What is Udon?
Udon (うどん) is a type of thick and chewy wheat noodle that is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It is one of the most popular and beloved noodle dishes in Japan and is enjoyed in various preparations, from simple broths to flavorful stir-fries.
The main characteristics of udon noodles include their thickness and smooth, slippery texture, which sets them apart from other Japanese noodles like ramen or soba.
Udon noodles are typically made from wheat flour, water, and sometimes a small amount of salt. The dough is kneaded, rolled out, and cut into thick strips. The noodles are then boiled until they become soft and fully cooked.
Udon can be served in a variety of dishes, some of the most common ones include:
- Kake Udon: A simple preparation where udon noodles are served in a hot and mildly flavored broth made from dashi (a Japanese stock), soy sauce, and mirin (sweet rice wine). Kake udon is often garnished with green onions and sometimes tempura or kamaboko (fish cake).
- Tempura Udon: Udon noodles served in a hot broth with tempura (deep-fried seafood or vegetables) on the side. The tempura is dipped into the broth to soften before eating.
- Kitsune Udon: Udon noodles topped with a piece of seasoned and fried tofu called “abura-age.” The tofu absorbs the flavorful broth, giving it a delicious taste.
- Yaki Udon: Stir-fried udon noodles with vegetables, meat, and savory sauce. It is a popular noodle dish in izakayas and is often cooked on a teppan (hot iron griddle).
- Nabeyaki Udon: Udon noodles served in an individual pot (nabe) along with various ingredients like chicken, mushrooms, and kamaboko. The pot is brought to the table and cooked over a flame, keeping the dish hot throughout the meal.
Udon is enjoyed year-round in Japan and is a versatile noodle that can be adapted to various flavors and preferences. It is cherished for its comforting and hearty qualities, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
How to make Gobo(Vegetable) Tempura & Udon
Click on the thumbnail or https://youtu.be/SL0RlQ4Tjw0 to watch my cooking video.