5 Delicious Fine Udon Noodle Recipes You'll Love

Delving into the world of udon noodles, one quickly discovers that these thick, chewy noodles are not just a staple in Japanese cuisine but also a versatile base for a myriad of dishes that cater to both traditional and innovative palates. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, the simplicity of udon noodles makes them an excellent ingredient to experiment with. Here, we'll explore five delectable udon noodle recipes that promise to elevate your culinary skills and delight your taste buds.

Udon Carbonara

Ingredients:

• 200g Udon noodles
• 2 eggs
• 100g pancetta or bacon, chopped
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Boil the udon noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the pancetta or bacon until crispy.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute.
4. Whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
5. Remove the skillet from heat, mix in the noodles, then pour in the egg mixture, stirring continuously to coat the noodles without scrambling the eggs.
6. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

🌟 Note: Ensure the skillet is off the heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly into a scramble rather than a creamy sauce.

Miso Ramen with Udon

Ingredients:

• 200g Udon noodles
• 2 tbsp Miso paste
• 4 cups dashi or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 cup spinach or greens
• 1 soft-boiled egg per serving
• Green onions, sliced
• Optional: Shiitake mushrooms, tofu, seaweed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the udon noodles as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pot, bring dashi or vegetable broth to a simmer. Dissolve miso paste into it, then add soy sauce.
3. Add spinach or your choice of greens and cook until wilted.
4. Divide cooked udon into bowls, ladle the miso broth over the noodles.
5. Garnish with green onions, soft-boiled eggs, and any optional toppings.

🌿 Note: Don't let the miso boil; it loses its delicate flavor and nutrients at high temperatures.

Stir-Fried Udon Noodles

Ingredients:

• 200g Udon noodles
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 100g snow peas
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Sesame oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Boil udon noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. In a wok or large frying pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables, stir-fry until they are tender but still crisp.
4. Mix in noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Yaki Udon

Ingredients:

• 200g Udon noodles
• 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp Yakiniku sauce or teriyaki sauce
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• Beni-shoga (pickled ginger) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook udon noodles according to package, drain, and set aside.
2. In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat, sauté onions until translucent.
3. Add chicken, cook until no longer pink.
4. Add cabbage, cook until slightly wilted.
5. Mix in the cooked udon noodles and Yakiniku sauce, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve with a garnish of pickled ginger.

Udon Soup

Ingredients:

• 200g Udon noodles
• 4 cups of dashi or chicken broth
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp sugar
• Seaweed (nori) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare udon noodles according to package. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pot, bring dashi or chicken broth to a simmer.
3. Add mushrooms, cook for a few minutes until tender.
4. Season the broth with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
5. Divide noodles into bowls, pour the soup over, and garnish with spring onions and nori.

With these five udon recipes, you're well on your way to mastering the art of noodle dishes. Each recipe offers a unique approach to showcasing the versatility of udon noodles, from the creamy comfort of Udon Carbonara to the delicate flavors of Udon Soup. The beauty of udon lies in its adaptability, allowing you to blend in different ingredients, sauces, and cooking techniques to suit your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting, and you'll soon find that these chewy, delightful noodles can become a regular part of your culinary repertoire.

Can I use other types of noodles instead of udon for these recipes?

+

Yes, you can certainly substitute udon noodles with other types like soba, ramen, or even spaghetti in some of these recipes, though the texture and cooking time will vary.

Is udon gluten-free?

+

Traditional udon noodles are made from wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available made from ingredients like rice or potato starch.

How can I make my udon dishes more nutritious?

+

To boost nutrition, add more vegetables, use lean proteins like tofu or chicken breast, and incorporate broth-based dishes to keep the calorie count lower while increasing fiber and vitamins.

What are some vegetarian options for these udon recipes?

+

Replace meat with vegetables, tofu, or tempeh. Use vegetable broth or miso for bases, and check for vegetarian sauces. For example, in the Yaki Udon, use mushrooms or tempeh instead of chicken.

Where can I find udon noodles?

+

Udon noodles are commonly found in Asian grocery stores, well-stocked supermarkets, or online. They come either fresh or dried, with fresh udon often found in the refrigerated section.