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Udon Noodles: Japan’s Favourite Wheat Noodle

What’s on the menu tonight? Oodles of Udon of course!

Noodles have become one of the most widely appreciated staples in the world. The go-to for broke college students and for Michelin-starred chefs, the simple noodle has so much flavour and diversity to offer. There are dozens of different types of noodles available from rice flour noodles to hakka noodles, each with its own flavours, textures and applications, but one of the most enduring is the simple but delicious Udon Noodle.

Originating in China and then introduced to Japan in the 700s during the Tang Dynasty, the original Udon noodle was thought to be more similar to a dumpling than a noodle. In some parts of Japan, it’s still cut into squares rather than strands and the noodle shape we know today only became the standard by the 14th century. 

Also Read: From Miso Pasta To Udon: Delectable Vegetarian Japanese Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind

More of a homestyle noodle than a restaurant staple the noodle is simple to make with just flour and salt being the main ingredients but the complexity lies in getting exactly the right thickness. Udon noodles are typically a bit thicker than the standard noodle with a more solid bite. This makes them more favourable as an addition to broths and stews where they can soak in all the flavours or as a dipping noodle where the larger surface area means more flavour per bite.

Some of the most common ways to serve Udon Noodles include:

Simple but effective, the noodles are served in a broth called kakejiru which is made from soy sauce, dashi and mirin.

A hearty, earthy stew, the miso soup is cooked with seasonal vegetables and the Udon Noodles are used to bulk up the humble dish.

Japanese-style curry is a take on Indian curry and is very popular, especially for fast food. Here the noodles are coated in a thick curry roux before serving.

A hot-pot style dish with a wide array of vegetables, mushrooms, pickles, leafy greens, meats and seafood with individual bowls of broth for dipping.

A street-style creation of stir-fried Udon noodles with soy, sesame oil and vegetables like spring onions and cabbage.

Though these are some of the more traditional serving choices, Udon Noodles are versatile and rough to take on any flavour. So go wild with your imagination and find the Udon for you. 

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