🇯🇵 Japanese Cuisine · Soups & Stews

Udon Noodle Soup

Prep

10 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serves

2

Difficulty

Easy

Thick, chewy wheat udon noodles in a golden dashi, soy, and mirin broth topped with tempura or fish cake.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg firm tofu
  • 400g nori sheets
  • 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp white sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • a generous handful of carrots
  • a handful of fresh shiso leaves, chopped
  • a generous spoonful of soy sauce

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat toasted sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the grated fresh ginger and sliced scallion whites gently until soft and fragrant.

  2. 2

    Stir in the wasabi paste and shichimi togarashi, toasting briefly until the kitchen fills with their aroma.

  3. 3

    Add the thinly sliced beef and napa cabbage, stirring well to coat everything in the spiced base.

  4. 4

    Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and bring to a boil.

  5. 5

    Reduce the heat, cover, and let everything simmer gently until the thinly sliced beef is tender, about 20 mins.

  6. 6

    Stir in the soba noodles and continue simmering for a few minutes more, until heated through.

  7. 7

    Finish with the toasted sesame oil and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Tips

This freezes well; portion into containers and reheat gently on the stovetop for a quick meal later.

Skim off any foam that rises during the first few minutes of simmering for a clearer, cleaner broth.