10-Minutes Udon Noodle Soup Recipe – A Japanese Cuisine

by Julia
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May 3, 2023

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Udon Noodle Soup is a harmonious blend of thick, chewy udon noodles submerged in a clear, umami-packed broth. Adorned with tender slices of meat, crisp vegetables, and delicate, aromatic herbs, this dish offers a soothing balance of flavors and textures. Each spoonful provides a comforting, fulfilling journey into traditional Japanese cuisine, inviting a moment of tranquility and satisfaction with every slurp.

You will adore this authentic udon noodle soup recipe if you love Japanese cuisine. This recipe is more filling than the average soup. Udon noodles are characterized by their thickness, which adds a unique texture to this dish.

This recipe will be especially delicious when the weather is cold, as this udon noodle soup is extremely hearty. Another benefit of this recipe is that it is super straightforward to make. Ready in just a few minutes, you won’t have to worry about spending ages in the kitchen.

This soup will make a substantial lunch or appetizer. So, this traditional Japanese dish has piqued your interest. In that case, this recipe will guide you through making an irresistible udon noodle soup.

What Is Udon Noodle Soup?

Udon soup is a popular fixture of Japanese cuisine (Also check out How To Make Japanese Clear Soup). As the name suggests, it is made with udon noodles, which are thick and chewy noodles made with wheat flour.

Udon soup has become popular in Japanese cuisine thanks to its simplicity and fantastic flavor. Typically, it can be made in less than 20 minutes. This soup is commonly sold in Japanese restaurants.

The noodles are cooked in a flavorsome broth. This broth can come in a variety of different fabulous flavors. The noodle soup is traditionally made with vegetables. In particular, green onions are a beloved addition to this succulent soup.

In terms of taste, udon noodle soup is quite mild. It has a pleasant, savory flavor that makes it a versatile option. Many people opt to boost the taste of this soup by adding meat or vegetables, such as green onions or spinach.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

This udon noodle soup is a highly delicious recipe. Yet, you may want to customize the flavor of this soup to fit your preferences better. To help inspire you, consider trying some of these variations to adjust the taste and texture of the dish:

Add cooked chicken to the soup to make it a little more substantial. This will give the dish a meaty taste. Not to mention, it will give the dish a source of protein. Of course, this variation will not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
In Japanese cuisine, udon soup is often topped with an egg. Boiled or fried eggs will work particularly well.
To increase the dish’s nutritional value, try adding a bag of spinach. Spinach is a superb source of iron, vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. This spinach can be added toward the end of the recipe.
Use togarashi as a terrific topping. This refers to a common Japanese spice mixture consisting of seven ingredients. Togarashi is a beautiful way of giving this soup a spicy kick. Sprinkle these spices on top of the soup once it’s ready.

Recipe Directions

Chop mushrooms and green onions.
Cook udon noodles per packet instructions, drain, mix with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and set aside.
Sauté mushrooms, garlic, and ginger in 1 tablespoon olive oil until browned.
Boil dashi stock; add the sautéed mix, mirin, soy sauce, and salt.
Combine noodles; simmer for a minute.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Proteins: Enhance heartiness with slices of tempura-fried shrimp, chicken, tofu, or beef.
Seafood: Shrimp, crab, and clams can elevate the dish with a marine twist.
Vegetables: Bok choy, napa cabbage, spinach, or carrot slices offer additional nutrients and color.
Heat: Spice enthusiasts can add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chilies.
Aromatic Herbs: Shiso leaves, cilantro, or Thai basil provide a refreshing aroma and flavor.
Eggs: Soft-boiled, marinated, or poached eggs offer creaminess and richness.
Broth Variations: Switch dashi for miso or curry base for a different flavor profile.
Additional Toppings: Nori seaweed strips, sesame seeds, or tempura flakes provide texture and depth.
Pickled Additions: Red ginger or pickled radish can introduce tangy contrasts.
Sauces: A dash of ponzu or a dollop of chili paste can transform the soup’s character.

Can I Make Udon Noodle Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

Perfect for developing deep flavors. Combine your dashi stock, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, and any added proteins (like chicken) in the slow cooker.
Set it low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. About 20 minutes before serving, cook udon noodles separately and add them to the soup to prevent them from getting too soft.

Instant Pot

Use the sauté function for browning mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. Add other ingredients (except noodles) and pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes.
Release pressure, add pre-cooked noodles, simmer for a minute, and serve.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

Convenience: When tight, a good-quality store-bought broth can be a lifesaver.
Consistency: Brands provide a consistent flavor profile, ensuring predictable results each time.
Variety: Many stores offer various broths, including organic, low-sodium, or flavored versions.

Homemade Broth

Flavor: Homemade broth can have a richer, deeper flavor, customized to your preference.
Control: You dictate the ingredients, avoiding preservatives or excessive salt.
Economical: Using kitchen scraps like bones and vegetables makes it cost-effective.

How To Serve ?

Freshness: Prepare and consume immediately. Udon’s texture is optimal right after cooking.
Proper Bowls: Use deep bowls to maintain the soup’s warmth.
Presentation: Arrange toppings artistically. For instance, scatter green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a dash of chili flakes on top.
Sides: Complement with pickled vegetables or tempura for crunch.
Temperature: Ensure the soup is served hot. The contrast of the warm broth and the smooth noodles is critical.
Accompaniments: Offer condiments like chili oil or soy sauce on the side for personalization.
Ambiance: Pair with traditional utensils and create a serene dining atmosphere.

Perfect Side Dishes

Tempura – Lightly battered and fried vegetables or shrimp add a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.
Edamame – Salted soybeans offer a simple, healthy snack that complements the soup’s umami flavor.
Tsukemono (Japanese Pickles) – These provide a refreshing, tangy contrast to the warm broth.
Onigiri (Rice Balls) – Filled with various ingredients, these rice balls add a solid, satisfying element to the meal.
Seaweed Salad – With its unique texture and salty flavor, it enhances the overall taste experience.
Gyoza (Dumplings) – Pan-fried or steamed, these dumplings add a meaty, savory component.
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) – Offers a crispy, flavorful pairing that contrasts well with the soup’s broth.
Inari Sushi – Sweet, marinated tofu pockets filled with sushi rice offer a gentle, sweet flavor.
Spinach Ohitashi – Blanched spinach in a light broth complements the soup without overpowering it.
Green Bean Sesame Salad – Provides a crunchy, nutty side that balances the soft udon noodles.

Storage & Make Ahead

Storage: Cool the soup and noodles separately. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the broth alone; avoid freezing noodles and toppings as they may become soggy. Freeze broth for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead: Prepare the broth and toppings ahead of time. Keep refrigerated. Cook udon noodles fresh when ready to serve to maintain their texture.
Reheating: Warm the broth over medium heat. Boil noodles briefly in water to refresh, then drain and add to the hot broth.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Stir-Fry: Drain noodles, then sauté with vegetables and a splash of sauce for a quick noodle stir-fry.
Udon Salad: Chill the noodles and toss with vegetables, protein, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Casserole: Use the broth and noodles as a base, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake.
Noodle Omelet: Incorporate leftover noodles into an omelet or frittata.
Soup Remix: To refresh the dish, add new ingredients, such as different proteins or veggies.
Broth Base: Use the leftover broth as a base for making other soup varieties.
Pasta Substitute: Swap udon for traditional pasta in Italian or other cuisine-based dishes.

Tips

Broth Quality: Use a high-quality stock or make your own dashi for the best flavor base.
Noodle Preparation: Cook udon noodles separately until just tender, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
Simmer Toppings: Add vegetables and protein to the broth and simmer just until cooked to retain their texture and nutrients.
Serve Immediately: Combine noodles, broth, and toppings just before serving to maintain the noodles’ optimal texture and soup’s temperature.
Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with soy sauce, salt, or mirin to balance the flavors according to your preference.
Garnish Wisely: Finish with fresh scallions, seaweed, or a soft-boiled egg to enhance both presentation and taste.