Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

This hearty udon noodle dish combines tender slices of seared beef, zucchini, and shiitake mushrooms for a quick, satisfying meal. Perfectly seasoned with soy sauce and garnished with fresh mint and sesame seeds, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can easily be made vegetarian by swapping beef for tofu.

Ingredients:

For the Noodles and Beef:

• 8 oz dried udon noodles
• 12 oz top round steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (divided)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 3 1/2 oz shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
• 1 red Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)

For Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

• Prepare the udon noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

• In a medium bowl, toss the steak slices with black pepper and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Let the mixture marinate for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry until browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

• Add the remaining oil to the pan. Toss in the zucchini and mushrooms, cooking until tender, about 4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.

Step 5: Add Aromatics and Sauce

• Stir in the chile and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the noodles and the remaining 5 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir constantly to coat the noodles and heat through, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

• Turn off the heat and mix in the mint (if using) and the cooked beef. Transfer to plates or bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

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