Spicy Tuna Udon Noodles (Printable Version)
Tender udon noodles with spicy tuna, crisp vegetables, and sesame flavors. Ready in 25 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein & Noodles
01 - 7 oz fresh or frozen udon noodles
02 - 4.25 oz canned tuna in water, drained (or cooked fresh tuna, flaked)
→ Vegetables
03 - 1/2 cup julienned carrot
04 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
05 - 2 spring onions, sliced
06 - 1 tablespoon pickled ginger, finely chopped (optional)
→ Sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie)
08 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
09 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
11 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
→ Toppings
13 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
14 - 1 sheet nori, torn into small pieces
15 - Fresh chili slices (optional)
# How To Make:
01 - Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the udon noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender but still chewy. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the sauce is smooth and cohesive.
03 - Add the julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, spring onions, and pickled ginger to the spicy tuna sauce. Fold gently with a spatula to distribute the vegetables evenly without breaking them down.
04 - Transfer the cooled udon noodles into the bowl with the spicy tuna and vegetable mixture. Toss vigorously using tongs or two forks, ensuring every strand is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
05 - Divide the dressed noodles evenly between two serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds, scatter the torn nori pieces over the top, and arrange fresh chili slices if desired.
06 - Serve immediately, either chilled or at room temperature. Pairs excellently with a light, dry sake or a crisp white wine.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together faster than delivery and hits every craving note: creamy, spicy, savory, and refreshingly cool all at once.
- The sauce clings to those thick chewy udon noodles in a way that makes every bite feel indulgent without much effort.
02 -
- Do not skip rinsing the noodles under cold water because residual heat will continue cooking them into a gummy mess and warm noodles make the sauce greasy.
- Letting the finished bowl sit for five minutes before eating actually improves the flavor as the noodles absorb more of the sauce.
03 -
- Break the tuna into very small flakes with a fork before adding the wet ingredients because larger chunks will slide right off the noodles and pool at the bottom of the bowl.
- Toasting your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for thirty seconds transforms them from a garnish into something fragrant and nutty that actually matters.