Simple Stir-fried Udon

Japanese Stir-fried Udon Recipe with Broccoli, Egg, and Ham | Cooksdelight

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Simple Stir-fried Udon is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines chewy udon noodles with a flavorful sauce and a variety of vegetables and proteins. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.

History

Udon noodles are a type of thick wheat flour noodle that originated in Japan. Stir-fried udon dishes have become popular in many Asian cuisines, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe. This particular recipe combines elements of Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cooking styles.

Ingredients

100 g broccoli, cut into florets
150 g udon noodles
1 egg
2 tbsp water
salt
2 tbsp oil, divided (olive or canola or peanut, etc.)
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 stalk spring onions, chopped (reserve the green part)
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 slices ham, chopped
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 tbsp dark soy sauce (the thick and sweet kind)
0.5 tsp white pepper
2 tbsp mirin or rice wine
crushed chili pepper flakes, to taste
0.5 tsp sesame oil
1 lime, juice of

How to prepare

Partially cook the broccoli and udon noodles in salted boiling water for a few minutes. Drain and reserve 0.25 cup of the cooking water.
Beat the egg with 2 tbsp of water and a pinch of salt.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok. Once hot, pour in the beaten egg and cook until set. Remove and set aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil in the same wok over high heat. When hot, sauté the onions until soft.
Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add the ham slivers and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the udon noodles.
Add the hoisin, oyster, and soy sauces, white pepper, wine, and chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute.
Adjust the heat to medium-low. Add the broccoli and reserved cooking water. Cook for another minute.
Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Add the cooked egg to the noodles, breaking it into pieces as you stir.
Stir in the sesame oil.
Sprinkle the reserved chopped spring onion (the green part) over the noodles and squeeze some fresh lime juice over them. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for additional protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms.
Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki or sweet and sour for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Partially cook the broccoli and udon noodles before stir-frying to ensure they are cooked through but still have a nice texture.

- Be sure to beat the egg well before cooking it in the wok to create a fluffy and tender texture.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more or less soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili flakes as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Simple Stir-fried Udon hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: This recipe uses the stir-frying technique to quickly cook the ingredients over high heat, preserving their texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute udon noodles with soba noodles or rice noodles.

- Use any type of protein such as beef, pork, or seafood in place of ham.

- Swap out hoisin sauce for teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can partially cook the broccoli and noodles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance for quicker assembly.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Simple Stir-fried Udon in a large bowl or on a plate, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables to balance out the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the stir-fried udon in a wok or skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 12g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat (udon noodles)

- Contains eggs

Summary

Simple Stir-fried Udon is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Simple Stir-fried Udon is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, this dish is a satisfying and nutritious meal option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Japan. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had passed down many of her recipes to me, but this one was different.

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a warm summer day, and I was helping my grandmother in the kitchen, as I often did. She was preparing a simple stir-fried udon dish for dinner, and I was fascinated by the way she effortlessly tossed the noodles in the wok, adding just the right amount of soy sauce and vegetables.

As I watched her work, I asked her where she had learned to make such a delicious dish. She smiled and told me that she had learned the recipe from a dear friend many years ago. She explained that the key to a good stir-fried udon was to use fresh ingredients and to cook everything quickly over high heat.

I was intrigued, and I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the dish. She agreed, and together we spent the afternoon cooking and chatting in the kitchen. I watched as she chopped the vegetables, boiled the udon noodles, and stir-fried everything together in the wok.

Once the dish was finished, my grandmother served it up in bowls for us to enjoy. The flavors were incredible - the savory soy sauce, the crunchy vegetables, and the chewy udon noodles all came together in perfect harmony. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew that I had found a new favorite dish.

From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe for simple stir-fried udon. I practiced tirelessly in the kitchen, experimenting with different vegetables, sauces, and cooking techniques. I sought out advice from friends and neighbors, and I even traveled to nearby villages to learn from other cooks.

Over time, I developed my own version of the recipe, one that combined the traditional flavors of my grandmother's dish with my own unique twist. I added extra garlic for a bit of spice, and I swapped out the traditional vegetables for ones that were in season. I learned how to cook the udon noodles just right, so that they were perfectly al dente every time.

As I continued to cook and refine the recipe, I shared it with friends and family members who always raved about how delicious it was. They encouraged me to enter cooking competitions and to start my own catering business, but I was content just to cook for the people I loved.

Now, many years later, I still make simple stir-fried udon on a regular basis. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that never fails to bring back memories of my grandmother and the day we first cooked together. I often think about her as I stir-fry the noodles in the wok, and I can almost hear her laughter and feel her presence in the kitchen.

I am grateful for the recipe that she shared with me all those years ago, and for the love and passion for cooking that she instilled in me. Cooking simple stir-fried udon will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond that I shared with my grandmother and the joy that comes from creating something delicious from scratch.