Inari Udon
Japanese Savory Inari harmonized with Udon Noodles
Inari Sushi is known for its savory Aburaage Tofu pouch stuffed with Sushi rice, easy snack to consume, or delightful treat for meals. The Aburaage has a remarkable ability to combine simple ingredients in unique ways to create incredibly flavorful dishes. In this culinary experiment, I share how I learned to craft this flavorful Aburaage along with a comforting Udon soup.
RECIPE
Servings: 1
Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
Inari Ingredients: (4-5 servings)
4-5 pc aburaage (rectangle shape)
1 cup water
1/4 cup mentsuyu
4 tbsp sugar
2.5 tbsp soy sauce
Udon Soup Ingredients:
1 serving udon noodles
1 pc scallion
1 cup water
1 pack dashi powder
2 tbsp soy sauce
My Kitchen Tools:
Instructions:
Begin by pouring boiled water onto the aburaage to remove excess oil.
In a pot, combine mentsuyu, water, sugar, and soy sauce. Warm the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Add the aburaage to the pot. Place an Otoshibuta (drop-lid) over the aburaage to ensure even cooking. Allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
While the aburaage is simmering, prepare the noodle soup. In a separate pot, combine water, dashi powder, and soy sauce. Add a scallion to infuse the broth with its aromatic essence. This scallion will also be used to tie the pouch later.
Bring water to a boil in a separate pot. Add the frozen udon noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them with running water to remove excess starch.
Once the aburaage is thoroughly flavored, carefully cut the edges to create an opening. Gently open the pouch without tearing it.
Stuff the pouch with the cooked udon noodles, and use the scallion from the noodle soup to tie the edges of the pouch.
To serve, place the udon-filled pouch in a serving bowl and pour the flavorful noodle soup over the pouch.
Where is Inari Sushi from?: Inari, a Shinto deity, is believed to be the protector of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Foxes are considered Inari's messengers, and you'll often find fox statues at Inari shrines. These shrines are nestled in various parts of Japan, with the most famous being Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.
The connection between Inari and sushi lies in the offerings made at these shrines. Devotees would present rice dishes wrapped in aburaage (deep-fried tofu pouch) to Inari as a gesture of gratitude and prayer for prosperity. Over time, this practice evolved into what we now know as Inari sushi.
Inari pouch’s sweet and savory flavors, coupled with the tender udon noodles, create a delightful balance that's both comforting and satisfying. The aburaage pouch not only imparts a subtle sweetness to the dish but also adds a visually appealing element to the presentation. The savory udon soup, on the other hand, brings forth the umami essence of the dashi, making every bite a treat for the senses.
