Beef Udon

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A Taste of Japan - Niku Udon Recipe

In Japan, highway service areas are much more than just rest stops for drivers. Known as Michi no Eki (roadside stations), these spots offer a delightful mix of local farmers' markets, souvenir shops, and snack stations. I fondly remember stopping at one of these charming places on our trips to Hiroshima, always making sure to have a quick lunch. And my go-to dish was always Niku Udon – beef udon.

While I usually prefer plain udon or wakame seaweed udon, there was something incredibly comforting and satisfying about the Niku Udon from the service area. It's a savory dish that warms both the body and soul.

Here, I'm sharing a recipe that captures the essence of this delightful dish. Enjoy the taste of Japan with this simple yet delicious Niku Udon recipe!

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RECIPE

Servings: 2-3

Time: 20 min

Ingredients:

• Udon noodles

• 1 lb thin sliced beef

• 1/4 pc onion, sliced

• 2-3 pcs ginger, sliced

• 3 tbsp sake

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 3 tbsp mirin

• 2 tbsp sugar

For the Soup:

• 3 cups water

• 1 pack dashi powder (1/2 tbsp)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp mirin

Instructions:

1. Begin by slicing onion and ginger.

2. In a pan or pot, add sake, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, onion and ginger. Simmer until the onion is halfway cooked.

3. Add thinly sliced beef to the pan and continue to simmer until the beef is fully cooked.

4. In a separate pot, combine water, dashi powder, soy sauce, and mirin. Heat the mixture until it’s warm and well-blended.

5. In another pot, bring water to a boil and cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles.

6. In a serving bowl, add the cooked udon noodles, pour over the soup, and top with the cooked beef and onions.

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