Udon Noodle Soup: A Cozy, Comforting Japanese Dish

Udon noodle soup is a delicious and hearty Japanese dish that’s perfect for any season. The dish consists of thick, chewy noodles served in a flavorful broth with various toppings like vegetables, meat, or seafood. It’s a comforting meal that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy recipe for making udon noodle soup at home, share some tips, and offer helpful information for storing and serving your dish.

What is Udon Noodle Soup?

Udon is a type of thick wheat noodle, typically served in a broth made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (a Japanese stock made from seaweed and bonito flakes). The noodles are soft but have a satisfying bite, making them a popular choice for soups. Udon noodle soup can be customized in many ways with different toppings, allowing you to create a dish tailored to your tastes.

Udon Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Broth:
  • 4 cups dashi (or substitute with chicken or vegetable broth)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• For the Soup:
  • 2 servings of fresh or frozen udon noodles
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms)
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
  • 1 boiled egg (optional, for added richness)
  • 1/4 cup nori (seaweed), cut into strips
  • 1/4 cup bok choy or spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for frying)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for a little zing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves, and the broth is well-mixed. Once ready, lower the heat to keep the broth warm.
2. Cook the Udon Noodles:
   • While your broth is simmering, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, fresh udon noodles take around 5-7 minutes to cook, while frozen noodles may take a bit longer.
   • Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes until they soften. If you’re using ginger, add it now for a quick stir-fry before adding the chopped bok choy or spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the greens wilt.
4. Assemble the Soup:
   • Place a portion of the cooked noodles into a bowl. Pour the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring they’re submerged. Top with sautéed vegetables, nori strips, and a boiled egg (if using). Garnish with green onions.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
   • Serve your homemade udon noodle soup hot and enjoy the cozy comfort of this delicious dish.

Recipe Notes:

• If you don’t have dashi, you can substitute it with a basic vegetable or chicken broth. However, the umami flavor from dashi is a key component of udon soup.
• Feel free to add extra toppings like tempura shrimp, tofu, or even cooked chicken if you prefer.
• Adjust the soy sauce and mirin based on your taste preference for saltiness and sweetness.

Time and Serving

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serving Size: 2 servings

Storage Tips

Udon noodle soup is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers for later enjoyment. Here’s how:

• Broth Storage: You can store the broth separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Noodles: If you have leftover noodles, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Reheat the noodles in hot water before adding them to the soup again.
• Assembled Soup: While it’s possible to store the soup with all the ingredients together, the noodles might lose their texture and absorb the broth. If you’re storing the entire soup, keep the noodles separate from the broth and reheat them together when you’re ready to eat.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 39g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1150mg

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:

• Broth Depth: For an even richer broth, try adding a small splash of sake or a dash of fish sauce.
• Toppings: Toppings are where you can get creative! Try adding pickled ginger, crispy tempura, or even a slice of lime for a citrus twist.
• Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking to keep it vegetarian, skip the egg and opt for extra tofu or seitan as a protein substitute.

How to Serve Your Udon Noodle Soup:

• Serve your udon noodle soup hot, ideally in a deep bowl to capture the savory broth.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds or chili flakes for a little heat.
• Pair with a side of Japanese pickles or some steamed rice for a complete meal.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Medium saucepan for the broth
• Large pot to cook the noodles
• Frying pan for sautéing vegetables
• Bowls for assembling and serving the soup
• Strainer for draining noodles

FAQs

Conclusion:

This udon noodle soup recipe is easy to follow, comforting, and customizable to your tastes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, this dish will surely satisfy your craving for something warm and nourishing.