Spicy Udon Stir-Fry

Begin by filling a substantial container with salted water and placing it on the stovetop to reach its boiling point. Submerge udon noodles in the boiling water, gently stirring them every now and then, until they reach a perfect balance of tenderness and firmness when bitten into, typically taking 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the noodles from the water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Next, add a small amount of sesame oil to the noodles and gently toss them to coat.

In a separate, large pan, heat any remaining sesame oil over medium heat. Add broccoli to the pan and continue cooking it until its vibrant green color is restored, along with maintaining a crunchy texture, approximately 5 minutes. Add sliced green bell pepper and carrots to the pan; cook and stir them occasionally until they start to soften slightly, roughly 2 minutes. Next, add sliced zucchini to the pan and continue cooking it until it begins to soften slightly more, about 2 minutes. Add soy sauce, mirin, chili-garlic sauce, and grated ginger to the pan; stir everything together in a harmonious union. Introduce the cooked noodles into the pan and gently stir them with the sauce until they have absorbed some of its flavors, taking about 1 to 2 minutes more.