Yaki Udon
A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Udon Noodles
When we think of udon, our minds often wander to steaming bowls of comforting noodle soup. However, udon can be enjoyed in various delicious forms, and one such preparation is Yaki Udon. Yaki Udon is a stir-fried dish that combines thick udon noodles with an array of vegetables and succulent meat. The result is a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.
RECIPE
Servings: 3-4
Time: 20 min
Ingredients:
2 pcs frozen udon
1/3 lbs thin sliced pork
1/2 pc cabbage
1/2 pc carrot
1/2 bell pepper
1/4 pc onion
1 pack dashi powder
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 pack katsuobushi (bonito flake)
salt and pepper
Instructions:
Begin by preparing the vegetables. Cut the cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and onion into thin slices.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil. Stir-fry the thinly sliced pork with a pinch of salt until it's cooked through. Then, add the sliced onion and carrot to the pan and continue stir-frying.
Once the carrot has softened, add the bell pepper, cabbage, salt, pepper, and Dashi powder. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender yet still retain their crunch.
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the frozen Udon noodles and cook them for a few minutes until they are defrosted. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Transfer the cooked Udon noodles to the pan with the vegetables and pork. Drizzle some soy sauce over the noodles. Stir quickly to coat the noodles evenly with the seasonings.
To add a delightful finishing touch, top the Yaki Udon with Katsuobushi (bonito flakes).
Where is Yakiudon from? Yaki Udon, which translates to "fried udon," is said to have originated in Kokura, Fukuoka in Japan. One of the stories is that a noodle shops in the town used Udon noodles for theYakisoba dish preparation because they couldn’t find the proper noodles. The dish gained popularity for its simplicity and versatility, allowing people to make the most of the available ingredients.
Unlike its soup-based counterpart, Yaki Udon offers a distinct culinary experience. The stir-frying process imparts a smoky flavor and a delightful chewiness to the udon noodles. The combination of tender pork, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings creates a harmonious blend of flavors. Yaki Udon also allows for customization, as you can incorporate your favorite ingredients and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
