Udon noodles are thick, chewy wheat flour noodles that are a staple of Japanese cuisine. Their hearty texture makes them perfect for stir-fries, and soups. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook udon noodles in 2 different ways.
1. Stir Fried Udon Noodles Recipe ( Yaki Udon )
Ingredients
- 8 ounces udon noodles
- 12-16 medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon mirin or rice wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, shredded nori seaweed
Instructions
Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic, julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, and cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the cooked udon noodles to the other side. This helps to create space for the noodles to heat up.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin or rice wine (if using), and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss and stir-fry the noodles and vegetables together, ensuring that they are evenly coated with the sauce. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss them with the noodles and vegetables.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning and sauce quantities according to your preference.
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the yaki udon with shrimp to serving plates.
Garnish with your choice of optional toppings, such as sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or shredded nori seaweed.
2. Udon Noodles Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 6 ounces shiitake mushroom caps, cleaned and sliced
- 3 scallions, white and green parts separated and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups sliced napa cabbage
- 26 ounces frozen udon noodles
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the peanut oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to brown.
Add the white parts of the chopped scallions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the water and bring it to a simmer. Add the sliced napa cabbage and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes until the cabbage is slightly tender.
Add the frozen udon noodles to the pot and cook them according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Add this mixture to the soup, stirring well to incorporate.
Add the thawed edamame to the soup and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings by adding more soy sauce or sriracha sauce if desired.
Ladle the udon noodle soup into bowls. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped scallions and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Master these simple methods for cooking udon noodles correctly. Their pleasantly chewy texture pairs perfectly with broths, sauces and ingredients. I hope that after reading this article, you know how to cook udon noodles in 2 different ways.
