Asian > Japanese > Noodles

Japanese Udon Noodles Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. udon noodles
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. mirin
- 1 tbsp. sake
- 1 tbsp. sugar
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions
- 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced bok choy
- 1/2 cup sliced tofu
- 1 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp. of salt and the udon noodles. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

2. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tbsp. of soy sauce, 1 tbsp. of mirin, 1 tbsp. of sake, and 1 tbsp. of sugar. Mix well and set aside.

3. In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp. of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sliced scallions, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, and tofu. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Drain the udon noodles and add them to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables and toss to combine.

5. Serve the udon noodles hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Boiling water
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of tofu, you can use cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Instead of shiitake mushrooms, you can use any type of mushroom.
- Instead of bok choy, you can use spinach or kale.

Variations:
- Add sliced beef or pork for a meatier version.
- Add a beaten egg to the pan and scramble it with the vegetables for a more filling dish.
- Add a dash of chili oil for some heat.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cook the udon noodles until they are tender but still have some bite.
- Don't overcook the vegetables, as they should be slightly crunchy.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the noodles from sticking.

Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the noodles in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the udon noodles in a large bowl, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

Garnishes:
Toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, sliced red chili peppers.

Pairings:
Green tea, sake, Japanese pickles.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Miso soup, edamame, seaweed salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the noodles are too sticky, rinse them under cold water before adding them to the pan.
- If the sauce is too salty, add a splash of water to dilute it.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the noodles and vegetables thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.

Food History:
Udon noodles are a type of thick, chewy noodle that originated in Japan. They are typically made from wheat flour, salt, and water.

Flavor Profiles:
Savory, slightly sweet, nutty, earthy.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the udon noodles as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Savory, Umami, Tangy, Herbal, Aromatic