Beef Curry Udon
Equipment
Ingredients
Udon & Beef Curry
- 6 oz thinly sliced beef, see note 1
- ½ onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 cups water
- 2 blocks Japanese curry blocks
- 2 servings udon
Optional Garnishes
- Scallions
- Pickled ginger
Instructions
- Finely slice the onion and mince the garlic. Heat a little oil in a pan, add the garlic and onions, and cook for a couple of minutes until softened.
- Add the thinly sliced beef and stir-fry until browned, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the water and bring to a simmer. Add the Japanese curry roux blocks and stir until dissolved, letting the sauce thicken to your liking.
- Meanwhile, boil the udon noodles until al dente, then drain. Place the noodles into a serving bowl and ladle the beef curry mixture on top.
- Optionally garnish with scallions and pickled ginger.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Why Beef Curry Udon Is Always A Staple
In my opinion, Beef Curry Udon is one of those meals that tastes like you put in actual effort, but in reality, you just stirred in a curry block and tossed in some beef with some sliced garlic and onions. While making Japanese curry from scratch has its place, I find that instant curry is the best in a pinch because it still provides those classic flavors or Japanese curry without too much effort. The slightly sweet, yet rich curry sauce coats every piece of udon while the onions and garlic provide that strong depth that you find in Japanese curries. It’s a full bowl of childhood memories for me, and I hope it creates some for you as well!
The Easiest Way To Make A Reliable Dinner
I won’t lie, after work, I’m not trying to cook anything for hours (even though this is what I do for a living!). That’s where instant Japanese curry comes in, it gives you the depth of a long-simmered stew in literal minutes. However, it’s not good just by itself, it also needs a bunch of other components to help compliment its flavor. I use thinly sliced beef because it’s tender, but still cooks super quickly, and once the sauce thickens after the beef is cooked, you’re basically 90% done. Add noodles, garnish if you feel like it, and enjoy!! Sometimes, I don’t even cook noodles, I like to use the leftover rice I always have in my rice cooker!
How to Make Beef Curry Udon
Slice the onion and mince the garlic.
In a pan, heat a little neutral oil and sauté the garlic and onion until softened.
Add the beef and cook until browned, about 2 minutes.
Pour in water and bring to a simmer before adding curry blocks and stirring until dissolved and thickened.
Meanwhile, boil udon noodles until al dente and drain.
Place udon in a serving bowl, ladle curry beef mixture on top.
Optionally garnish with scallions and pickled ginger.
Tips and Variations
• Want it spicier? Use a spicier version of curry blocks or stir in some chili oil before serving! I like to do this especially during the late fall and winter times!
• Frozen udon noodles have the best texture because they retain their bounciness a little better. I boil the udon just until loosened before draining.
• If you want some extra veggies in your meal, I recommend some shredded cabbage. The texture is kind of similar to the beef while adding some extra fiber and nutrients.
• If your curry gets too thick because you reduced it too long, just add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of noodle?
You absolutely can, but I think udon works best for holding onto the thick curry sauce. If needed, ramen or even thick rice noodles can be subbed in a pinch. My mom used to use ramen all the time when I was younger!
Do I need Japanese curry blocks?
Yes! They’re what gives the dish its signature flavor and thickness. You can find them at most Asian markets or online.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! I like to store the beef curry and udon separately to maintain the texture of the noodles. Reheat the curry and pour it over the warmed noodles when ready.
Try These Next
Need another Japanese classic after work? My Yakiniku Bowl is a fast meal packed with protein that’s always tasty.
Want more noodles? Try my Gochujang Peanut Noodles, they just use some of the essentials I recommend, and it’s super delicious 🙂
Craving something crispy? My Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken hits those sweet and savory notes perfectly.
