Sesame Scallion Chicken Udon with Thai Basil brings together the best of Asian fusion cooking in one satisfying bowl. This easy udon noodle recipe features tender ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Thai basil in a savory sesame-soy sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you’re craving authentic Asian flavors at home.
What Makes This Udon Recipe Special
This chicken udon stir-fry combines chewy fresh udon noodles with perfectly seasoned ground chicken and crisp vegetables. The secret lies in the umami-rich sauce made from soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Thai basil adds an unexpected anise-like flavor that elevates this dish beyond traditional udon recipes.
The beauty of this Asian fusion dish lies in its varied textures and complex flavor profile. Fresh udon noodles provide the perfect chewy base, while crunchy carrots and aromatic scallions add both color and substance. The sesame oil creates a nutty foundation that ties all the elements together, making each bite a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
The sauce base forms the heart of this recipe, combining classic Asian pantry staples for maximum impact. Soy sauce provides the salty umami foundation, while fish sauce adds depth and complexity. Hoisin sauce contributes sweetness and body, rice vinegar brings brightness, and brown sugar balances the overall flavor profile.
Ground chicken works beautifully in this dish because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce flavors readily. The protein becomes perfectly seasoned when cooked in fragrant sesame oil, creating golden-brown pieces that distribute evenly throughout the noodles.
Thai basil sets this recipe apart from standard udon preparations. Unlike sweet basil, Thai basil has a distinctive anise-like flavor with hints of licorice that complement the Asian sauce profile perfectly. The herb maintains its vibrant flavor when added at the end of cooking, providing a fresh counterpoint to the rich, savory elements.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preparing your sauce mixture, whisking together all liquid ingredients and brown sugar until smooth. This ensures even distribution when added to the hot skillet. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Add julienned carrots to the skillet first, as they need slightly more cooking time to achieve the perfect tender-crisp texture. Follow with sliced scallions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger, sautéing until fragrant and the vegetables are just tender. This vegetable medley provides both nutritional value and textural contrast to the finished dish.
Bringing It All Together
Fresh udon noodles work best for this recipe because they have the ideal chewy texture and readily absorb the flavorful sauce. Add the noodles directly to the skillet along with the prepared sauce and a splash of chicken broth. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are well-coated and heated through.
Stir in chopped Thai basil just before serving to preserve its bright, herbal notes. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor, and serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh citrus finish that brightens the entire dish.
This sesame chicken udon delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen, combining simple techniques with complex flavors for a truly satisfying meal.
Sesame Scallion Chicken Udon with Thai Basil
Sesame Scallion Chicken Udon with Thai Basil is a delightful fusion dish featuring fresh udon noodles, ground chicken, and aromatic herbs tossed in a savory, flavorful sauce. The unique addition of Thai basil provides an unexpected twist, elevating the dish with its anise-like flavor and fresh, herbal notes.
4
servings20
minutes25
minutes45
minutesKeeps the screen of your device on while you cook
Ingredients
12 ounces fresh udon noodles
1 pound ground chicken
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 large carrots, julienned
1 bunch scallions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup thai basil, chopped
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 cup chicken broth
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for garnish, toasted sesame seeds
for serving, lime wedges
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce:
Combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chicken broth in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, season with salt and ground black pepper, and cook until browned, 4-5 minutes. - Sauté Vegetables:
Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil along with the carrots and scallions. Saute for 3-4 minutes until tender. - Add the Aromatics:
Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped Thai basil to the skillet, stirring to incorporate it evenly throughout the dish. - Add Noodles and Sauce:
Add the udon noodles directly to the skillet with the vegetables and chicken. Pour the sauce mixture and the chicken broth over the noodles and toss well to combine. Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors and heat through. - Serve:
Divide the sesame scallion chicken udon among serving bowls. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped scallion. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh citrus kick.
Notes
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over low heat, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma, ensuring they remain light and delicate for garnishing purposes.
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