Name: Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 serving fresh udon, ramen or rice noodles (100-150g); 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 carrot, julienned or shredded; 1⁄4 onion, sliced; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tbsp minced ginger (optional); 1-2 shiitake mushrooms, sliced; Napa cabbage, sliced; Japanese fish cake, sliced (optional); 100-150g protein (ground beef, pork, chicken or shrimp); 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp sake; 1 Tbsp mirin; 1⁄2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar; 1⁄2 Tbsp honey and 1⁄2 Tbsp brown sugar (or 1 Tbsp sugar); 1⁄2 Tbsp sesame oil; 1⁄2 tsp dashi powder (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions, sliced; Red bell pepper, diced; Sesame seeds; Bonito flakes (optional)

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Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles – the name itself is enough to make my mouth water! This delicious Japanese-inspired noodle dish is packed with flavor and simple to make at home. As a fan of all kinds of Asian noodle recipes, I was excited to try this one out using my favorite udon noodles. The end result did not disappoint!

The sesame garlic sauce coats each slippery noodle strand with immense umami depth. Every bite of this noodle bowl delivers a savory, sweet and nutty punch that will leave you wanting more. Let’s learn how to make Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe!

Why You’ll Love Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles

There are so many reasons this noodle bowl will win you over. Here are some of my favorites:

It’s customizable – Use any noodles, proteins and veggies you prefer to make this your own. Udon, ramen, rice noodles all work wonderfully. Chicken, pork, shrimp or extra veggies allow you to tweak it just how you like.
The sauce steals the show – A heavenly blend of garlic, sesame, soy sauce, rice vinegar and honey melds together for next-level flavortown. Every last drop gets soaked up by the noodles.
Satisfying texture – Tender sautéed veggies and your protein of choice pair perfectly with hearty udon noodles. The combination of soft and chewy textures in each bite is bliss.
Simple yet impressive – With just 20 minutes of easy cooking, this noodle bowl looks and tastes gourmet. Perfect for a casual weeknight meal or to wow dinner guests.
Endlessly adaptable – Make it vegan by using tofu. Gluten-free with rice noodles. Add an egg for extra protein. The possibilities are endless for customizing.

I think you’ll agree this quick and craveable Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles recipe belongs in regular rotation on your dinner table. Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles

Making this flavorful noodle bowl at home is simple with just 20 minutes of hands on time. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

1 serving fresh udon, ramen or rice noodles (100-150g)
1⁄4 to 1⁄3 carrot, julienned or shredded
1⁄4 onion, sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp minced ginger (optional)
1-2 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
Napa cabbage, sliced
Japanese fish cake, sliced (optional)
100-150g protein (ground beef, pork, chicken or shrimp)

Sauce:

2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp sake
1 Tbsp mirin
1⁄2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
1⁄2 Tbsp honey and 1⁄2 Tbsp brown sugar (or 1 Tbsp sugar)
1⁄2 Tbsp sesame oil
1⁄2 tsp dashi powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

Green onions, sliced
Red bell pepper, diced
Sesame seeds
Bonito flakes (optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

Large skillet or wok
Small bowl for sauce
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or tongs for tossing

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for restaurant-worthy Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles in 20 minutes flat:

Step 1. Preparation:

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the vegetables, mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the meat or seafood of your choice.

Step 2. Cooking Noodles:

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 3. Making the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, rice wine vinegar, honey (or sugar), sesame oil, dashi powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4. Stir-frying:

Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the sliced onion, carrot, mushrooms, cabbage, and Japanese fish cake (if using). Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 5. Adding Meat:

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the sliced meat or seafood. Cook until the meat is cooked through.

Step 6. Combining Noodles and Sauce:

Once the meat is cooked, add the cooked noodles to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well combined. Allow the noodles to absorb the flavors of the sauce for a couple of minutes.

Step 7. Garnishing:

Remove the pan from the heat and garnish the noodles with sliced green onions, diced red bell pepper (or beni shouga), sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of bonito flakes if desired.

Step 8. Serve:

Transfer the Garlic Sesame Noodles to a serving plate or bowl and enjoy hot!

Tips for Making the Best Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles

Use fresh noodles if possible for the best texture
Don’t overcook the noodles or they may get mushy
Add veggies before protein so they soften sufficiently
Let the noodles soak up the sauce to infuse all the flavors
Garnish with bright, crunchy toppings for texture and color
Customize with your favorite protein, noodles and veggies

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

The best part of this Gyu Kaku noodle recipe is how flexible it is. Get creative with these variations:

Noodles: udon, ramen, rice noodles, pasta, mung bean noodles
Protein: chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, tofu, eggs
Veggies: broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, bean sprouts, water chestnuts
Sauce extras: chili garlic sauce, sambal, sriracha, peanut butter
Toppings: peanuts, cilantro, crispy shallots, lime wedges

Really you can substitute just about any ingredients to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. Can’t find dashi powder or sake? Simply season with a bit more soy sauce and sesame oil. Out of honey? Brown sugar or maple syrup make fine replacements. Get creative and make this noodle bowl your own!

What to Serve with Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles

These noodles make a filling main dish, but taste even better with a few sides. Here are some tasty pairings:

Edamame – The popular Japanese soybean snack adds protein.
Miso soup – The warm broth perfectly balances the noodles.
Gyoza – Japanese pan-fried dumplings are a delicious match.
Salad greens – A crisp green salad balances out the meal.
Rice – Serve noodles over a bowl of rice for an easy complete meal.
Vegetables – Quick-roasted broccoli, asparagus or brussels sprouts.
Seaweed salad – The tangy Japanese favorite complements nicely.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Like many noodle dishes, this one tastes best freshly made. But leftovers keep well for a few days. Here are some storage tips:

Let noodles cool completely before storing
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3-4 days
The noodles may soak up excess moisture as they sit; add a splash of water to loosen them when reheating
Reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between until hot
Stir in extra sauce or seasonings to refresh flavors

For longer term storage, divide noodles into single servings in freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Add extra sauce and seasonings as needed to revive the flavors.

Common Questions About Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles

What type of noodles work best?

Udon and ramen style noodles hold up well but any Asian wheat or rice noodles will work. Avoid delicate pasta which can overcook.

Can I leave out the sake?

Yes, the sake adds a touch of balanced sweetness but you can use an extra spoonful of mirin or rice vinegar in its place.

Is the fish cake necessary?

No, the fish cake adds a nice subtle seafood flavor but you can omit if you can’t find it.

Can I use peanut butter instead of sesame oil?

You can, but it will result in a peanut flavor instead of sesame. Use no more than 1 Tbsp peanut butter.

How long will the sauce keep?

The sauce will keep up to 1 week refrigerated in an airtight container. Make extra to use in stir fries!

Help, my noodles are bland!

Don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce to your taste. Add more garlic, soy sauce, vinegar or chili oil for extra oomph.

Gyu Kaku Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe

Yield: 1

Gyu Kaku’s easy Garlic Sesame Noodles Recipe has tender noodles & veggies in a rich Japanese-inspired umami sauce. Customizable with 35 mins active time.