Udon Noodles

2023-07-10

By Spice Hero

Japanese Cuisine

Soup

Udon Noodles

Time-Saving Hacks

Quick tips to speed up your cooking process without sacrificing flavor:

  • Use pre-cooked udon noodles: Save time by using pre-cooked udon noodles available in most grocery stores. Simply reheat and serve.
  • Prep vegetables in advance: Chop your vegetables (like mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy) ahead of time so you can quickly toss them into your stir-fry.
  • Skip the broth-making: Use store-bought vegan broth or miso paste to make a quick and flavorful soup base in minutes.

Kitchen Tools

Essential gadgets to help you prepare udon noodles faster and easier:

  • Instant Pot: Cook your udon noodles and broth together in an Instant Pot for a one-pot meal that saves both time and cleanup.
  • Wok or Cast Iron Skillet: A wok is perfect for stir-frying udon noodles and vegetables quickly while retaining flavor and texture.
  • Electric Kettle: Use an electric kettle to quickly boil water for your noodles, reducing prep time significantly.

Practical Tips

Simple tricks to make this dish perfect every time, even on busy days:

  • Cook noodles separately: To avoid overcooking and ensure even texture, cook your noodles separately from the rest of the dish, then add them in at the end.
  • Customize with toppings: Add quick toppings like sesame seeds, chili flakes, or green onions to elevate the flavor without much extra effort.
  • Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet helps prevent your noodles from sticking while stir-frying, making the process quicker and cleanup easier.

Tips and Suggestions on Udon Noodles

Choose the Right Udon Noodles

When cooking udon, choose either fresh or frozen udon noodles for the best texture. If using dried noodles, make sure to cook them according to package instructions for perfect results.

Boil Noodles in Plenty of Water

To prevent the noodles from sticking together, boil them in a large pot with plenty of water. This ensures they cook evenly and remain soft and chewy.

Don’t Overcook Your Udon

Udon noodles should be cooked al dente. Overcooking can lead to mushy noodles. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain their texture.

Pair with the Right Broth

Udon noodles are commonly served in a rich broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Try experimenting with different broths like miso or even a spicy broth for variety.

Add Toppings for Extra Flavor

Enhance the flavor of your udon by adding toppings such as tempura, sliced green onions, nori, or a boiled egg. Toppings can make your dish more hearty and flavorful.

Store Leftover Udon Properly

If you have leftover udon, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, add a little broth or hot water to restore the noodles’ texture.

Classic Udon Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 oz dried udon noodles
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add dried udon noodles to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
  2. Drain the cooked udon noodles, then rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, and sugar until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  4. In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  5. Add sliced green onions to the pan and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
  6. Add cooked udon noodles to the pan, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the noodles are coated with the sauce and heated through.
  7. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 5 min

Cook Time 25 min

Total time 30 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 207
  • Total fat: 4g
  • Saturated fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 973mg
  • Total carbohydrate: 38g
  • Dietary fiber: 1.5g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 6g

Variations for Udon Noodles

Spicy Udon Noodle

Ignite your taste buds with this spicy udon noodle dish, featuring tender noodles tossed in a fiery chili sauce, vegetables, and a burst of flavor.

Spicy Udon Noodle Recipe

Dan Dan Style Udon

Enjoy a vegan twist on a classic with these Dan Dan style udon noodles, combining savory peanut sauce, sautéed greens, and a kick of spice for a delicious bite.

Dan Dan Style Udon Noodles (Vegan)

Udon Noodles with Black Pepper Tofu

Savor the bold flavors of hearty udon noodles paired with crispy black pepper tofu, stir-fried with vegetables in a savory sauce that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Udon Noodles with Black Pepper Tofu

Thai Curry Coconut Udon Noodle Soup

Delight in a comforting bowl of vegan udon noodle soup infused with rich coconut milk and aromatic Thai curry, packed with vegetables and bursting with flavor.

Vegan Thai Curry Coconut Udon Noodle Soup

Vegan Yaki Udon

Experience a street-style favorite with this vegan yaki udon, featuring stir-fried noodles tossed with colorful veggies and a savory soy-based sauce, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.

Vegan Yaki Udon

Seafood—Kaisen Udon

Indulge in this delightful kaisen yaki udon, where plump udon noodles are stir-fried with a medley of fresh seafood and crisp vegetables, creating a deliciously satisfying dish.

Stir Fried Udon Noodles with Seafood—Kaisen Yaki Udon

Udon Noodles Recipe Review

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