: It's so easy to customise with your favourite toppings!
Table of contents
Here’s the thing—I’m a total sucker for a great noodle stir fry. But, I’ll admit, I’m kind of particular about how I like it. For me, the perfect noodle dish has to be:
- Saucy, but not runny. I want every noodle to be coated, not swimming.
- Tender, chewy udon noodles that soak up all those delicious flavours.
- Spicy, but not overpowering. Just enough heat to warm me up and keep me going back for more.
- Packed with savory, well-seasoned beef, bringing that rich umami flavour from soy and oyster sauce.
- And greens that add a fresh twist—enough spinach to brighten the dish without taking over.
So, here it is: the ultimate Spicy Beef Udon Noodles that I’ll be making on repeat.
Ingredients
The Udon Noodles:
- Udon noodles: These thick, chewy Japanese noodles are the heart of this beef udon noodle stir fry. They’re perfect for soaking up all the bold, savoury flavours, making every bite satisfyingly delicious.
Beef mince:
- Beef mince: Ground beef brings rich, meaty goodness to this spicy beef udon noodles recipe. It cooks up tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavours of the sauce and adding a hearty touch.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a key flavour builder in this beef and udon noodles dish. It adds a strong, aromatic kick that complements the savoury ingredients perfectly.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a bright, zesty warmth to the beef udon noodle recipe. It brings depth and a hint of spice to balance the other flavours.
- Soy sauce: The salty, umami-packed backbone of the sauce. It ties everything together, giving this beef udon noodles recipe its signature savoury flavour.
- Oyster sauce (optional): A thick, rich sauce that adds extra umami depth and a hint of sweetness. It’s optional but can elevate the flavour profile of your beef udon noodles.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle of this fragrant oil adds a toasty, nutty aroma that works beautifully with the other ingredients in this stir fry udon noodles with beef.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the salty and savoury flavours. It rounds out the dish and helps caramelise the beef mince in this beef udon noodle stir fry.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully, adding a pop of colour and a nutritious boost to your beef udon recipe without overpowering the flavours.
- Chili crisp: This spicy, crunchy condiment is essential for adding heat and texture to the spicy beef udon noodles. Adjust to your liking if you want even more of a fiery kick!
Toppings
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavour. They make a bright and crunchy garnish for your beef with udon noodles, adding a pop of colour and a burst of freshness.
- Coriander: Fresh coriander (or cilantro) adds an herbal brightness that pairs perfectly with the rich, savoury flavours of the beef udon noodles recipe.
- Sesame seeds: These tiny seeds add a subtle nutty flavour and a bit of crunch. They’re a simple but essential garnish for your stir fried udon noodles with beef.
- Cashew nuts: Optional but highly recommended for added crunch and a nutty contrast. They add texture and flavour, making your beef and noodles with ground beef even more irresistible.
- Optional: More Chilli crisp!
How to Make Spicy Beef Udon Noodles
- Cook the Udon Noodles:
First things first, get those noodles going. Boil them just until tender, drain, and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Trust me, this step keeps them perfectly chewy.
- Sauté the Garlic and Ginger:
Add some oil to your pan and toss in the garlic and ginger. The kitchen is about to smell amazing, and you’ll be feeling like a total pro in no time.
- Brown the Beef:
Next, in goes the beef mince. Break it up as it cooks until it’s nice and browned. Sprinkle in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, and give it all a good stir. Oh, and try not to sneak too many bites!
- Add Spinach and Chili Crisp:
Toss in that fresh spinach and a generous spoonful of chili crisp. Watch the spinach wilt down and mix in with all that spicy, savoury goodness. It’s the perfect balance of flavour and heat.
- Combine and Toss:
Now, grab those noodles and add them to the skillet. Give everything a thorough toss to coat the noodles in the sauce. Let it all heat through and get ready to serve up some serious deliciousness.
- Serve and Garnish:
Pile the noodles into bowls and top with your favourite garnishes—maybe a little extra chili crisp, sliced green onions, a handful of sesame seeds, and some fresh coriander. Grab your chopsticks and dig in!
Thick Udon or Saucy Udon?
For this recipe, it's all about finding your perfect noodle vibe. Want a saucier dish? Add a splash more soy sauce or a bit of reserved noodle water to loosen things up. If you’re all about thick, clingy noodles (same here!), just follow the recipe as is. Either way, those chewy udon noodles will soak up all that savory, spicy goodness like a dream.
Let’s Talk Toppings for this Beef udon noodle recipe
The toppings—because we can’t forget the toppings—are where you can really make this dish your own. Here are some of my top picks:
- Sliced green onions: For a bit of fresh crunch.
- Fresh coriander: Adds brightness and a pop of flavour.
- Sesame seeds: Because every noodle dish deserves a sprinkle.
- Crushed cashew nuts: For a little added texture and a subtle nutty flavour.
- Extra chilli crisp: Always. Just always.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you actually have leftovers (not sure how that’s possible, but just in case!), you’re in luck because this dish reheats beautifully.
- Store:
Pack the noodles into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. - Reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce if the noodles have soaked up all the sauce.
Looking for udon noodles substitutes
If you don’t have udon noodles on hand, don’t worry—there are plenty of great udon noodles substitutes that will work beautifully in this recipe! For a similar chewy texture, you can use thick rice noodles or even soba noodles, which add a lovely nutty flavour. If you’re in a pinch, spaghetti or linguine can stand in as well. They won’t give you that signature udon chew, but they’ll soak up the savoury, spicy sauce like a dream. Just be sure to cook your substitute noodles to a perfect al dente, so they hold up nicely in this flavourful stir fry.
Recipe for stir fry udon noodles with beef
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Beef udon recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Whether you're craving a cosy weeknight dinner or something impressive to wow your friends, this recipe hits the spot. Bonus: It's so easy to customize with your favourite toppings!
Ingredients
For the Udon Noodles:
- 600g udon noodles
For the Beef Mince:
- 500g beef mince
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 300g fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons chilli crisp (plus more for serving)
For Topping:
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh coriander
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed cashew nuts (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Udon Noodles
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mince
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the beef mince, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the fresh spinach and 1 tablespoon of chilli crisp directly to the beef mixture. Cook until the spinach wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine
- Add the cooked udon noodles to the beef and spinach mixture. Toss well to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serve
- Divide the noodle mixture into bowls. Top each serving with an additional drizzle of chilli crisp and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
This udon noodle recipe is an all-time favourite, but if you’re craving more Asian-inspired flavours, be sure to try my Thai Beef Salad Noodles or the ridiculously delicious Thai Coconut Chicken Salad!
