1. Prepare the Chili Garlic Sauce

Start by making the chili garlic sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili paste or chili garlic sauce, and honey. Stir well to dissolve the honey into the sauce. Add in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like more heat. Mix everything together until it is well incorporated. For an added tang, you can squeeze in some lime juice.

Once everything is combined, set the sauce aside. The garlic and ginger will infuse into the sauce, creating a rich and aromatic flavor base that will coat the udon noodles beautifully.

2. Cook the Udon Noodles

If you’re using fresh udon noodles, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes for fresh udon. If you’re using frozen udon noodles, be sure to thaw them first before boiling for about 3-4 minutes.

Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. To prevent them from sticking, toss the noodles lightly in a little bit of sesame oil, which will also add a subtle flavor to the dish.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

While the noodles are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped green onions and minced garlic to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Next, add the vegetables (if using) such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 2-3 minutes, just until they are tender but still crisp. The goal here is to maintain the texture and flavor of the vegetables without overcooking them.

If you’re using additional protein, like tofu, chicken, or beef, add them to the pan at this stage and stir-fry until they’re cooked through.

4. Combine Noodles and Sauce

Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet or wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared chili garlic sauce over the noodles and toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Stir-fry the noodles for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soak up the sauce and absorb all the aromatic flavors.

You’ll notice the noodles become more flavorful as they cook with the sauce, making each bite deliciously spicy, garlicky, and savory. The noodles should be soft but not soggy, and the sauce will have slightly thickened, creating a glossy coating.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once the noodles are thoroughly mixed with the sauce, it’s time to serve! Plate the chili garlic udon noodles onto individual serving dishes, making sure to distribute the vegetables and noodles evenly.

Top the noodles with fresh cilantro, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a bit of crunch. If you like a bit of extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

For a final touch of flavor, drizzle a little extra sesame oil over the noodles for added richness.