Craving a warm, comforting meal that’s ready in minutes? Udon Noodle Soup is your answer, a Savory Noodle Broth featuring thick, chewy udon noodles in a rich, umami-packed broth. This cozy Asian soup is perfect for chilly nights, quick dinners, or a soothing lunch, blending simple ingredients with vibrant flavors. Customizable and beginner-friendly, this Japanese comfort soup will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s whip up this chewy noodle broth and savor its warmth!
Why You’ll Love Udon Noodle Soup
- Quick and Cozy: Ready in under 30 minutes for a fast Japanese comfort soup.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples create a flavorful chewy noodle broth.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices to this cozy Asian soup.
- Nutritious: Packed with veggies and broth for a light yet filling meal.
- Year-Round Appeal: Perfectly balanced for any season’s savory noodle broth.
Ingredients for Udon Noodle Soup
Here’s what you need for this cozy Asian soup (makes ~4 servings):
Soup Base:
- 6 cups (1.5L) dashi or vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp (45ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30ml) mirin
- 1 tbsp (15ml) sake (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Add-Ins:
- 8 oz (225g) udon noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 cup (70g) shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups (60g) spinach or bok choy, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: ½ cup (75g) cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes
Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium pot (for noodles)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Strainer
Ingredient Tips
- Udon Noodles: Fresh udon cooks faster; dried works well for this chewy noodle broth.
- Dashi: Use kombu or bonito-based dashi for authentic Japanese comfort soup flavor; vegetable broth for vegetarian.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances the savory noodle broth.
- Gluten-Free: Swap udon for rice noodles and use tamari for a gluten-free cozy Asian soup.
- Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced adds brightness to this Japanese comfort soup.
Directions for Udon Noodle Soup
Let’s make this cozy Asian soup—a quick, flavorful delight!
Prep Ingredients
I slice 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, chop 2 cups spinach or bok choy, mince 1 tbsp ginger and 2 garlic cloves, and slice 2 green onions. I keep 6 cups broth, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake (if using), and 1 tsp sesame oil ready for this savory noodle broth.
Cook Noodles
In a medium pot, I boil 8 oz udon noodles per package instructions until chewy (4–5 minutes for fresh, 8–10 for dried). I drain and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking in this Japanese comfort soup.
Heat Broth
In a large pot, I heat 6 cups dashi or vegetable broth over medium heat. I add minced ginger, garlic, and 1 tsp sesame oil, simmering for 3–5 minutes to infuse this chewy noodle broth with aroma.
Add Veggies and Protein
I stir in mushrooms and spinach or bok choy, simmering for 3–5 minutes until tender. I add optional ½ cup chicken, shrimp, or tofu, heating through for 2–3 minutes for this cozy Asian soup.
Season and Combine
I add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp sake (if using), tasting to adjust seasoning for a balanced savory noodle broth. I add cooked udon noodles, stirring gently to combine.
Serve
I ladle the Japanese comfort soup into bowls, garnishing with green onions and optional sesame seeds or nori strips for a vibrant chewy noodle broth.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: ~25–30 minutes
- Servings: ~1 servings
- Calories: ~200–250 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 8g protein, 4g fat, 3g fiber
Variations for Udon Noodle Soup
Try these twists on this cozy Asian soup:
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 tsp chili oil or flakes for a fiery chewy noodle broth.
- Vegetarian: Use kombu dashi and tofu for a plant-based savory noodle broth.
- Seafood: Include ½ cup shrimp or scallops for a luxurious Japanese comfort soup, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Hot and Sour Soup.
- Gluten-Free: Swap udon for rice noodles and use tamari for a gluten-free cozy Asian soup.
- Veggie Boost: Add carrots or zucchini for extra color in this savory noodle broth.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a refreshing sip.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store the broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to prevent soggy noodles in this Japanese comfort soup. For freezing, I freeze the broth alone for up to 2 months and cook fresh noodles when reheating. I warm the broth gently on the stove and add noodles just before serving for a fresh chewy noodle broth.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve in individual bowls with colorful veggies and garnishes for a vibrant cozy Asian soup.
- Garnish: Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or nori strips for savory noodle broth flair.
- Pairing: Enjoy with seaweed salad or LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca.
- Portion Size: 1½ cups per person for a light meal or 1 cup as a starter.
- Occasions: Perfect for quick dinners, cozy nights, or Asian-inspired meals.
FAQs About Udon Noodle Soup
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use dried udon noodles instead of fresh?
Yes, dried udon works well; cook 8–10 minutes per package instructions for this chewy noodle broth.
Is Udon Noodle Soup gluten-free?
Traditional udon is wheat-based, but use rice noodles or shirataki and tamari for a gluten-free savory noodle broth.
How do I make it spicy?
Add 1 tsp chili oil or flakes to the broth for a fiery cozy Asian soup.
Can I make it vegan?
Use kombu dashi or vegetable broth and skip animal proteins for a vegan Japanese comfort soup.
How do I keep noodles chewy?
Cook noodles separately and rinse with cold water to maintain texture in this savory noodle broth.
More Soups & Stews Recipes
- Chicken Soup
- Tasty Chicken and Pumpkin Soup
- Satisfying Garlic Vegetable Soup
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup
- Garlic Soup
Conclusion
Udon Noodle Soup is a quick, comforting dish that brings chewy noodles and savory broth to your table in under 30 minutes. This cozy Asian soup is perfect for any season, easy to customize, and sure to warm your heart. Make this Japanese comfort soup and enjoy a chewy noodle broth that’s as delicious as it is soul-soothing!
Udon Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 6 cups 1.5L dashi or vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp 45ml soy sauce
- 2 tbsp 30ml mirin
- 1 tbsp 15ml sake (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Add-Ins:
- 8 oz 225g udon noodles (fresh or dried)
- 1 cup 70g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups 60g spinach or bok choy, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: ½ cup 75g cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
- I slice 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, chop 2 cups spinach or bok choy, mince 1 tbsp ginger and 2 garlic cloves, and slice 2 green onions. I keep 6 cups broth, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp sake (if using), and 1 tsp sesame oil ready for this savory noodle broth.
Cook Noodles
- In a medium pot, I boil 8 oz udon noodles per package instructions until chewy (4–5 minutes for fresh, 8–10 for dried). I drain and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking in this Japanese comfort soup.
Heat Broth
- In a large pot, I heat 6 cups dashi or vegetable broth over medium heat. I add minced ginger, garlic, and 1 tsp sesame oil, simmering for 3–5 minutes to infuse this chewy noodle broth with aroma.
Add Veggies and Protein
- I stir in mushrooms and spinach or bok choy, simmering for 3–5 minutes until tender. I add optional ½ cup chicken, shrimp, or tofu, heating through for 2–3 minutes for this cozy Asian soup.
Season and Combine
- I add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1 tbsp sake (if using), tasting to adjust seasoning for a balanced savory noodle broth. I add cooked udon noodles, stirring gently to combine.
Serve
- I ladle the Japanese comfort soup into bowls, garnishing with green onions and optional sesame seeds or nori strips for a vibrant chewy noodle broth.
Notes
- Use good quality dashi or broth for rich, authentic flavor.
- Cook noodles separately and rinse to maintain chewy texture.
- Fresh ginger and garlic add brightness; use freshly chopped.
- Season gradually with soy sauce to balance flavors.
- Lightly toast sesame seeds or fry tofu cubes for texture contrast.
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