How to Make the Perfect Brown Sugar Soy Udon
Japanese · Easy · 13 min · 2 servings
These brown sugar soy udon noodles strike the perfect balance of sweet and savory in just 15 minutes. This quick and satisfying dish is endlessly slurpable and comes together with pantry staples you likely already have.
Why this recipe works
This Brown Sugar Soy Udon recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 13 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 430 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 g fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Udon
Cook udon noodles according to package directions. Fresh udon takes about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Fry and Glaze
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add noodles and pour over the sauce. Toss for 2 minutes until noodles are well coated and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Serve
Plate the noodles and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with soft-boiled eggs or green onions if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- udon noodles → thick spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- brown sugar → honey or maple syrup
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing udon after cooking which causes them to stick together in clumps
- Using too much heat when glazing which burns the brown sugar before the noodles are coated
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 430 calories, 12g protein, 70g carbs, 9g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →