Satisfy your cravings with this Pepper Lunch with Udon—a fast, fiery stir-fry served sizzling hot and packed with bold umami flavor. Juicy beef, chewy udon noodles, corn, green onions, and a buttery garlic soy sauce come together in one pan, just like the iconic Pepper Lunch chain favorite. It’s delicious, fun to make, and even more fun to eat!
No hot iron plate? No problem—you can easily recreate this restaurant-style experience at home with a skillet.
Why You’ll Love It
- Sizzles like the real thing: Serve it hot and bubbly!
- Ready in 20 minutes: Fast food, made better at home.
- Savory-sweet sauce: Buttery soy-garlic blend that coats every bite.
- Customizable: Add veggies, switch the meat, or make it spicy.
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Ingredients for Pepper Lunch with Udon
Thinly Sliced Beef
Use sukiyaki beef, ribeye, or sirloin. Paper-thin slices cook fast and stay tender.
Udon Noodles
Fresh or frozen udon—thick, chewy, and perfect for soaking up flavor.
Sweet Corn
Adds a pop of sweetness and texture.
Green Onions
Fresh and vibrant, stirred in and sprinkled on top.
Garlic Butter Soy Sauce
A simple combo of butter, soy sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and a touch of black pepper.
Optional Add-ins
Bean sprouts, mushrooms, or an egg cracked right into the sizzling skillet.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, butter, a bit of sugar, and cracked black pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Udon
Boil your udon according to the package directions if using dried. If using fresh or frozen, run them under hot water until loosened. Drain and set aside.
3. Sear the Beef
In a hot skillet (cast iron preferred), add a little oil. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer and cook until browned but still tender.
4. Build the Dish
Push beef to the side, add the drained udon, corn, and sauce to the pan. Stir gently, letting the butter melt and coat everything. Toss in green onions at the end.
5. Serve Hot
Serve immediately while sizzling, ideally right in the pan for that Pepper Lunch experience. Stir everything together tableside for maximum fun!
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)
Calories: 550
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 980mg
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Prep and Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Chicken or Pork: Swap in thinly sliced boneless chicken thighs or pork loin.
- Vegetarian: Use mushrooms and tofu instead of beef.
- Cheesy: Top with shredded mozzarella and let it melt for that cheesy Pepper Lunch twist.
- Teriyaki Style: Sub sauce with teriyaki glaze for a sweeter finish.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this without beef?
A1: Absolutely—try chicken, pork, or tofu.
Q2: What kind of beef should I use?
A2: Thinly sliced ribeye, sirloin, or pre-cut sukiyaki-style beef works best.
Q3: Can I use other noodles?
A3: Yes, but udon gives you that signature chew.
Q4: What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
A4: Any heavy-bottomed skillet will do—just get it hot!
Q5: Can I make it ahead of time?
A5: It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a pan or microwave.
Q6: Is this dish spicy?
A6: Not by default, but you can add heat easily.
Q7: Can I add an egg?
A7: Yes! Crack one in while it’s sizzling and stir it in for a silky texture.
Q8: How do I keep the beef from overcooking?
A8: Slice it thin and cook it just until no longer pink.
Q9: Where can I find udon?
A9: In the refrigerated, frozen, or Asian aisle of most grocery stores.
Q10: Can I make this gluten-free?
A10: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of udon.
Conclusion
This Pepper Lunch with Udon recipe brings sizzling Japanese steakhouse vibes to your own kitchen in under 20 minutes. With juicy beef, chewy noodles, and a buttery garlic soy sauce that clings to every bite, it’s fast, flavorful, and downright fun to eat. Serve it hot, gather your chopsticks, and enjoy the show!
Print
Pepper Lunch with Udon
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Pepper Lunch with Udon is a sizzling hot plate dish inspired by the popular Japanese fast-food chain. Featuring tender beef slices, chewy udon noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory butter-pepper soy sauce, it’s a quick, flavorful meal that cooks right on the skillet.
Ingredients
200g thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin),200g udon noodles (pre-cooked or frozen),1 tablespoon unsalted butter,1 cup bean sprouts,1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned),2 tablespoons chopped green onions,Salt and black pepper to taste,1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.,Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat.,Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.,Arrange the beef slices around the outer edge of the skillet.,Place pre-cooked udon noodles in the center and add bean sprouts and corn around them.,Place the butter on top of the noodles and sprinkle green onions over everything.,Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.,Pour the sauce evenly over the entire skillet contents.,Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, allowing the beef to sear and the sauce to caramelize slightly.,Using tongs or chopsticks, stir everything together to combine and finish cooking for another 2–3 minutes.,Serve immediately while hot and sizzling!
Notes
Use a cast iron skillet to replicate the authentic Pepper Lunch sizzling effect.,Substitute chicken or pork for beef if preferred.,You can add sliced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry / Sizzling Plate
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg