Delicious Seafood Udon: A Japanese Noodle Delight

Ingredients

  • 200g Udon Noodles
  • 2 cups of Seafood Mix (shrimps, mussels, squid)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
  • 2 cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 1 small Onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Mirin
  • 1 tablespoon Sake
  • 2 cups of Dashi Stock
  • 1/2 cup of Sliced Green Onions
  • 1/2 cup of Sliced Carrots
  • 1/2 cup of Sliced Mushrooms
  • 1 Nori Sheet, cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon of Sesame Seeds

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add the seafood mix to the pot and sauté until the seafood is cooked through.
  4. Add the sliced carrots and mushrooms to the pot and sauté until they are tender.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Stir well.
  6. Add the dashi stock to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, lower the heat to simmer and add the udon noodles. Let them cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they are cooked to your preferred softness.
  8. Sprinkle the sliced green onions, nori strips, and sesame seeds over the top of the soup before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large Pot - Needed to cook the soup and noodles
  • Vegetable Oil - Used for sautéing the garlic, onion, and seafood
  • Chopping Board - Used to prepare the vegetables and garlic
  • Knife - Used to mince the garlic, slice the onion, and chop the vegetables
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and sautéing the ingredients
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sesame seeds
  • Measuring Cup - Used to measure the dashi stock
  • Tongs - Used to handle and stir the udon noodles
  • Soup Ladle - Used to serve the soup and noodles

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the seafood mix with tofu or tempeh.
  • Spicy Version: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the broth for an extra kick.
  • Extra Veggies: Include other vegetables of your choice such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the udon noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles.
  • Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream to make the broth richer and creamier.
  • Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint to enhance the flavors.
  • Extra Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to the seafood mix for added protein.
  • Japanese Curry Twist: Make a curry udon by adding a spoonful of Japanese curry paste to the broth.

Recipe overview

Overview

Welcome to our recipe for a delightful Seafood Udon. This dish is a comforting, hearty soup that's perfect for any seafood lover. Our version includes a mix of shrimp, mussels, and squid, but feel free to substitute with any of your favorite seafood varieties. In this recipe, you'll be simmering this seafood in a flavorful broth that's infused with the savory taste of soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs add a touch of brightness to this hearty dish. If you're in the mood for a deliciously warm and satisfying meal that will transport you to the heart of Asian cuisine, this Seafood Udon recipe is for you.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of udon? Yes, you can substitute udon noodles with soba noodles or even spaghetti if you don't have udon available. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
  2. Can I use fresh seafood instead of a seafood mix? Absolutely! Using fresh seafood will enhance the flavor of the dish. Feel free to use your favorite combination of shrimps, mussels, squid, or any other seafood you prefer.
  3. What can I use as a vegetarian substitute for seafood? If you're looking for a vegetarian version, you can replace the seafood with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives like tempeh or seitan. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  4. Can I make the dashi stock from scratch? Yes, you can make dashi stock from scratch using kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes. However, for convenience, you can also use dashi powder or granules dissolved in water as a substitute.
  5. Can I adjust the amount of soy sauce and other seasonings? Certainly! The amount of soy sauce, mirin, and sake can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. You can start with the suggested amounts and then add more if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - Used for cooking the soup and noodles.
  • Spatula - For stirring and sautéing the ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife - To mince the garlic, slice the onions, and prepare the vegetables.
  • Cutting Board - To safely cut and prep the ingredients.
  • Soup Ladle - For serving the udon soup.
  • Chopsticks - Traditional utensils for enjoying the udon noodles and seafood.
  • Soup Bowls - For serving the Seafood Udon.
  • Garnish Plate - To hold the sliced green onions, nori strips, and sesame seeds for garnishing the soup.
  • Tongs - Optional, for handling the seafood mix while cooking.
  • Grater - Optional, for grating fresh ginger to add as a garnish.

Origin stories

Udon is a classic type of noodle in Japanese cuisine, known for its thick and chewy texture. It's believed to have been introduced to Japan from China during the Nara period, around the 8th century. The Seafood Udon recipe is a delightful representation of Japanese culinary ingenuity, showcasing their love for fresh ingredients and harmonious flavor profiles. Interestingly, Udon has different variations across the regions in Japan. For instance, in the eastern Kanto region, a darker soy-based broth is preferred, while in the western Kansai region, lighter soy sauce is commonly used. The versatility of udon is celebrated across Japan, with every region adding its unique touch, making it a truly national dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.