Udon Noodles: The Soothing Nood

by The Food Fix
Star 3.9
    10m prep time
    20m total time
    Easy level
    8 ingredients

Udon noodles are so goddamn easy. The two main things that catch people out are overcrowding and overcooking. Less topping is more. And for that divine slippery, chewy texture, err on the side of undercooking. Once you nail the basics with udon, then you can get creative with toppings, adding no more than a couple. Try raw egg yolk, a slice of spiral fish cake (narutomaki), a deep-fried tempura prawn, sliced fried duck breast, bean sprouts, or a simple spoonful of Chilli Crisp Oil. The spice/condiment shichimi togarishi is good for sprinkling on top.

Method

Based on 2 servings, adjust as needed.

Step 1

Prepare the broth by pouring the stock into a medium saucepan. Leave it to simmer gently while you prepare everything else, taking care not to let it reduce too much. Add in the sliced shiitake mushrooms.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a separate, larger saucepan, boil 3–4 cups (750 ml–1 litre) water. Add the eggand cook for 3.5 minutes then add the udon noodles to the same pan and cook according to the packet directions (usually 2-3 minutes), giving them a stir to make sure they don’t clump. Once the eggs have had 6 minutes, drain well and then divide the noodles between serving bowls. Run the eggs under cool water and peel - they should be soft-boiled.

Step 3

While the broth is still simmering, dunk the bok choy into it and count to twenty.

Step 4

Top the noodles with the broth, mushrooms bok choy, soft boiled egg, a garnish of spring onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and serve immediately, with chilli oil it you like.
  • Ingredients
  • Based on 2 servings
  • 500ml Itsu Ramen Broth 1 x itsu Brilliant Broth Classic Ramen 500ml
  • 1tsp Sesame Seeds, toasted 1 x Sainsbury's Sesame Seeds 100g
  • 2 Eggs, soft-boiled, peeled and halved 1 x Sainsbury's British Free Range Eggs Medium x6
  • 2tsp Spring Onion, finely chopped, green tops only 1 x Sainsbury's Spring Onions Bunch 100g
  • 1 tsp Chilli Crisp Oil, to taste 1 x itsu Crispy Chilli Oil 100g
  • 400g Ready To Serve Udon Noodles 1 x Sainsbury's Udon Noodles Quick To Cook x2 300g
  • 6 Shiitake Mushrooms, thickly sliced 1 x Sainsbury's Shiitake Mushrooms, Taste the Difference
  • 125g Bok Choy, dirty leaves removed, stem trimmed, halved and washed well 1 x Sainsbury's Pak Choi 250g
Shop this recipe
Products and prices from