Quick Easy Tempura Udon

Who doesn’t love some noods? This tempura udon really hits the spot when you’re feeling too lazy to cook but still want something delicious and satisfying. I used frozen prawn tempura that I air fried, but you can always make them from scratch if you’re feeling fancy. Let’s dive into this super easy recipe!

Method 

1. Prepare the Soup

Start by adding 1 cup of water to a large pot. To enhance the flavor of your broth, mix in 1 teaspoon of dashi powder, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1.5 tablespoons of mirin, and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend together, creating a rich and savory base for your tempura udon.

2. Cook the Udon

While the soup is simmering, it’s time to cook the udon noodles. In a separate smaller pot, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your udon noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the instructions on the packet. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once the noodles are cooked, drain the water and set them aside. It’s important to keep the noodles al dente, as they’ll soak up some of the broth once added to the soup, making them even more delicious.

3. Combine Soup and Noodles

Once your soup has finished simmering and your noodles are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Turn off the heat on your soup and either pour it directly over the cooked noodles in a bowl, or for an extra cozy touch, place the cooked noodles into a ttukbaegi (a Korean hot pot) or any heat-resistant pot, and then pour the hot soup over the noodles. This method helps keep your udon nice and warm for longer, perfect for a comforting meal.

4. Add the Toppings

Now comes the fun part adding the toppings! Place your prawn tempura pieces on top of the noodles and broth. These can be frozen prawn tempura pieces that you air-fried, or homemade if you prefer. Next, add 3 slices of naruto fish cake to the bowl for that classic, colorful look. Sprinkle some freshly chopped spring onions on top for added freshness and flavor. Finally, add a generous sprinkle of shichimi togarashi for a bit of spice, and don’t forget to top it off with 1/2 a soy-marinated egg. The egg adds a deliciously creamy texture that enhances the dish!

Necessary Tools 

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 smaller pot for noodles
  • Ladle or soup spoon
  • Bowl (or ttukbaegi if you prefer a hot pot)

Quick Easy Tempura Udon

Recipe by Justin SelkCuisine: Korean, JapaneseDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 tsp dashi powder

  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 1.5 tbsp mirin

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 packet udon noodles

  • 3 prawn tempura pieces (frozen or homemade)

  • 3 slices naruto fish cake

  • 1-2 spring onions, chopped

  • Shichimi togarashi (for topping)

  • 1/2 soy-marinated egg

Directions

  • Prepare the Soup  In a pot, add the water, dashi powder, soy sauce, mirin, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
  • Cook the Udon  While the soup is simmering, cook your udon noodles in a separate pot. Just follow the instructions on the packet. When they’re done, drain the water.
  • Combine Soup and Noodles  Turn off the heat on your soup, and either add the cooked noodles into your bowl, or if you want to serve it hot and steamy, place the noodles straight into a ttukbaegi (Korean hot pot) before pouring the soup on top.
  • Add the Toppings  Top your udon with prawn tempura, naruto fish cake, chopped spring onions, and a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi. Don’t forget the 1/2 soy-marinated egg – it makes everything even better!

Notes

  • Temperature Control  Make sure not to overcook the udon noodles, as they can become too soft and mushy. Follow the packet instructions carefully.
  • Soup Boil  Be cautious when bringing the soup to a boil, as it can bubble over quickly. Keep an eye on it to avoid messes!
  • Egg  When adding the soy-marinated egg, make sure it’s not too hot from the soup. Let it sit for a minute before adding it to prevent it from breaking apart.

Serving Suggestions 

This quick and easy tempura udon is perfect as a light lunch or dinner. Serve it with some pickled vegetables or a side salad to balance out the flavors. You can also add a dash more shichimi togarashi if you like a bit of spice!

Fun Fact 

Did you know that “Udon” noodles are a type of thick wheat-flour noodle that’s popular in Japan? They are often served in a variety of broths and can be enjoyed in both hot and cold dishes. So, if you’re craving something warm and comforting, udon is always a great choice!

Conclusion 

This Quick Easy Tempura Udon is a lifesaver on those lazy days when you just need something tasty, warm, and easy to whip up. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a bowl full of delicious comfort food that’ll make you feel satisfied and happy. Enjoy, and remember, you can always add your twist by switching up the toppings!

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