Any fan of Japanese cuisine will be familiar with udon noodles and how delicious they are. These thick and chewy noodles are often enjoyed in a simple broth but they’re much more versatile than this. From traditional hot soups to stir fries and fusion dishes, there’s no shortage of creative ways to enjoy this satisfying staple. Discover some mouthwatering udon noodle recipes here that will transport your taste buds straight to Japan!
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What is Udon ?
Udon is a type of Japanese noodle made by kneading wheat flour with water and then rolling out the dough into thick strands before being cut into desired lengths. The resulting chewy texture makes them distinct from other types of noodles. Traditionally, udon is served in a flavourful broth known as dashi, which is usually made from kombu (seaweed) and bonito flakes (dried fish). This light yet savoury broth perfectly complements the simplicity of udon noodles and allows for many different topping options. Typical udon toppings include tempura, fried tofu, fish cakes, and meat. Udon noodles can also be enjoyed in various other ways like stir-frying or even served cold with salad during hot summer months.
Homemade Udon Recipe
Say goodbye to store-bought options and elevate your udon dish with homemade noodles. Nowadays udon noodles can be found quite easily at grocery stores and Asian markets in dried or frozen form. However, making fresh udon noodles from scratch at home will make all the difference and taste even more delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to create these delicious noodles right in your own kitchen. Once you’ve made the noodles, they’ll be ready to be used to make various delicious dishes.
Udon Noodle Soup : Kake Udon
Kake udon noodle soup is a beloved Japanese dish that’s easy to make and is deceivingly flavourful. The dish looks very plain and although the broth seems simple, it is actually light, delicate, and full of umami. The chewy and soft udon noodles with the tasty soup creates a simmering bowl of comfort that’s perfect on cold days. Enjoy it topped with just some green onions and ginger as a light meal or make it a fuller satisfying meal by adding vegetables like bok choy and shiitake mushrooms and a protein source like tempura, tofu, or chicken.
Kitsune Udon
Kitsune udon is one of the most classic and popular types of udon noodle soup. Its origins can be traced back to the bustling streets of Osaka, where it first gained popularity as a humble street food option. The flavourful and light broth and tender udon noodles are topped with a piece of seasoned fried tofu giving this dish a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s quick and easy to make and sure to satisfy any craving for comfort food.
Tempura Udon
Tempura udon is a dish that combines two delicious Japanese foods – tempura and udon noodles! With its crisp and succulent tempura, paired with the comforting warmth of thick udon noodles in a flavorful broth, this dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that is hard to resist. The most typical tempura udon is made with tempura shrimp but vegetable tempura and kakiage tempura are fantastic options too. Garnish with naruto fish cakes and green onions to finish off this classic udon dish.
Niku Udon
Niku Udon is a comforting meal that combines the rich flavors of beef with delicately chewy udon noodles. With its origins dating back to the Edo period in Japan, this dish has become an integral part of Japanese cuisine. The dish is made with thinly sliced beef cooked in a combination of mirin, soy sauce, and sake. The savoury-sweet umami beef is served on top of the noodles making a satisfying, rich, and hearty bowl of udon.
Curry Udon
Curry udon is the mouthwatering fusion of udon noodles and Japanese curry. Japanese curry is usually served with rice but swapping out the rice for udon noodles is equally as tasty. This satisfying dish combines the comforting warmth of curry with the satisfying chewiness of udon noodles, creating a symphony of tastes and textures. The noodles soak up the aromatic flavours of the curry making the dish super flavourful and delicious. It’s the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal that’s so irresistible that there’s unlikely to be any leftovers. If there are any leftovers though, store them in an airtight container for a delicious meal the next day when the curry flavour has absorbed even more.
Yaki Udon
Yaki udon is a stir-fried noodle dish made with udon noodles, vegetables, and some kind of protein. With its origins in the bustling streets of Japan, yaki udon has become a go-to comfort food for many. This yaki udon recipe features thick and chewy udon noodles stir-fried in a skillet with an array of vegetables like carrot, cabbage, and garlic along with thin slices of pork and a savoury sauce. Whether enjoyed as a quick street food snack or as a hearty meal at home, this udon stir fry never fails to satisfy taste buds and stomachs.
Cold Udon Salad
Are you tired of the same old salad options? Udon salad is what you need. This chilled udon noodle salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s healthy and made with shabu shabu pork. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile since you can use any fresh vegetables and protein you have on hand. The salad is served with a nutty and zesty sesame dressing that is a favourite for Japanese people.
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