Spicy Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon Recipe

Fiery Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon Recipe: Bold Noodle Magic!

Aromatic woks sizzle with an incredible black pepper stir fried udon that promises a flavor explosion.

Bold spices dance through thick, chewy noodles, creating a meal that speaks directly to comfort and excitement.

This classic Asian-inspired dish brings restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen counter.

Pepper adds a robust kick that awakens every taste bud with its sharp, warming notes.

Tender udon noodles absorb the rich, complex seasonings, turning a simple recipe into a culinary adventure.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory depth that will transport you straight to street food bliss.

You’ll crave this satisfying meal that comes together in mere minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 2

Udon Essentials: The Ingredients Behind the Flavor

For Sauce Base:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and saltiness, choose low-sodium for healthier option.
  • Oyster Sauce: Provides rich, savory complexity, select authentic Asian brands for best taste.
  • Shaoxing Wine: Brings authentic Chinese depth, can substitute with dry sherry if unavailable.
  • Water: Helps balance sauce consistency and dilute intense flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Creates spicy undertone, use freshly ground for maximum aroma.
  • Sugar: Balances and rounds out sauce's savory profile, helps with caramelization.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and creates glossy coating for ingredients.
For Protein and Noodles:
  • Beef: Provides hearty protein, choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak.
  • Udon Noodles: Offers chewy texture, select fresh or vacuum-sealed for best results.
For Vegetables:
  • Garlic: Builds foundational flavor, crush fresh cloves for maximum potency.
  • Onion: Adds sweet undertone and aromatic base, white or yellow varieties work best.
  • Bell Pepper: Introduces crunch and vibrant color, mix red and green for visual appeal.
  • Snow Peas: Contributes crisp texture and fresh green note, select bright green pods.
  • Scallions: Provides fresh, sharp finish, chop just before serving for maximum flavor.

Wok Ready: Your Stir-Fry Tool Checklist

  • Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and achieving that perfect sear on beef and vegetables.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce components smoothly and evenly.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing beef, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and scallions precisely.
  • Tongs or Spatula: Ideal for tossing and moving ingredients quickly during stir-frying.
  • Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing udon noodles.

Stir-Fry Game Plan: Black Pepper Udon Edition

  • Heat the Wok

Get your wok scorching hot with a splash of oil, creating the perfect sizzling surface for an amazing flavor explosion.

  • Sear the Protein

Quickly brown the beef, creating a delicious golden crust that locks in all the mouthwatering juices. Scoop out and set aside.

  • Dance the Vegetables

Toss garlic, onions, bell peppers, and snow peas into the wok, letting them twirl and caramelize for a few quick moments.

  • Introduce the Noodles

Slide in the udon noodles, letting them mingle with the vibrant vegetables and pick up those incredible wok-kissed flavors.

  • Sauce Magic

Pour the tangy, pepper-infused sauce over everything, coating each ingredient in a glossy, flavor-packed embrace.

  • Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh scallions on top, give everything a final toss, and serve immediately for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Twists & Turns for Your Stir-Fried Noodles

  • Pat the udon noodles dry before stir-frying to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crispy texture.
  • Swap beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a versatile protein option that suits different dietary preferences.
  • Replace udon noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
  • Adjust black pepper quantity to create a mild or fiery flavor profile – start with less and add more gradually for personalized heat.
  • Prepare sauce and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to streamline weeknight cooking and save precious time.

Bold Pairings for Black Pepper Udon

  • Flavor Fusion Feast: Top the udon with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch and visual appeal.
  • Protein Power Boost: Swap beef with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to create exciting variations that suit different dietary preferences.
  • Spice Lover's Delight: Add a drizzle of chili oil or sriracha sauce on top for those who enjoy extra heat and want to kick up the flavor intensity.
  • Fresh Finish: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil leaves to introduce a bright, herbal note that complements the rich, savory stir-fry.

Stash & Reheat Tips for Your Next Noodle Fix

  • Prepare extra noodles and sauce in advance for quick weeknight meals. Store components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture.
  • Store leftover stir-fry in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep noodles and meat separate from vegetables to prevent soggy textures.
  • Freeze uncooked beef and prepared sauce in zip-lock bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking for best flavor and quality.
  • Warm leftovers in a hot wok or skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir continuously for even heating and maintain original taste.
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Spicy Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon Recipe

Spicy Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Spicy black pepper stir-fried udon brings Japanese comfort to your kitchen with bold, umami-packed flavors. Hearty noodles dance with savory seasonings, promising a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz flank steak (thinly sliced, or substitute tofu/mushrooms for vegetarian version)
  • 14 oz fresh or frozen udon noodles
  • 2 tbsps oil (neutral, like canola or vegetable)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
  • ½ red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup snow peas or baby bok choy
  • 2 scallions (cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 2 tbsps soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 ½ tsps freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, water, black pepper, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Noodle Handling: Prepare udon noodles by cooking frozen varieties until tender or separating vacuum-sealed noodles with hot water, then drain thoroughly.
  3. Protein Searing: Rapidly sear beef in a scorching hot wok with oil, developing a rich caramelized exterior for 2-3 minutes, then set aside.
  4. Vegetable Infusion: Introduce garlic, onion, bell pepper, and snow peas into the wok, stir-frying quickly to preserve crisp texture and vibrant colors.
  5. Final Integration: Reunite seared beef and prepared noodles in the wok, pour prepared sauce, and toss vigorously over high heat to ensure complete coating and temperature uniformity.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh scallions across the dish, remove from heat immediately, and plate for a piping hot presentation.

Notes

  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
  • Maintain high heat but watch carefully to prevent burning, moving ingredients constantly for perfect sear and caramelization.
  • Pat udon noodles completely dry before stir-frying to prevent soggy results and ensure ideal sauce absorption.
  • Replace beef with tofu, chicken, or shrimp for dietary variations while maintaining similar cooking techniques and flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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