If you’re ready for a crave-worthy Asian noodle dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, you’re going to adore this Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon. It’s loaded with bouncy udon noodles, colorful veggies, and that signature punch of freshly ground black pepper, all tangled together in a glossy, savory sauce. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this is the kind of fuss-free comfort food that demands seconds.

Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon thrives on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring their own pop of flavor and texture. Let’s give each one a moment in the spotlight—the magic happens when they come together!

Udon Noodles (14 ounces, fresh or thawed frozen): Their irresistible chewy bite is the real star, soaking up all of that incredible sauce.
Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough for a glossy stir-fry without weighing anything down.
Onion (1 small, sliced): Delivers natural sweetness and aroma to the base.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that essential garlicky depth that makes everything tastier.
Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Adds sweetness, crunch, and a burst of color.
Snap Peas or Broccoli Florets (1 cup): Both options stay crisp-tender and add vibrant green freshness.
Green Onions (2, cut into 2-inch pieces): A mild, peppery bite and a lovely garnish all in one.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): The savory backbone of your sauce.
Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings the umami and a hit of glossy richness (swap for vegetarian substitute if needed).
Dark Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth of flavor and a beautiful dark sheen—trust me, it’s worth keeping in your pantry.
Water (1 tablespoon): Helps loosen the sauce and bring everything together smoothly.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Use it generously! The core of this recipe’s signature flavor.
Sugar (½ teaspoon): Balances all the savory and peppery notes with a touch of sweetness.
Optional Protein (sliced beef, chicken, or tofu): For a heartier meal, toss in your favorite cooked protein.

How to Make Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon

Step 1: Prep Your Noodles

If you’re using packaged udon noodles, give them a rinse under hot water. This not only warms them up and loosens any clumping, but also helps them separate easily when it’s time to stir-fry. Drain well and set aside; you want them ready to just jump into the pan.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, water, freshly ground black pepper, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Mixing the sauce first means everything comes together lightning-fast once you start stir-frying.

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns translucent and smells amazing. Then toss in the garlic, bell pepper, and snap peas (or broccoli) and stir-fry until the veggies are just crunchy-tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. You want color and bite, so don’t overcook.

Step 4: Bring in the Noodles and Sauce

Now for the fun part—add those prepped udon noodles into the pan and pour the sauce all over the top. Use your tongs or spatula to stir and toss everything together. Watch as the noodles turn glossy and dark, soaking up every drop of that luscious black pepper sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is hot and evenly coated.

Step 5: Finish with Green Onions and Protein

Toss in your green onion pieces and, if you like, your chosen protein—sliced beef, chicken, or tofu all work beautifully. Stir-fry for just one more minute to warm everything through, then immediately scoop the Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon into bowls. Serve piping hot and get ready to swoon!

How to Serve Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon

Garnishes

Sprinkle on extra green onions, a dash more cracked black pepper, or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. Chopped peanuts, crispy shallots, or even a drizzle of chili oil can also make it pop—get creative and add whatever makes your bowl shine.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and fresh with a crisp cucumber salad, some juicy orange slices, or quick pickled veggies. If you’re looking for something heartier, add veggie spring rolls or steamed dumplings. The mellow, comforting heat of the Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon pairs perfectly with lighter sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your udon piled into individual noodle bowls, topped with a soft-yolked ramen egg. Or nestle some in lettuce cups for a playful twist. For a dinner party, let guests DIY their topping and garnishes for a fun, interactive meal. Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon is always a showstopper, but these little touches make it unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect next-day lunch—those flavors just keep getting deeper and better.

Freezing

While udon noodles are at their best when freshly cooked, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Cool the noodles completely, then divide into portions and seal in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and refresh with a quick stir-fry.

Reheating

To reheat, just toss the noodles in a hot skillet with a splash of water or extra soy sauce. Stir often until the noodles are hot and glossy again. A quick blast in the microwave works too, but a skillet keeps the veggies crisp-tender.

FAQs

Can I make Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon gluten-free?

Absolutely! Look for gluten-free udon or rice noodles and swap regular soy and oyster sauces for their gluten-free versions. The rest of the recipe adapts easily for most dietary needs.

What if I can’t find fresh or frozen udon noodles?

Dried udon noodles will work just fine—simply cook them according to package instructions, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and drain well before proceeding with the recipe.

Which protein tastes best in Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon?

It’s delicious with all kinds of add-ins! Thinly sliced beef or chicken offers a hearty bite, while tofu or mushrooms make this totally satisfying and vegetarian-friendly. Add cooked protein in the last step to keep it from overcooking.

How spicy is this dish?

Most of the heat comes from black pepper, so it’s warmly peppery rather than truly spicy. To kick it up further, add a pinch of chili flakes or serve with chili oil on the side.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon scales up beautifully. Just use a large wok or skillet and stir-fry in batches if needed, so your veggies and noodles stay crisp and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new weeknight staple, Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon is guaranteed to win you over. Its speedy prep, bold flavors, and endless possibilities for variation make it a staple in my own kitchen, and I hope it’ll soon become part of your regular rotation. Happy cooking!

Black Pepper Stir Fried Udon Recipe