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Yaki Udon is a delectable and satisfying Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that has earned its place as a beloved comfort food. This culinary delight features thick, chewy udon noodles that are stir-fried to perfection along with a delightful medley of vegetables, proteins, and savory sauces. The name “Yaki Udon” translates to “grilled udon,” highlighting the cooking method that imparts a slightly charred and smoky flavor to the dish.
The key component of Yaki Udon is, of course, the udon noodles. These noodles are made from wheat flour and water, creating a uniquely soft and chewy texture that sets them apart from other noodle varieties. The udon noodles are typically parboiled before being stir-fried, ensuring they maintain their distinct texture during the cooking process.
In terms of ingredients, Yaki Udon offers a canvas for creativity. Common additions include thinly sliced pork, chicken, or tofu, combined with an assortment of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage. The stir-frying process allows these ingredients to absorb the savory flavors of the accompanying sauces.
Speaking of sauces, Yaki Udon is typically seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and sometimes oyster sauce or Worcestershire sauce. This results in a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that coat the noodles and ingredients, creating a symphony of tastes with each mouthful.
Yaki Udon is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether enjoyed as a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or as a celebratory dish during special occasions, Yaki Udon exemplifies the essence of Japanese comfort cuisine, offering a delightful harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.
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Here is a Yaki Udon recipe:
Yaki Udon Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Moderate4
servings25
minutes20
minutes500
kcal45
minutesYaki Udon is a delectable and satisfying Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that has earned its place as a beloved comfort food.
Ingredients
2 packs of fresh or frozen udon noodles
1 cup thinly sliced pork or chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
1 cup cabbage, shredded
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
2 green onions, sliced diagonally
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick (optional)
Directions
- Prepare Udon Noodles:
- If using fresh udon, cook according to package instructions. If using frozen udon, thaw them in hot water and drain.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry Ingredients:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced pork or chicken (or tofu) and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add shredded cabbage, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add Udon Noodles:
- Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan, separating them with chopsticks or tongs to prevent clumping.
- Pour Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles and ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Finish and Garnish:
- Stir in sliced green onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Yaki Udon to serving plates, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures!
Notes
- This Yaki Udon recipe is a quick and versatile option for a satisfying stir-fried noodle dish that can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
Serving Size250g
Calories500
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Sodium 1000mg 42%
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate
70g
24%
- Dietary Fiber 7g 29%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 20g 40%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Other PASTA and NOODLES recipes may be found HERE.
IMAGE SOURCE: Arumdaum, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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