Udon Recipes: 15+ Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Popular Japanese Noodle

Udon noodles are one of the most popular and beloved types of noodles in Japanese cuisine. With their thick, chewy texture, udon noodles are hearty and comforting. Here are some delicious udon recipes to try at home, along with details on how to make the classic udon broth. With so many recipe options, it's easy to see why udon has become a staple in kitchens across Japan and around the world.

The Basics of Udon Noodles and Broth

Udon noodles are made from wheat flour and have a distinctively chewy texture. They come in various widths, with medium-thickness noodles being most common. Like soba noodles, udon is usually served either hot or chilled with a broth or sauce. A homemade udon broth forms the base of many udon recipes. It adds rich flavor and keeps the noodles moist.

The classic udon broth starts with dashi stock. Dashi is a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine, made by simmering kombu seaweed and bonito fish flakes. For udon broth, thinly slice some onions and let them caramelize in a saucepan with a splash of cooking oil. Once softened, add the dashi along with a generous amount of soy sauce. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Season with a bit of mirin rice wine for extra complexity and richness. This homemade dashi-based broth makes the perfect cooking liquid and topping for many comforting udon noodle dishes.

Now that the basics are covered, here are 15 delicious udon recipes to try:

1. Kitsune Udon

This popular dish features tender udon noodles in broth, topped with aburage (fried tofu pockets). It's a light yet satisfying meal.

2. Tenzaru Udon

For this special udon recipe, thin wheat noodles called tenzaru are served chilled with a cold soup made from dashi, rice vinegar, and mirin. It's perfect for hot summer days.

3. Chashu Udon

Braised pork belly called chashu is added to hot udon noodles in broth for a hearty, warming meal. The tender pork melts in your mouth.

4. Tempura Udon

Enjoy crispy tempura shrimp and vegetables alongside hot udon in savory broth. A classic combination.

5. Yaki Udon

This stir-fried udon recipe tosses chewy noodles with vegetables like mushrooms, cabbage, and carrots. Soy sauce and dashi stock create rich flavor.

6. Tororo Udon

Slithery okra puree called tororo adds unique texture to hot broth-soaked noodles. The mild veggie pairs beautifully with udon.

7. Miso Udon

Rich miso paste flavors both the noodles and broth in this comforting bowl. A dash of nuttiness from sesame seeds adds crunch.

8. Negi Udon

Green onions called negi are the star ingredient in this simple yet delicious recipe. Their aroma permeates the hot broth and noodles.

9. Curry Udon

Japanese curry sauce lightly coats chewy udon noodles. Add chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

10. Tanuki Udon

Named for the mythical Japanese raccoon dog, this special udon comes with crispy tempura batter bits called ohitashi in the broth.

12. Shio Udon

For this lighter take on udon, only soy sauce seasoned with salt flavors the broth and noodles. Very simple yet satisfying.

13. Hakodate-style Seafood Udon

An indulgent udon recipe featuring shellfish like scallops and small shrimp lightly cooked in a broth with sake and miso paste.

14. Tsukimi Udon

This cold noodle dish gets its name - "moon-viewing udon" - from its resemblance to gazing at the moon on water. Udon pairs beautifully with a raw egg yolk in a light soy-dashi broth.

15. Kitsune Udon with Abura Age

Like the classic kitsune udon above but made even more decadent with deep-fried tofu called abura age - which is crispy outside and soft within.

As you can see, there are endless ways to enjoy hearty udon noodles, from hot broth-soaked preparations to chilled salads. With these 15 recipe options serving as inspiration, you can discover your favorite udon creations and enjoy the comforting, satisfying flavors of this Japanese noodle staple anytime. From simple weeknight dishes to more indulgent treats, udon is endlessly adaptable to any meal occasion. With its chewy texture and ability to absorb complex flavors, udon truly shines in dishes both simple and extravagant. Get cooking and find your new udon favorite!