Tempura Udon

Your Ultimate Guide to This Cozy Japanese Noodle Delight

 

Craving a warm and comforting meal that brings the flavors of Japan to your kitchen? Look no further than Tempura Udon! This exquisite dish features thick, chewy udon noodles swimming in a savory dashi broth, topped with crispy tempura shrimp or seasonal vegetables. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through a unique Tempura Udon recipe designed to serve two, perfect for a cozy dinner or a nourishing lunch.

What is Tempura Udon?

Tempura Udon is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine that beautifully combines two favorites: udon noodles and tempura. Udon noodles are thick, chewy, and perfect for soaking up broth, while tempura consists of seafood or vegetables that are battered and deep-fried to golden perfection. This dish is highly customizable, allowing you to personalize it with your choice of tempura toppings and garnishes.

Key Features:

Comforting Broth: The dashi broth is rich in umami, providing a flavorful base.

Crispy Tempura: The contrast between the hot, chewy noodles and the crispy tempura makes every bite delightful.

Customizable: Choose your favorite tempura ingredients and toppings for a personalized touch.

 

Ingredients

For the Udon Broth

• Dashi stock: 1 cup (homemade for authenticity or instant for convenience)
  • Homemade Dashi Tip: Use kombu (dried kelp) and bonito flakes to make a flavorful broth.
• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (adds depth and savory notes)
• Mirin: 1 tablespoon (a sweet rice wine that balances flavors)
• Udon noodles: 1 packet (approximately 200 g, available fresh or frozen)
• Shichimi tōgarashi: For garnish (optional, adds spice)

For the Tempura

• Shrimp: 4 large pieces (peeled and deveined; alternatively, use seasonal vegetables)
• Tempura batter:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup ice-cold sparkling water (for extra lightness)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder (to enhance crispiness)
  • Pinch of salt (to season)

Additional Toppings

• Narutomaki (fish cakes): 2 slices (optional, adds color and flavor)
• Chopped scallions: For garnish (freshness)
• Nori strips: For garnish (adds a touch of umami; optional)

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tempura Udon

Step 1: Prepare the Dashi Broth

1. Heat the Dashi: In a medium saucepan, gently heat 1 cup of dashi stock over medium heat. If using homemade dashi, bring it to a simmer.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of mirin. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Udon Noodles

1. Boil Water: In a separate large pot, bring water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the Noodles: Add the udon noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes for fresh noodles). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Rinse the Noodles: Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse under cold running water for a minute to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Tempura Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 cup of ice-cold sparkling water. The carbonation will help create a light batter.
3. Combine: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with chopsticks or a fork. It’s okay if there are lumps; over mixing will lead to a dense batter.

Step 4: Fry the Tempura

1. Heat Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil so that the tempura can float freely.
2. Dip and Fry: Dip each shrimp or vegetable piece into the tempura batter, letting excess batter drip off. Carefully lower them into the hot oil.
   • Fry in Batches: Fry 2-3 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature.
3. Fry Until Golden: Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the tempura is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn the tempura halfway through cooking.
4. Drain: Remove tempura from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

1. Divide Noodles: Place the cooked udon noodles into two bowls.
2. Pour Broth: Ladle the hot dashi broth over the noodles, ensuring they are well-covered.
3. Top with Tempura: Add the crispy tempura on top of the noodles. If desired, include slices of narutomaki for added flavor and color.
4. Garnish: Finish by sprinkling chopped scallions and adding nori strips for an extra touch of flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Final Touch: Serve your Tempura Udon hot, with shichimi tōgarashi on the side for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

 

Why You’ll Adore This

This innovative Tempura Udon recipe is not just comforting; it’s also a feast for the senses. The combination of chewy udon noodles, rich dashi broth, and crispy tempura creates a symphony of flavors and textures. Plus, this dish is flexible—experiment with different tempura ingredients to suit your palate!

 

Tips for Perfecting Your Tempura Udon

Use Sparkling Water: The carbonation in sparkling water makes the tempura batter lighter and crispier. It’s a game-changer!

Don’t Overmix the Batter: A few lumps in the batter are fine; overmixing can lead to a dense coating that won’t crisp up properly.

Maintain Oil Temperature: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature consistent, ensuring a crispy texture. If the oil cools too much, the tempura will absorb more oil and become greasy.

Add Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, shiitake mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and color.

Customize Toppings: Feel free to include other toppings like soft-boiled eggs, blanched greens, or sesame seeds to enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor profile.

 

Conclusion

Indulging in a bowl of homemade Tempura Udon is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly day! With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. Try this unique recipe today for an authentic taste of Japan that will delight your senses!

 

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