Aaron and Claire: How to Make Japanese Yaki Udon in 15 Minutes!

In this video, Aaron from the YouTube channel “Aaron and Claire” walks us through how to make yaki udon, a popular Japanese noodle dish he promises will change your life!

It only takes 15 minutes. No exaggeration here: This stir-fry is quick, full of flavor, and works well for busy weeknights, weekends, or late-night meals. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your ingredients, and reliably satisfying.

Image via Aaron and Claire

🍲 What is yaki udon?

Yaki udon is a simple stir-fried noodle dish from Japan. It is typically made with thick, chewy udon noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. You’d usually get it from street vendors, but in this recipe, Aaron shows how to recreate that same authentic street-style flavor in your own kitchen. No specialty work or fancy tools are required, just a regular pan will do the trick and deliver great results.

Image via Aaron and Claire

🍥 Ingredients You’ll Need 

To start, you’ll need basic veggies like onion, cabbage, carrot, mushrooms, and green onions, most of which you probably already have. Aaron uses pork belly for protein, but bacon, chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu are all great options. You’ll also need garlic and ginger, which are absolutely non-negotiable for the flavor. And while pickled red ginger (beni shoga) is optional, it makes a huge difference if you can find it.

The sauce is super easy. Just mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and optionally a pinch of MSG. That’s it. No hard-to-find ingredients, no extra steps. You’ll be surprised how much flavor this combination packs.

Image via Aaron and Claire

🥢 Quick, Fun, and Easy Cooking

Once everything is prepped, you’re ready to cook. Start by slicing your veggies thinly so they cook evenly without getting mushy. Don’t stress about knife skills. Aaron even jokes that if you’re like Claire, just use a mandolin slicer for your “inner peace.” Then chop your garlic and ginger. Again, don’t skip these. They bring major aroma, depth, and essential flavor to the dish.

Boil your udon noodles according to the package instructions. While they cook, heat up a pan (or lard, if you’ve got it for extra flavor), and toss in your pork belly. Add garlic, ginger, and veggies once the meat is no longer pink. Stir-fry for a few minutes until everything is cooked but still crisp.

Next, toss in the noodles and sauce. Stir everything together until evenly coated and glossy. That’s it. Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with green onions, and top with a bit of pickled ginger for extra brightness. Done and delicious.

Image via Aaron and Claire

👩‍🍳 Claire’s Taste Test & Final Tips

As always, Claire is the official taste tester, and she’s all in. She loves the chewy texture of the noodles and how perfectly everything is coated in sauce. Her extra tip? Add bonito flakes and Kewpie mayo to take it to the next level. According to both Aaron and Claire, that combo makes it good at the restaurant level and definitely worth trying at home by yourself.

Image via Aaron and Claire

🎌 Make It a Full Japanese Night with TokyoTreat

If this yaki udon makes you crave more Japanese flavors, you can pair it with Japanese snacks. TokyoTreat curates monthly snack boxes packed with limited-edition Japanese goodies, from savory chips to exclusive KitKats. It is an easy way to try regional snacks straight from Japan, and it pairs well with a homemade dish like this one.

Cook your udon, open your snack box, and enjoy a complete Japanese night in. Each month’s box has a different seasonal theme, so you are also experiencing a small part of Japan’s culture, festivals, and local specialties without leaving home. It is also a good way to share a taste of Japan with friends or make your udon dinner feel like a special occasion.

🧧 Use their code ANC to receive $5 off your first box Now

🏠 Make It Tonight!

If you are not sure what to make for dinner, remember yaki udon. It is quick, flavorful, and flexible, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or even late-night meals. Aaron presents it in a way that is easy to follow, and once you try it, it may become your go-to recipe. Fifteen minutes is all it takes.

You can change the protein to what you have at home, choose your preferred vegetables, or make it vegetarian. The recipe still works well. The important thing is that you get a satisfying, homemade meal in less time than it would take to order food. Keeping the ingredients on hand makes it simple to prepare whenever you feel like it.

👉 Watch “This 15 Minute Japanese Yaki Udon Will Change Your LIFE” on Aaron & Claire’s YouTube Channel here.