15-Min Curried Ground Beef Stir-Fry Udon! Easy & Delish Weeknight Dinners

Hello, food lovers!

Welcome back to the blog. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s a true lifesaver on busy weeknights: 15-Minute Curried Ground Beef Stir-Fry Udon.

This dish is the perfect fusion of savory Japanese flavors and aromatic curry spices. It’s incredibly quick to make, packed with umami, and so satisfying. If you’re looking for a delicious meal that’s ready in a flash, you’ve come to the right place.

Don’t forget to check out the full video tutorial on our YouTube channel to cook along with me!

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients (Serves 1)

Here is what you’ll need. I’ve included both metric and U.S. customary measurements for your convenience.

For the Stir-Fry:

Udon Noodles: 180g (6.3 oz), 1 single-serving pack (frozen or pre-cooked recommended)
Ground Beef: 100g (3.5 oz)
Onion: 50g (1.8 oz), about 1/4 of a medium onion, cut into wedges
Garlic: 1 clove, finely minced
Vegetable Oil: 2 tsp, divided
Salt & Pepper: A pinch for seasoning the beef

For the Curry Sauce:

Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (1/2 fl oz)
Sugar: 1.5 tsp
Curry Powder: 1.5 tsp
Salt & Pepper: A pinch, to taste
MSG (e.g., Ajinomoto): A pinch (optional, but adds a great umami boost)

For Topping (Optional):

Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Minced Shiso (Perilla) Leaves: A small amount for a fresh, unique flavor. You can also substitute with chopped green onions (scallions) or parsley.

Instructions

This dish comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s begin!

Prep the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all the “For the Curry Sauce” ingredients: soy sauce, sugar, curry powder, a pinch of salt & pepper, and MSG (if using). Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
Sauté the Onion: Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the onion wedges and stir-fry until they soften and become slightly translucent.
Cook the Garlic & Beef: Push the onions to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tsp of oil to the empty space, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan next to the garlic. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula to break up the meat and cook until it’s fully browned.
Add Udon & Sauce: Add the udon noodles directly into the pan. Pour the prepared curry sauce all over the noodles.
Combine & Finish: Stir-fry everything together over medium heat. Use your spatula or chopsticks to gently untangle the udon noodles, ensuring they get evenly coated with the sauce and mixed with the beef and onions.
Serve: Continue cooking until the sauce has reduced and clings to the noodles, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a plate, finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and top with minced shiso, green onions, or parsley. Enjoy immediately!