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Pan-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic and Rapini

November 3, 2019 By Patricia 88 Comments

Pan-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic and Rapini is the perfect quick-cook meal with great flavor and texture. I like to think of this dish as an international delight, with components from Italian, Japanese, and Chinese cooking.

Pan-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic and Rapini is a quick dish to fix that is filling and big on flavor!

A recent Sunday meal started out like many in my life: pasta would be on the menu. There was a bunch of rapini (also known as broccoli rabe) sitting in my fridge – and I can’t make rapini without garlic – so mealtime was clearly leaning toward Italian.

Then I remembered that I had udon noodles in the cupboard. Udon noodles are thick and chewy, and cook so quickly. Yea, they’re pretty much my favorite noodle. (Please keep that nugget of info to yourself. I mean, what would my Italian mom think if she found out?) This is when things took a turn toward a Japanese-inspired meal.

When you have noodles on the brain, check out a few more of my noodle recipes, like  Cold Sesame-Peanut Noodle Salad and Bucatini with Wilted Dandelion Greens and Anchovy Sauce.

Delight in a bowl of Pan-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic and Rapini

So what sort of sauce would I add to these noodles? I wanted something that was easy to make and that would come together quickly, since the only thing I had gorged on eaten so far on this particular Sunday was leftover Halloween candy.

I had Chinese oyster sauce in the fridge? Okay then! I grabbed it and used it to make the sauce for what would become Pan-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic and Rapini – a perfect combo of Italian, Japanese, and Chinese influences.

You’ll love this noodle dish! The sauce turns the noodles sticky, with some bits that get a little crispy from cooking them in the skillet. The slightly bitter rapini and the zesty garlic mix well with the oyster sauce for a quick and fabulous dish.

Twirl up a forkful of Pan-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic and Rapini

Pan-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic and Rapini is an amazing, filling, and flavorful dish. Make it soon – you’ll love it! And  it makes a much better meal than leftover Halloween candy!

Pan-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic and Rapini is an amazingly delicious and simple dish you'll love. It's so easy to make this noodle dish!

Nutrition

Calories

104 cal

Fat

7 g

Carbs

10 g

Protein

1 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Serves 4

Pan-Fried Udon Noodles with Garlic and Rapini

This is a flavorful and filling dish with inspiration from Italian, Japanese, and Chinese cooking. It's so easy to make, and you'll also love how quickly it comes together.

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5 based on 3 review(s)

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Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce (use a vegetarian oyster sauce to keep the recipe vegetarian)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 large bunch rapini (about a pound), ends trimmed, stems cut into small pieces
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) package Udon noodles (prepared according to package directions)
  • Toasted sesame seeds as garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the water, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.
  2. Add the sesame oil to a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the rapini stems and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the remaining rapini and cook for a few additional minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add about half the liquid to the skillet, season with the black pepper, and toss to combine.
  4. Add the noodles to the skillet and increase the heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Add the remaining liquid to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes, or until the liquid cooks down and the noodles become sticky and coated in the sauce.
  5. Toss and serve immediately garnished with sesame seeds.

Notes

This is a meatless dish, but to keep it vegetarian, please use a vegetarian oyster sauce.

7.8.1.2
14
https://www.azgrabaplate.com/pan-fried-udon-noodles-with-garlic-and-rapini/

Filed Under: Dinner, Recipes, Vegetarian Tagged With: garlic, Italian, Japanese food, Meatless, noodles, rapini

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Comments

  1. Melissa Falk says

    November 2, 2015 at 3:25 pm

    Hi, Patricia. I'm Italian as well. I love a great pasta,or noodle dish espcially when it has a veggie focus. This one appeals to the garlic lover in me. It looks terrific!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 2, 2015 at 6:13 pm

      Thank you, Melissa! I love pretty much anything and everything about garlic, too -- the more, the merrier :) Enjoy!
      Reply
  2. heather @french press says

    November 2, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    we love udon noodles too, and that sauce looks amazing! this is a dish I'll try for sure
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 2, 2015 at 6:13 pm

      Thank you, Heather! Hope you enjoy it!
      Reply
  3. Florian @ContentednessCooking says

    November 2, 2015 at 4:26 pm

    Looks delicious as always! Great recipe...
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 2, 2015 at 6:12 pm

      Thanks so much, Florian! :)
      Reply
  4. David @ CookingChat says

    November 2, 2015 at 5:30 pm

    Yum, this looks great! I was wondering if rapini and broccoli rabe were the same, and I see that seems to be the case.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 2, 2015 at 6:12 pm

      Thank you, David! Yep - it sure is! I should have mentioned that in the post, so thanks for bringing it to my attention!
      Reply
  5. Debi @ Life Currents says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    nommy nomm nom! This looks so awesome! I could eat the whole thing right now!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks, Debi! I know - me, too, but didn't have ANY leftovers!
      Reply
  6. Amy Stafford says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    I can not wait to make this! Love the ingredients and how quick and easy this recipe is.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 3, 2015 at 2:56 am

      That's great! Hope you enjoy it! :)
      Reply
  7. Amber | Caleigh's Kitchen says

    November 2, 2015 at 10:14 pm

    This dish sounds delicious, I really love anything garlicky. YUM!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 3, 2015 at 2:55 am

      Oh, me too! I love it! Thank you!
      Reply
  8. Kristyn says

    November 2, 2015 at 11:36 pm

    This seems like such a fast, delicious and filling meal! Can't wait to try!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 3, 2015 at 2:55 am

      Definitely all of the above :) Thank you!!
      Reply
  9. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

    November 3, 2015 at 3:50 am

    This looks and sounds awesome! Love the addition of the rapini!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:29 am

      Thanks so much, Kimberly! :)
      Reply
  10. Maris (In Good Taste) says

    November 3, 2015 at 5:18 am

    I love all types of Asian food. Sounds great!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:27 am

      Thanks, Maris!
      Reply
  11. Sara says

    November 3, 2015 at 5:39 am

    This looks so good, I always order udon at the Japanese restaurant so I can't wait to make it at home!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:27 am

      Awesome! I think you'll really like how easy this is to make! Thanks so much, Sara!
      Reply
  12. Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says

    November 3, 2015 at 6:57 am

    I absolutely love pan-fried udon noodles! One of my go-to things to make when I'm in a pinch! Great dish, Patricia!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:27 am

      Thanks so much, Lisa! I'm so glad we can always count on noodles! :)
      Reply
  13. Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says

    November 3, 2015 at 10:14 am

    My husband loves udon noodles! This is a perfect recipe to share with him!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:26 am

      That's great! Hope you try this and enjoy. Thank you, Sabrina!
      Reply
  14. Nakeya says

    November 3, 2015 at 6:16 pm

    Wow... You had me at noodles and garlic. Thanks for posting this recipe. I will try it.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:25 am

      Yum, right! Thanks so much, Nakeya!
      Reply
  15. Erin @ Texanerin Baking says

    November 3, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    I've never had Udon noodles before! I'll have to look for them. This looks great and I love how simple it is. I love how you described it as an international delight. :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:24 am

      Hi Erin! Thanks so much! You definitely have to try to find them (I especially like the "fresh" type over the dried - the fresh ones come vacuum sealed)! Bet you'll be hooked :)
      Reply
  16. Mary says

    November 3, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    I admire your ingenuity with this one! I love udon noodles, and I can honestly say I've never had them prepared quite like this before, but it sounds awesome!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:22 am

      Thank you, Mary! I just love these noodles :)
      Reply
  17. Roxanne says

    November 3, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    Add this to my meatless Monday lineup. Thanks
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:22 am

      Sounds good, Roxanne! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  18. Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says

    November 3, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    Oh man.. I have a love affair with udon noodles! Cannot wait to try this recipe!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:21 am

      Thanks, Krista! I know - I'm a huge fan of them, too :)
      Reply
  19. Cookin Canuck says

    November 4, 2015 at 12:42 am

    Udon noodles and oyster sauce are the perfect combo for a quick and delicious meal. I seriously wish I had these in front of me for dinner tonight.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 4, 2015 at 4:21 am

      Thanks so much! I know...unfortunately I didn't have any leftovers :( Good thing this is so easy to make!
      Reply
  20. Evi says

    November 4, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    Looks amazing! I love how simple this recipe is. I'll have to give this a try.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 5, 2015 at 2:56 am

      Thanks, Evi! Definitely simple, filling, and flavorful!
      Reply
  21. Diane says

    November 4, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    This looks delicious, I've re-pinned it to make this weekend. Thanks!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 5, 2015 at 2:56 am

      Thanks, Diane! I hope you like them as much as I do!
      Reply
  22. peter @feedyoursoultoo says

    November 5, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    Love the look of this dish. Need to try pan frying my noodles.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 5, 2015 at 10:57 pm

      Thanks, Peter! I just love them :)
      Reply
  23. justine @ Full Belly SIsters says

    November 5, 2015 at 9:07 pm

    Looks absolutely delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 5, 2015 at 10:56 pm

      Thanks so much, Justine!
      Reply
  24. Nicole says

    November 5, 2015 at 11:48 pm

    This is one delicious looking noodle dish! We would love this in our house :)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 6, 2015 at 4:32 pm

      Hi Nicole! Easy to make, so hope you can give them a try :) Thanks!
      Reply
  25. Suzy- The Mediterranean Dish says

    November 6, 2015 at 1:21 am

    I order Udon noodles every chance I get. Now I have a great recipe to follow!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 6, 2015 at 4:31 pm

      I'm the exact same, Suzy! They're soooo easy to make! Hope you try them. Thanks!!
      Reply
  26. Camilla says

    November 6, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    I have never heard of rapini but I just love the flavours in this dish and the sesame seed add an extra je ne sais quoi:-)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 6, 2015 at 4:30 pm

      Thanks, Camilla! You might also know rapini as broccoli rabe. You could sub any number of greens and still have a filling dish!
      Reply
  27. Hayli says

    November 8, 2015 at 11:36 pm

    Wow, drooling over this. Looks UH-mazing. I would much rather make asian dishes at home so I know what is going into them- okay, I'd rather make any dish at home so I know whats going into them. May have to try this! Hayli at HayliDeJong.com
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 9, 2015 at 1:24 am

      Hi Hayli - thanks so much! Yeah - I feel the same way :) I hope you do give this a try - so easy to make!
      Reply
  28. cara says

    October 25, 2017 at 2:21 pm

    This looks so delicious! I could definitely go for some of these noodles right about now! YUM!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:45 pm

      Thanks a bunch, Cara!
      Reply
  29. Kate | The Organized Dream says

    October 25, 2017 at 9:04 pm

    This looks like something I would really like to try. I'm going to add this to my meal plan and see if my family likes it! Thanks!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:44 pm

      Thanks, Kate! I hope everyone enjoys it!
      Reply
  30. Missy - Getting Fit to Find Myself says

    October 26, 2017 at 1:02 am

    I love udon noodles! I think these sound amazing! I pinned the recipe!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:44 pm

      Thanks, Missy! I hope you like this dish!
      Reply
  31. Amanda Kruse says

    October 26, 2017 at 1:15 am

    I love anything with pasta - this looks so good! xx. Amanda || www.fortheloveofglitter.com
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:44 pm

      Thanks, Amanda! Enjoy!
      Reply
  32. Cait Weingartner says

    October 26, 2017 at 7:02 am

    Oh how I envy your ability to create your own recipes from whatever is on hand in the fridge and pantry! This dish looks incredibly delicious, and filling. I'd never heard of udon noodles before, but they sound wonderful. I will definitely be trying this recipe in the very near future!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:44 pm

      Hi Cait - thanks for your kind words! I hope you try udon noodles -- look in the Asian food section at the grocery store. They're really good!
      Reply
  33. Lauren says

    October 26, 2017 at 2:05 pm

    This looks so tasty! Can't wait to try it!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:43 pm

      Very! And tasty, too! Thanks, Lauren!
      Reply
  34. Lynda H says

    October 26, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    I love well explained recipes like this. I have no idea what rapini or brocolli rabe is though! Not sure I can get it here in Japan, but I will look it up and if not maybe I can get a replacement. What would you suggest if I can't get my hands on rapini? THanks a million
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:43 pm

      Hi Lynda! Maybe you could use broccoli or spinach, or your favorite greens! I hope it works. Thank you!
      Reply
  35. Helen says

    October 26, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    Yum! This looks amazing and easy enough that even I can make it. Saving for later.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:42 pm

      It's really good, and easy to make, Helen! Thanks!
      Reply
  36. Dr. K. Lee Banks says

    October 27, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    It's breakfast time here in Maine as I'm reading this - yet my mouth is watering looking at this dish! I have most of the ingredients - so I think I'm going to have to try a modified version of this for lunch. Yummmmy!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 27, 2017 at 2:28 pm

      Well it's never too soon to think about lunch or dinner! I hope you give this a try and enjoy! Thank you!
      Reply
  37. Dylan says

    June 27, 2018 at 2:37 am

    Nice twist on an Asian dish. Hesistant at first but it turned out very well.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      Thanks, Dylan! Glad you liked it!
      Reply
  38. Sheen May says

    November 5, 2019 at 4:18 am

    Hi Wow looks appetising! We normally go to oodles noodles over her in the Uk. And yeh like many other readers I do prefer to make my own type at home I'm a curry chef so I love cooking Asian meals and calling the family around to gather around our glass dining table and enjoying a good evening meal!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 10, 2019 at 6:27 pm

      Thanks so much, Sheen! I just love noodles -- so many different things you can do with them! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  39. jenna says

    November 5, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    OMG I'm drooling!!! I'm def making these ASAP! I don't think I've ever tried rapini. Looks delish
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 10, 2019 at 6:25 pm

      Thanks, Jenna! I hope you do -- so, so good!
      Reply
  40. Jen says

    November 5, 2019 at 8:02 pm

    That sounds so yummy! I love udon noodles!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 10, 2019 at 6:25 pm

      Me too -- one of my favorites! Thanks, Jen!
      Reply
  41. Karen says

    November 5, 2019 at 9:01 pm

    This looks delicious! I love noodles and especially when they are vegetarian!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 10, 2019 at 6:25 pm

      Thanks a bunch, Karen! I love this dish - it's one of my favorites!
      Reply
  42. Jennifer Morrison says

    November 6, 2019 at 9:09 am

    This looks delicious! I don't think I have ever had Rapini, or at least I was not aware. But will have to give it a try. I really enjoy Udon.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 10, 2019 at 6:26 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer! Hope you give it a try - it's really good and you can add rapini to so many things!
      Reply
  43. Yolanda says

    November 6, 2019 at 9:34 am

    I've been really stuck with weeknight dinners lately so this looks perfect. I've actually had some udon noodles on hand for a while but hadn't found a recipe - so thank you! I actualyl have all the ingredients in the house too. Looks really good.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 10, 2019 at 6:26 pm

      That's great, Yolanda! Let me know if you made this and liked it! I loooove udon noodles!
      Reply
  44. susie liberatore says

    November 7, 2019 at 7:15 pm

    I am glad that I came on your blog there are so many great recipes and I am looking forward to trying some.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      November 10, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      Thanks so much, Susie! Hope you find some good ones you'll enjoy!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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