Udon Noodles: Tasty Hot or Cold

Udon is a traditional Japanese noodle that became widely popular among the masses and elites alike during the Edo era for its chewy taste, flavourful versatility, and ease in cooking. Enjoyed in households, diners and restaurants to this day, and beloved alongside Ramen, Soba and Somen. 

What makes Udon noodles so special? Read on to find out! 

The Unique Features of Udon

Authentic Udon is made from wheat flour, salt and water. The thick strands make it easy to absorb liquids during cooking, which gives Udon a soft, chewy feel while maintaining a bouncy texture. And, despite its thickness, Udon takes a short time to cook – typically less than 15 minutes. Udon is also neutral flavoured, which makes it versatile to pair with almost any ingredient and allows for their savoury, umami flavours to shine.

These combined features also make Udon fantastic in both hot and chilled dishes that are perfect to satiate your appetite during warm and cold seasons!

Hot Udon Delights

In Japanese cuisine, Udon is typically enjoyed in steamy savoury noodle soups, packed with umami toppings. These traditional Udon specials are warming and satisfying comfort foods during autumn and winter seasons. Besides that, Udon is also amazing in creamy, piquant Japanese curry and stir-fried goodies with meat, seafood and vegetable pairings.

Here are 4 hot Udon recipes for you to savour!

Oyako Udon

Oyako literally means ‘parent and child’ in Japanese, and in cooking, refers to chicken and egg. For the cosy Oyako Udon, yummy marinated chicken pairs with the thick and tender Udon noodles in a savoury dashi soup filled with fluffy egg ribbons. Garnished with chopped spring onions and the 7-spice seasoning Shichimi Togarashi for extra fragrance and umami flavour. Hearty, warming and lovely to taste! Make it fresh with our authentic recipe!  

Nabeyaki Udon

Nabeyaki Udon is a Japanese wintertime staple. A savoury Udon noodle soup with tender Kamaboko fishcakes, eggs and leafy greens like spinach, garnished with diced leek or scallion. Traditionally served in a Donabe claypot to keep the dish hot and steamy. Every sip delivers a soothing, umami warmth. Try it with our authentic recipe!

Udon Noodle Soup with Seared Mushrooms & Chicken

Tantalise your tastebuds and comfort your soul with this warming Udon noodle soup with chicken and a medley of tasty, crunchy Japanese mushrooms. Made richly savoury with dashi powder and light soy sauce, with a ginger and sesame oil aroma.

Stir Fried Udon with Teriyaki Beef

Teriyaki sauce imbues a sweet, savoury and tangy richness to the beef’s natural taste in this stir-fried Udon delight that’s fast to cook, and very delish. Whip it up with our recipe!    

Cold Udon Specials

Udon is also tasty in summer specials that combine natural cooling ingredients and flavours. These cold noodle dishes can help ease the summer heat with every hearty slurp, giving your tastebuds and belly a light pleasant chill with a richly flavourful oomph.

Here are 2 cold Udon specials for you to enjoy:

Bukkake Udon

Cold Udon noodles lathered in an ice-chilled broth made of dashi stock, light soy sauce, sake, mirin and brown sugar. Garnished with cucumber, pickled ginger, onsen eggs, bonito flakes, sesame seeds and spring onion. Fragrant, cooling, and sublimely umami with a rich sweet-savoury flavour. Great to pamper your taste buds and ease the summer heat! Enjoy it with our easy authentic recipe!  

Cold Udon Soup with Tempura Batter

Tanuki Udon is a cooling summer favourite. The noodles are cooked and refreshed in cold water, lathered in the soothingly savoury Mentsuyu sauce and topped with Wakame seaweed, cucumber salad and soft-boiled egg. Garnished with crispy tempura batter bits (tenkasu) and finely sliced spring onion. Try it with our recipe!

About Hakubaku Organic Noodles

Hakubaku Organic Noodles are made fresh in Australia with genuine Japanese methods and recipes. Each product is meticulously crafted to give you the most authentic Japanese noodles enjoyment. Grab a pack of Hakubaku Organic Udon noodles, made with 100% Australian ingredients, and cook up your favourite Udon special today!