Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry

by

Introduction

Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry is a savory and satisfying dish that combines the bold, sweet-savory flavors of Korean Bulgogi beef with chewy, hearty udon noodles. The thinly sliced beef is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sugar, then stir-fried to perfection. The udon noodles soak up the flavorful marinade, creating a delicious harmony of tender beef, thick noodles, and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and bok choy. The result is a comforting and flavorful stir fry with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami.

The first time I made Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry, I was craving a fusion dish that brought together my love for Korean Bulgogi and the satisfying texture of udon noodles. The dish turned out better than I expected—the beef was tender and flavorful, and the noodles were the perfect base to soak up all those bold, delicious flavors. What I love most about this stir fry is how customizable it is—you can easily add more veggies, like carrots or mushrooms, or even swap in a different protein like chicken or tofu. Whether for a family dinner or a weeknight meal, Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry is sure to impress!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Quick and satisfying meals
  • Asian-inspired food lovers
  • Entertaining guests with a crowd-pleaser

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry will be your new favorite go-to:

  • Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, savory, and smoky marinade delivers authentic Korean bulgogi taste.
  • Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy schedule.
  • Chewy Udon Noodles: Udon noodles soak up the sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying texture.
  • Balanced Meal: Packed with protein, veggies, and carbs for a complete dish.
  • Customizable: Easily swap out vegetables or add extra spice to suit your taste.
  • Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the beef in advance for an even faster meal.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy the flavors of your favorite Asian eatery without leaving the house.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that pack a big punch of flavor.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a standalone dish or pair with a side of kimchi for an extra kick.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 52g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Bulgogi Beef Marinade:

  • ½ lb (225g) thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

The Stir Fry:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 pack (7 oz) fresh or frozen udon noodles
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Ingredient Highlights:

  • Thinly Sliced Beef: Cooks quickly and absorbs the marinade perfectly.
  • Udon Noodles: Chewy and hearty, ideal for soaking up the stir fry sauce.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds nutty depth to the marinade and stir fry.
  • Gochujang: A Korean chili paste for a touch of heat and umami.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Beef:

  1. Mix Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
  2. Add Beef: Toss the thinly sliced beef in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours).

Prepare the Stir Fry:

  1. Cook Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir fry the onion, carrots, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
  3. Prepare Udon: If using frozen udon noodles, rinse under hot water to separate. Add the noodles to the skillet.
  4. Add Sauce: Mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang (if using). Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
  5. Combine Beef: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Plate: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve

Here are 10 ways to enjoy Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry:

  • With a Side of Kimchi: Add some tangy heat to complement the dish.
  • As a Main Dish: Serve on its own for a quick and satisfying meal.
  • Paired with Miso Soup: For a light and warming side.
  • With Pickled Vegetables: A crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.
  • Topped with a Fried Egg: A creamy yolk elevates the dish.
  • With Extra Spice: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat lovers.
  • Family Style: Serve on a large platter for everyone to share.
  • With Rice on the Side: For extra carbs and a more filling meal.
  • In Bento Boxes: Perfect for meal prepping or packed lunches.
  • With Seaweed Snacks: Add a crispy, salty bite on the side.

Additional Tips

  • Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if possible.
  • Use Fresh Udon Noodles: Fresh udon noodles will give the dish a chewier, more authentic texture compared to dried noodles.
  • High Heat: Stir fry on high heat to get that smoky, slightly charred flavor on the beef and vegetables.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Balance the Sauce: Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar to match your personal taste. If you prefer sweeter, add more sugar; for a saltier kick, increase the soy sauce.
  • Use Sesame Oil: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil at the end of cooking for a nutty, aromatic finish.
  • Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds on top of your stir fry will enhance both the flavor and the visual appeal.
  • Add Heat with Gochujang: For a spicy twist, stir in a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for added depth and heat.
  • Serve with a Fried Egg: Top your dish with a fried egg for extra protein and a rich, creamy texture when the yolk breaks.
  • Quickly Stir Fry the Beef: Don’t overcook the beef; stir-fry it for only 2-3 minutes until it’s just browned for the best tender texture.

Recipe Variations

  • Chicken Udon Stir Fry: Swap beef with thinly sliced chicken breast.
  • Spicy Shrimp Udon: Use shrimp and add extra gochujang for a seafood twist.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or mushrooms as a protein alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace udon noodles with rice noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini for more greens.
  • Garlic Butter Udon: Mix in garlic butter for a richer flavor.
  • Teriyaki Style: Use teriyaki sauce instead of bulgogi marinade for a sweeter option.
  • Extra Crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or crushed peanuts.
  • Kimchi Udon: Add kimchi for tangy, spicy notes.
  • Cheese Topping: Melt mozzarella over the stir fry for a unique fusion twist.

Special Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Ensures even cooking and plenty of space for stir frying.
  • Tongs: For tossing the noodles and beef.
  • Fine Mesh Strainer: To rinse udon noodles if using frozen.
  • Sharp Knife: For slicing beef and vegetables.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen udon noodles?
    Yes, just rinse them under hot water to separate before adding to the skillet.
  2. What cut of beef works best?
    Ribeye, sirloin, or any tender cut is ideal for quick cooking.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, marinate the beef and prep the vegetables in advance to save time.
  4. Is this dish spicy?
    It’s mildly spicy with gochujang, but you can omit it for a non-spicy version.
  5. What other noodles can I use?
    Rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti can work as substitutes.
  6. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Yes, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in a skillet.
  7. How do I avoid mushy noodles?
    Cook noodles just until chewy and avoid over-stirring during cooking.
  8. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
    Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar works as a substitute.
  9. Can I add eggs to this dish?
    Absolutely! Scramble eggs into the stir fry or top with a fried egg.
  10. How do I make this healthier?
    Use lean beef, add extra veggies, and reduce the amount of oil used.

Conclusion

Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry is a delicious fusion dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Korean bulgogi beef with the chewy, satisfying texture of udon noodles. The beef is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from sugar or pear, then stir-fried until tender and slightly caramelized.

The udon noodles are added to the stir fry, soaking up the flavorful marinade while maintaining their thick, chewy texture. You can toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy for added freshness and crunch. The result is a savory, umami-packed dish that’s both hearty and satisfying, blending the best of Korean and Japanese cuisines.

I can’t wait to see how your Bulgogi Beef Udon Stir Fry turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!