Savory Pork Udon: A Traditional Japanese Noodle Dish

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of Udon Noodles
  • 200 grams of Pork Belly, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium Carrot, julienned
  • 2 Spring Onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of Vegetable Oil
  • 2 cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of Fresh Ginger, grated
  • 4 cups of Chicken Stock
  • 2 tablespoons of Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of Mirin (or alternative sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon of Miso Paste
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: boiled eggs, nori (seaweed) strips, sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by boiling the Udon Noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the Vegetable Oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced Pork Belly and cook until it becomes crispy and browned.
  3. Add the minced Garlic and grated Ginger to the pot, and stir until they become fragrant.
  4. Add the julienned Carrot to the pot and stir for a couple of minutes until it begins to soften.
  5. Next, pour in the Chicken Stock, Soy Sauce, and Mirin. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once the soup is boiling, lower the heat and stir in the Miso Paste until it is fully dissolved.
  7. Add the cooked Udon Noodles to the soup and stir until they are fully coated in the soup.
  8. Season the soup with Salt and Pepper to taste.
  9. Divide the soup into bowls and garnish with the thinly sliced Spring Onions. Optional toppings such as boiled eggs, nori strips, or sesame seeds can be added according to preference.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Pork Udon.

Tools for making

  • Large Pot - Used for cooking the soup and noodles.
  • Strainer - To drain the cooked noodles.
  • Knife - For slicing the pork belly, mincing garlic, and julienning the carrot.
  • Grater - To grate the fresh ginger.
  • Stirring Spoon - Used for stirring the soup and noodles.
  • Measuring Cups - For accurate measurement of ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and stock.
  • Bowl - Used for dividing and serving the finished Pork Udon.

Recipe variations

  • Swap Pork Belly with Chicken, Beef, or Shrimp
  • Use Vegetarian or Vegan-friendly protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh
  • Add vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach
  • Experiment with different types of noodles like soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti
  • Include additional spices or seasonings like chili flakes, sesame oil, or star anise for added flavor
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles
  • Create a spicy version by adding sriracha or gochujang sauce
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil
  • For a heartier meal, add boiled eggs, sliced pork loin, or meatballs

Recipe overview

Warm up with a bowl of homemade Pork Udon! This recipe takes you step by step through cooking perfectly tender udon noodles in a rich, savory pork broth. The broth is flavored with classic Japanese ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and miso paste, and is loaded with delicious toppings like crispy pork belly, julienned carrots, and fresh spring onions. It's a satisfying and comforting meal that's perfect for any weather. With customizations like boiled eggs, nori strips, or sesame seeds, you can make this recipe your own. So bring out your pot and get ready for a flavorful journey to the heart of Japanese cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?
    Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken, beef, or tofu according to your preference.
  2. Can I use other types of noodles?
    While udon noodles are traditional for this recipe, you can use other types of noodles such as soba noodles or ramen noodles if you prefer.
  3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the pork and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also add more vegetables or tofu for added flavor and substance.
  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, you can use gluten-free udon noodles and ensure that the soy sauce and miso paste you use are gluten-free. Check the labels to make sure they are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
  5. What other toppings can I add?
    In addition to the optional toppings mentioned in the recipe (boiled eggs, nori strips, and sesame seeds), you can also consider adding sliced mushrooms, bean sprouts, or sliced chili peppers for added flavor and texture.
  6. Can I make the soup ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and cook the udon noodles separately before combining them.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - Used for cooking the soup and noodles.
  • Kitchen Knife - Needed for slicing the pork belly, mincing garlic, and julienning the carrot.
  • Grater - Used to grate the fresh ginger.
  • Strainer - Required for draining the cooked udon noodles.
  • Soup Ladle - Used for serving the pork udon soup.
  • Chopsticks or Forks - Utensils for eating the pork udon.
  • Bowls - Used for serving the pork udon soup.
  • Optional: Boiled Egg Cutter - If desired, this tool can be used to create neat, even slices of boiled eggs for garnish.

Origin stories

Udon, a type of thick wheat noodle, is a staple in Japanese cuisine and it has a history dating back over a thousand years. The exact origins are debated, but one popular theory involves a Buddhist priest named Kukai who traveled to China around the 9th century. He was introduced to a form of noodle-making and brought this knowledge back to Japan. This culinary knowledge evolved into what is now known as udon. The noodle is so beloved in Japan that there's a proverb, "An udon shop for a forgotten errand," which is used to express the idea that people tend to forget their duties when they're distracted by something they love. So, when you savor your bowl of Pork Udon, you're not just enjoying a meal, you're partaking in a rich tradition that has been passed down through centuries.

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.