Niku Udon (Japanese Beef Noodle Soup)
Cozy Up with Homemade Niku Udon: A Japanese Comfort Food Classic
Craving a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal? Look no further than Niku Udon! This Japanese noodle soup, meaning “meat udon,” is a delightful dish perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, and the rich, savory broth combined with tender beef and chewy udon noodles will leave you wanting more.
Niku Udon is a staple in Japanese cuisine, offering a beautiful balance of umami, sweetness, and savory goodness. While variations exist, the core elements remain consistent: a flavorful dashi-based broth, thick udon noodles, and thinly sliced beef. This recipe delivers an authentic taste that will transport you straight to Japan!
What makes this Niku Udon recipe special?
- Simple & Flavorful Broth: We use a classic combination of dashi (hondashi powder works great!), soy sauce, and mirin to create a deeply flavorful broth without complicated techniques.
- Tender Beef: Thinly sliced beef is key to a truly enjoyable Niku Udon experience. We’ve included a tip for achieving this even if you can’t find pre-sliced beef.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! While fish cake and soft-boiled eggs are traditional, you can add other vegetables, tofu, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.
Tips for the Best Niku Udon:
- Udon Noodles: Using fresh or frozen udon noodles will give you the best texture. Dried udon noodles work too, but may require a longer cooking time.
- Beef Quality: While any cut of beef can be used, ribeye or sirloin will provide the most tender and flavorful results.
- Broth is Key: Don’t skimp on the broth! The flavor of the broth is what ties the whole dish together.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Hondashi? Hondashi is a Japanese soup stock powder made from kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes. It adds a wonderful umami flavor to the broth.
- Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables you enjoy.
- Is Niku Udon gluten-free? Traditional soy sauce contains wheat. To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms and use a vegetable-based dashi.
- How long does it take to make Niku Udon? This recipe takes about 30 minutes to make, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some Japanese music, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comforting and delicious Niku Udon!
Niku Udon
Ingredients
- 4 cups Water
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Mirin
- 1.5 tsp Hondashi
- 1 medium Onion Thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp Ginger Grated
- 8 oz Beef Thinly sliced
- 1 package Udon Noodles
- 2 slices Fish Cake Optional
- 2 each Soft Boiled Eggs Optional
- 1 bunch Green Onions Sliced
Instructions
- In a pot, mix together 4 cups of water, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, and 1.5 tsp Hondashi. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat.
- Thinly slice the onion and green onions. Grate about 1/2 tsp of ginger.
- Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces. If you can’t get thinly sliced beef, freeze steak for 30 minutes before slicing.
- In a small container, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and ginger to make the sauce.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. Pour in the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through. Turn off the heat.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the udon noodles according to package instructions.
- Ladle some hot water into serving bowls to warm them, then discard the water.
- Divide the drained noodles into serving bowls. Gently add some broth over the noodles. Top with beef, fish cake (if using), soft-boiled egg, and green onions. Enjoy!
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