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10 Best Sauces for Udon Noodles

Udon noodles are a type of Japanese noodle that is thick and chewy.

They can be served in many different ways, but one of the most popular is with a delicious sauce.

Whether you’re looking for something to spice up your udon or just want to try something new, there are plenty of sauces out there that can add flavor and texture.

In this article, I will share 10 of the best sauces for udon noodles that you can make at home.

From traditional flavors like soy sauce and miso to more adventurous options such as sesame oil and chili paste, these recipes will help you create an unforgettable meal!

What Are Udon Noodles?

Udon Noodles
The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Udon noodles are a type of thick, chewy Japanese noodle made from wheat flour.

They are usually served in hot broth as a noodle soup called udon-suki or cold with dipping sauces.

Udon noodles can also be stir-fried and served with vegetables and other ingredients.

The texture of udon noodles is unique—they have a slightly springy chewiness that makes them stand out among other types of Asian noodles.

Udon noodles come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from thin strands to thick, flat ribbons.

They can be found fresh or dried at most Asian grocery stores, as well as some supermarkets.

When cooking with udon noodles, it’s important to follow the package instructions for best results; they should generally be boiled for about 5 minutes before being added to soups or stir-fries.

10 Best Sauces for Udon Noodles

Udon noodles are a delicious type of Japanese noodle that can be enjoyed in many different dishes.

The key to making the perfect udon dish is choosing the right sauce.

Here are ten sauces that will give your udon noodles the flavor and texture it deserves:

1. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a fermented condiment made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water.

It has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries and is now widely available around the world.

  • Taste: Soy sauce has a salty flavor with hints of sweetness and umami. The taste can vary depending on the brand or type of soy sauce you are using. Some brands have a more intense flavor than others.
  • Texture: Soy sauce is usually thin and runny but some brands may be thicker in consistency.
  • Common Uses: Soy sauce is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for sushi or other Japanese dishes such as udon noodles, tempura, and gyoza dumplings. It can also be used to season stir-fries, marinades, dressings, soups, stews, sauces, and many other dishes.

2. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, dark-brown condiment made from fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies, and various spices.

It has a sweet and salty flavor with hints of smokiness.

The name hoisin comes from the Chinese words for ‘seafood‘ (hoi) and ‘sauce’ (sin).

  • Taste: Hoisin sauce has a sweet and salty flavor with hints of smokiness. It’s not overly spicy but does have some heat to it.
  • Texture: Hoisin sauce is thick and sticky in texture.
  • Common Uses: Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls, as well as an ingredient in stir-fries or marinades for meats such as pork or chicken. It can also be used to add flavor to noodles dishes like udon noodles or ramen.

3. Gochujang Sauce

Gochujang sauce is a spicy, sweet, and savory condiment made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice powder, fermented soybeans, salt, and sometimes sugar.

It is a staple of Korean cuisine and has been used for centuries as a condiment or marinade.

  • Taste: Gochujang sauce has a complex flavor profile that combines the sweetness of sugar with the spiciness of red chili peppers and the umami flavor of fermented soybeans. The texture is thick and sticky due to the glutinous rice powder.
  • Texture: Gochujang sauce has a thick consistency that can range from smooth to chunky depending on how it’s prepared. It also has an intense heat that builds up slowly over time.
  • Common Uses: Gochujang sauce is most commonly used as a condiment or marinade for meats such as beef or pork. It can also be used in soups and stews to add depth of flavor and spice. Additionally, it can be added to noodles such as udon noodles for an extra kick of flavor.

4. Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce is a condiment made from ground peanuts, garlic, ginger, and other spices.

It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine as a dipping sauce or as an ingredient in dishes such as satay and pad Thai.

  • Taste: Peanut sauce has a rich, nutty flavor with hints of sweetness and spiciness. The texture can range from smooth to chunky depending on the ingredients used.
  • Texture: Peanut sauces can be either thick or thin depending on how much liquid is added to the mixture. Thicker sauces are usually served as dips while thinner sauces are often used for stir-fries or noodle dishes.
  • Common Uses: Peanut sauce is most commonly served with noodles such as udon or soba, but it can also be used to top off salads or grilled meats like chicken satay. It’s also popularly served alongside spring rolls and dumplings for dipping purposes.

5. Black Pepper Sauce

Black pepper sauce is a condiment made from black peppercorns, garlic, and oil.

It is commonly used in Asian cuisine to add flavor to dishes such as noodles, stir-fries, and soups.

  • Taste: The sauce has a strong peppery flavor with hints of garlic and sweetness. It can be spicy depending on the amount of black pepper used.
  • Texture: The texture of the sauce is thick and creamy due to the addition of oil.
  • Common Uses: Black pepper sauce is often served with udon noodles or other types of Asian noodle dishes. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls, or as an accompaniment to grilled meats or vegetables.

6. Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a thick, dark brown condiment made from oyster extract and other ingredients such as soy sauce, sugar, salt, and sometimes MSG.

It has a savory flavor with hints of sweetness.

  • Taste: The taste of oyster sauce is salty and sweet with a hint of umami. It has an intense flavor that can be overpowering if used in large quantities.
  • Texture: Oyster sauce has a thick consistency similar to ketchup or barbecue sauce. It’s not runny like soy sauce or fish sauce but it does have some viscosity to it when stirred into dishes.
  • Common Uses: Oyster Sauce is commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a marinade for meats and vegetables or as an ingredient in stir-fries and noodle dishes such as udon noodles. It can also be used to add flavor to soups, sauces, gravies, and dressings.

7. Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory Japanese condiment made from soy sauce, sake, sugar, and mirin.

It is used as a marinade for meats and vegetables before grilling or roasting them.

The name teriyaki comes from the words teri (glossy) and yaki (grill), which refer to the glossy sheen of the glaze that forms when it is cooked.

  • Taste: Teriyaki sauce has a salty-sweet flavor with hints of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. It can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less sugar depending on how sweet you want it to be.
  • Texture: Teriyaki sauce has a thick consistency due to its high sugar content. When heated, it becomes even thicker as the sugars caramelize and form a glossy glaze on whatever food it’s coating.
  • Common Uses: Teriyaki sauce is most commonly used as a marinade for meats such as chicken or beef before they are grilled or roasted. It can also be used in stir-fries or added to soups and stews. It’s a versatile condiment that can be used to add flavor to many dishes.

8. Asian Sweet Sesame Sauce

Asian Sweet Sesame Sauce is a thick, sweet sauce made from sesame paste, sugar, and soy sauce.

It is commonly used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine as a dipping sauce or marinade for meats and vegetables.

  • Taste: The flavor of the sauce is sweet with a hint of nuttiness from the sesame paste. The sweetness comes from the sugar that’s added to it, while the saltiness comes from the soy sauce.
  • Texture: The texture of this sauce is thick and creamy due to the addition of sesame paste.
  • Common Uses: This versatile sauce can be used as a dip for dumplings or spring rolls, as well as a marinade for grilled meats such as chicken or beef. It can also be used to top noodles such as udon or ramen noodles, adding an extra layer of flavor to your dish.

9. Coconut Curry Sauce

Coconut curry sauce is a creamy, flavorful sauce made with coconut milk, curry powder, and other spices.

It is often used as a condiment for noodles or rice dishes.

  • Taste: The flavor of the sauce depends on the type of curry powder used and the other ingredients added to it. Generally speaking, it has a mild sweetness from the coconut milk combined with an earthy spiciness from the curry powder.
  • Texture: The texture of this sauce can range from thick and creamy to thin and runny depending on how much liquid is added when making it.
  • Common Uses: Coconut Curry Sauce is commonly served over udon noodles or steamed white rice as a main dish. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or tempura vegetables, or as an accompaniment to grilled meats such as chicken or pork.

10. Chili Paste

Chili paste is a condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, oil, and other spices.

It is commonly used in Asian cuisine to add flavor and heat to dishes.

  • Taste: Chili paste has a spicy, garlicky flavor with a hint of sweetness. The spiciness can vary depending on the type of chili pepper used and how much is added.
  • Texture: Chili paste has a thick consistency that can range from smooth to chunky depending on the ingredients used.
  • Common Uses: Chili paste is often used as an ingredient in marinades or sauces for meats or vegetables. It can also be added to soups or stews for extra flavor and heat. Additionally, it can be served as a condiment alongside noodles or rice dishes for extra spice and flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many delicious sauces that can be used to enhance the flavor of udon noodles.

From soy sauce to teriyaki sauce, these sauces are sure to add a kick of flavor to your dish.

The best sauces for udon noodles are soy sauce, hoisin sauce, gochujang sauce, peanut sauce, black pepper sauce, oyster sauce, teriyaki sauce, sesame sauce, curry sauce, and chili paste.

Each of these sauces has its own unique flavor that can be used to enhance the flavor of your dish.

No matter which sauce you choose, you can be sure that it will take your udon noodles to the next level. So go ahead, experiment and find the perfect sauce for your udon noodles.

Dipping Sauces

10 Best Sauce for Udon Noodles Collection

Finding the right sauce for udon noodles can be tricky, so I'm here to make it easier for you! In this article, I'm sharing my top 10 favorite sauces for udon noodles. Whether you're looking for something savory, sweet, or spicy, I've got you covered with these delicious recipes. Plus, I'll provide some tips on how to prepare the sauces and how to combine them with noodles for the perfect flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Noodles, Sauce
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Servings 4 people
Calories 255 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Soy Sauce
  • Hoisin Sauce
  • Gochujang Sauce
  • Peanut Sauce
  • Black Pepper Sauce
  • Oyster Sauce
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  • Asian Sweet Sesame Sauce
  • Coconut Curry Sauce
  • Chili Paste

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite sauce from this collection to serve with your udon noodles.
  • Prepare all of the required ingredients.
  • Enjoy your meal in 15 minutes or less.
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.