Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup

Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup Recipe - Made with Miso and Udon

Region / culture: Japan | Servings: 4

Introduction

Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and delicious noodles, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

History

Japanese noodle soup has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. It is often enjoyed as a quick and easy meal, especially during the colder months. The combination of noodles, vegetables, and savory broth has made this dish a favorite among many Japanese households.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
6 oz (170 g) firm tofu, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp grated peeled gingerroot
1 (1.1 oz (31 g)) package shiro instant miso soup mix (White soybean-paste soup)
1 large carrot, cut crosswise into thirds, then cut lengthwise into matchstick-thin strips
1 medium red pepper
3 slices lemon, rind of 3 x 1 inch
1 bunch watercress, tough stems removed
8 oz (227 g) of dried udon noodles or linguine
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

How to prepare

In a nonstick skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook tofu, green onion, and ginger for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
In a 4 qt (3.78 liter) saucepan, heat 8 cups of water over high heat until boiling.
Add soup mix, noodles, carrot, red pepper, lemon peel, crushed red pepper, and tofu mixture.
Boil for a few minutes, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
Cook until vegetables are tender and noodles are loose.
Stir in watercress until wilted.
Serve immediately as the noodles will quickly absorb the soup.

Variations

Add shrimp or chicken for additional protein.
Use udon noodles instead of linguine for a traditional Japanese twist.
Garnish with sesame seeds or nori for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the tofu until it is golden brown to enhance its flavor and texture.

- Use fresh gingerroot for the best flavor, as it adds a subtle heat and depth to the soup.

- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this soup to include your favorites, such as mushrooms or spinach.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the soup until the vegetables are tender and the noodles are cooked through.

- Stir in the watercress at the end to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute tofu with chicken or shrimp for a different protein option.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup with a side of steamed edamame or a cucumber salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 7g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten.

Summary

This Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and flavorful noodles, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day and I was browsing through a cookbook at the local library. As soon as I laid eyes on the page with the Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup recipe, I knew I had to try it. The combination of savory broth, chewy noodles, and fresh vegetables seemed like the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.

I quickly jotted down the ingredients and instructions, eager to get home and start cooking. As I gathered the necessary items from my pantry and refrigerator, memories began flooding back to me. Memories of my time living in Japan as a young girl, where I first fell in love with the flavors and aromas of Japanese cuisine.

I remember watching my host mother prepare meals in her tiny kitchen, her hands moving with practiced efficiency as she chopped vegetables, boiled noodles, and simmered broths. I would sit at the kitchen table, mesmerized by the way she transformed simple ingredients into delicious dishes that warmed both body and soul.

One day, she invited me to help her make Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup. I eagerly jumped at the chance, eager to learn the secrets of her culinary prowess. As we worked side by side, she patiently taught me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, the art of balancing flavors, and the precise timing required to create a perfect bowl of soup.

I watched as she carefully seasoned the broth with soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, a Japanese stock made from dried bonito flakes and kombu seaweed. She explained how the umami-rich flavors of these ingredients would come together to create a complex and satisfying base for the soup.

Next, she showed me how to cook the noodles until they were just tender, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This step, she explained, was crucial for achieving the perfect texture in the finished dish.

Finally, she demonstrated how to assemble the soup, arranging the noodles in a bowl and topping them with steaming hot broth, slices of tender pork, crisp vegetables, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. The aroma that wafted up from the bowl was intoxicating, a tantalizing blend of savory, sweet, and umami notes that made my mouth water.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first sip of the Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before - rich, complex, and deeply satisfying. With each spoonful, I felt a sense of comfort and contentment wash over me, as if I had finally found a piece of my soul in a humble bowl of soup.

From that day on, Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, for family gatherings, or simply when I needed a pick-me-up on a dreary day. Each time I prepared it, I would think back to that moment in my host mother's kitchen, and feel a deep sense of gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom she had passed down to me.

Over the years, I made the recipe my own, tweaking the ingredients and proportions to suit my taste and preferences. I experimented with different types of noodles, added new vegetables, and even tried my hand at making my own dashi from scratch. But no matter how much I altered the recipe, the essence of that first bowl of Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup remained unchanged - a testament to the power of food to evoke memories, emotions, and connections across time and space.

And so, every time I make Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup, I am transported back to that small kitchen in Japan, to the warmth of my host mother's smile, and to the flavors that have become a part of who I am. Cooking this dish is not just about nourishing my body, but about nourishing my spirit, honoring the traditions and teachings that have shaped me into the cook and person I am today.

As I sit down to savor a bowl of soup that I have made with my own hands, I offer a silent thank you to my host mother, wherever she may be, for sharing with me the gift of Traditional Japanese Noodle Soup. And I hope that one day, I will be able to pass on this recipe and the stories that accompany it to the next generation, so that they too may experience the magic and joy of a simple bowl of soup that transcends time and borders.