There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of noodles when you crave a comforting yet satisfying meal. This Sesame Steak and Udon Noodles dish combines tender, savory steak with chewy udon noodles glazed in a rich, fragrant sauce — delivering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feel both hearty and indulgent.
With fresh carrot ribbons adding a touch of brightness and sesame seeds plus green onions for a burst of flavor and crunch, this dish is an all-in-one meal that’s sure to please both weekday family dinners and weekend gatherings alike.
- Quick-cooking steak ensures tender meat with deep, savory flavor.
- Udon noodles offer a chewy, satisfying texture that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Balanced sauce featuring soy, hoisin, and sesame oil for a rich yet harmonious taste.
- Fresh garnishes add color, crunch, and freshness to the dish.
Ingredients
- Udon Noodles: Thick, chewy Japanese-style noodles, fresh or frozen, perfect for soaking up savory sauces in stir-fries.
- Steak (Sirloin, Ribeye, or Flank): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites packed with rich beef flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced to add an aromatic depth and warm spice to the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a salty and umami-rich backbone, balancing the sweet and savory elements.
- Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that counterbalances the saltiness and enhances caramelization.
- Hoisin Sauce: Brings a slightly sweet and tangy richness that deepens the sauce complexity.
- Sesame Oil: Fragrant oil that infuses the entire dish with a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Carrot Ribbons: Thin strips that bring a fresh crispness and vibrant color to lighten the meal.
- Green Onions: Sliced for a fresh, sharp bite and added texture garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty finish.
- Garlic Salt: Used to season the steak, complementing the garlic and enhancing flavor depth.
- Garlic Powder: Adds an additional layer of mild garlic flavor on the steak.
- Fresh Ground Pepper: For seasoning steak and balancing the savory-sweet sauce.
Instructions
- Cook the Udon Noodles
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Prepare the udon noodles according to package instructions, typically boiling them for just a few minutes until tender yet chewy. Drain well to remove excess water, ensuring they maintain their signature texture without becoming soggy.
- Mix the Sauce
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Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl. Taste and adjust to achieve a balanced flavor — the sauce should not be overly salty or too sweet, but perfectly harmonious.
- Season and Sear the Steak
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Heat a generous splash of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season thin steak slices with garlic salt, garlic powder, and fresh ground pepper. Quickly sear the steak until it develops a golden-brown crust but remains tender, then remove from pan to rest and prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables
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Add minced garlic and carrot ribbons to the hot pan and stir-fry briefly until they turn tender-crisp. This step maintains the carrots’ fresh crunch and releases garlic’s aromatic flavor without burning it.
- Combine and Toss Everything
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Return the cooked steak and noodles to the pan with the veggies. Pour the sauce over and toss everything together thoroughly. Stir until the noodles glisten with sauce and the steak is warmed through, coating all ingredients evenly for a cohesive dish.
- Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions atop the dish just before serving. These garnishes add contrasting textures and bright, fresh notes that balance the rich sesame and beef flavors.
- Use thinly sliced steak for fast cooking and to keep meat tender and juicy.
- Fresh udon noodles provide the best texture, but frozen or shelf-stable versions are great alternatives.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste, especially balancing saltiness and sweetness.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain the noodles’ texture and steak tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish on its own for a fulfilling meal or pair it with a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for added freshness and greens. A side of pickled vegetables can also complement the flavors beautifully.
- Slice steak against the grain to enhance tenderness.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly before garnishing to amplify their nutty flavor.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce for a subtle tangy brightness.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of noodles?
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Yes, substitute with soba, ramen, or even rice noodles if you prefer. Adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain texture.
- What cut of steak is best for this dish?
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Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work well due to their tenderness and flavor when sliced thin.
- Can I make this vegetarian?
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Omit the steak and add tofu or mushrooms as plant-based protein alternatives. Increase the sauce quantity for more flavor.
- How do I prevent noodles from becoming mushy?
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Cook udon noodles just until tender; drain thoroughly and toss immediately with sauce to avoid overcooking.
- Is hoisin sauce essential?
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While not absolutely essential, hoisin sauce adds a unique sweetness and tang that elevate the dish’s flavor complexity.
- Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
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Yes, marinate and slice the steak or prepare sauce in advance for quicker cooking on the day you serve.
Sesame Steak Udon Noodles
Equipment
- 1 large skillet or wok for cooking steak and stir-frying
Ingredients
- 12 oz udon noodles fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable
- 8 oz sirloin ribeye, or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil divided
- 1 cup carrot ribbons
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Garlic salt garlic powder, and black pepper, to season steak
Instructions
- Cook udon noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and half the sesame oil to make the sauce.
- Season the sliced steak with garlic salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Heat remaining sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and sear the steak until browned; remove and set aside.
- Add minced garlic and carrot ribbons to the skillet; sauté until tender-crisp.
- Return the steak and cooked noodles to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and toss to coat everything evenly and heat through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced steak for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Adjust sauce sweetness or saltiness to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 2 days.
- Fresh or frozen udon noodles work best for texture.
