When the chill of winter sets in, nothing beats a steaming bowl of hearty soup to keep you cozy. This Udon Noodle Soup blends the rich flavors of Chinese and Japanese cuisines, creating a harmonious and comforting meal that’s perfect for colder days. Dive into this delightful fusion dish that promises both warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Ingredients for Udon Noodle Soup
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- ¼ large red pepper, finely julienned
- ¼ large orange pepper, finely julienned
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded, ribs removed, and finely julienned
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1½ Tbsp (20 g) fresh ginger, minced
- 2 large cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) mushrooms, washed and sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), roughly chopped
- 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) hoisin sauce
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp (5 ml) fish sauce
- 7 oz (200 g) udon noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 cup (240 ml) bean sprouts, washed and drained, for garnish
- 1 large green onion, sliced diagonally into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces, for garnish
- ¼ cup (60 ml) peanuts, coarsely chopped, for garnish
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 2-4 large lime wedges, for garnish
How to Prepare Udon Noodle Soup
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the red and jalapeño peppers into the saucepan and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes.
- Add the shredded carrot and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Mix in the pressed garlic and minced ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the sesame oil, followed by the sliced mushrooms and soy sauce. Sauté the mixture for 2 more minutes.
- Add the low-sodium chicken broth, roughly chopped char siu pork, red pepper flakes, hoisin sauce, and fish sauce to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Place the cooked udon noodles at the bottom of two large serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot soup over the noodles, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables and pork.
- Garnish each bowl with bean sprouts, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade Udon Noodle Soup.
Creating this Udon Noodle Soup at home not only fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas but also provides a nourishing meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening or simply craving a delicious bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the perfect blend of textures and tastes that make this dish a standout choice for any season.
