Easy Vegan Kale Tahini Udon

Name: Easy Vegan Kale Tahini Udon
Ingredients: 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms (stems discarded, and caps thinly sliced); 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon smoked shoyu (optional); 2 Thai chili peppers (halved or use crushed red pepper to taste); 1/4 cup water; 1 bunch curly kale (ribs removed, and leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces); 16 ounces fresh (frozen, or dry udon noodles); 1 tablespoon neutral oil; 2 shallots (peeled and thinly sliced); 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons smoked shoyu (optional); 1/4 cup tahini; 1 tablespoon chili oil; Salt and pepper to taste