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This classic Kake Udon recipe captures the essence of Japanese comfort food with its simplicity and harmony of flavors.
The thick, chewy udon noodles provide a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the delicate yet flavorful homemade dashi broth.
Rich in complex carbohydrates and plant-based protein, this soup offers a balanced, nourishing meal.
With just 271 calories per serving and only 1 gram of fat, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a light but filling option.
The broth is low in saturated fat and contains a modest amount of sodium, making it heart-friendly when consumed in moderation.
Versatile and quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, this soup suits busy weeknights or meal prep routines.
Plus, it’s easily adaptable to vegan diets and customizable with various toppings, making it a perfect everyday meal that feels both wholesome and satisfying.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Medium Saucepan
Essential for gently simmering the delicate dashi broth and blending flavors perfectly. A good saucepan with even heat distribution ensures your broth develops rich, balanced taste. Also ideal for soups, sauces, and reheating.
Large Pot
Used to boil the udon noodles efficiently without crowding, ensuring they remain tender and chewy. A sturdy large pot is indispensable for cooking pasta, blanching vegetables, or boiling grains.
Colander or Fine-Mesh Strainer
Vital for draining noodles quickly and thoroughly, preventing sogginess while retaining the perfect texture. A fine-mesh strainer also works well for rinsing grains and sifting dry ingredients.
Chopsticks
Perfect for stirring and loosening noodles during cooking without breaking them. Beyond noodles, chopsticks are versatile kitchen tools useful for mixing, serving, and precise handling of delicate foods.
Lid for Saucepan
Maintaining gentle heat during simmering and resting phases, a well-fitting lid traps steam and preserves the broth’s aroma and flavor. Great for simmering soups, stews, and cooking rice evenly.
Udon Noodle Soup
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 Colander or Fine-Mesh Strainer
- 1 Pair Chopsticks
- 1 Lid for Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Broth (Homemade Version):
- 2 ⅓ cups dashi stock traditional or vegan
- 1 tablespoon mirin sweet rice wine
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
For the Broth (Quick Version):
- ⅓ cup concentrated mentsuyu noodle soup base
- 2 ⅓ cups water
- 1 tablespoon mirin
For the Udon Soup:
- 2 servings udon noodles about 500 g frozen/parboiled or 180 g dry
- Toppings as desired thinly sliced scallions, shichimi togarashi, tempura, tofu, fish cake, etc.
Instructions
- Prepare the Homemade Broth: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine dashi stock with mirin, sugar, soy sauce, and kosher salt. Heat over medium flame until just before boiling—allowing the flavors to meld gently. Remove from heat once small bubbles form around the edges, cover with a lid, and let it rest to develop a rich, delicate taste.
- Make the Quick Broth Alternative: If using mentsuyu, measure according to your brand’s dilution instructions. Typically, blend mentsuyu, water, and mirin in a saucepan. Warm this mixture until it simmers gently, then take off heat and cover. This shortcut broth offers convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- Cook the Udon Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the udon noodles and cook following the package directions — frozen noodles typically need about 1 minute, while dry noodles require a bit longer. Stir occasionally with chopsticks or a fork to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Drain and Prepare for Serving: Once noodles are tender and chewy, drain them well using a colander or a fine-mesh strainer. Place the hot noodles evenly into serving bowls.
- Assemble and Garnish: Pour the steaming broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl is evenly filled. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top and add shichimi togarashi for a subtle spice, if desired. Customize with additional toppings like crispy tempura, tofu cubes, or grilled fish cake to turn the soup into a heartier meal.
Notes
- Broth Variations: The homemade broth offers deeper umami complexity, while the mentsuyu-based quick broth saves time and is convenient for weeknight meals. Both options deliver authentic flavor.
- Noodle Options: Frozen udon noodles reheat quickly and maintain great texture; dry udon requires more cooking but works well too. Fresh homemade udon is ideal for enthusiasts seeking authentic texture.
- Toppings Ideas: Experiment with vegetables, protein options, or spicy condiments to customize this soup to your taste or dietary needs.
- Storage Tips: Store broth and noodles separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
- Vegan Adaptability: Use vegan dashi and omit animal-based toppings to keep the soup fully plant-based.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Udon
Achieving the perfect Kake Udon is all about balancing simplicity with precision.
The key lies in preparing a broth that’s flavorful yet delicate — using quality dashi, whether traditional or vegan, sets the foundation.
Simmer gently without boiling vigorously to preserve the broth’s subtle umami. For noodles, avoid overcooking; udon should be tender with a satisfying chew.
Stir gently during cooking to prevent clumping, but handle noodles delicately to maintain their texture.
Using fresh or frozen noodles can save time and still yield excellent results.
Finally, layering simple toppings like thinly sliced green onions and a pinch of shichimi togarashi can elevate the dish, adding freshness and a touch of heat without overpowering the gentle broth.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
Kake Udon is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways.
For a light meal, serve it as is with scallions and a dash of spice.
For heartier options, top your bowl with tempura shrimp or vegetables for crunch, tofu for protein, or slices of fish cake for traditional flavor.
A side of pickled vegetables or a crisp salad complements the warm soup perfectly, balancing the meal with contrasting textures.
Pair the dish with a light, chilled sake or green tea for an authentic dining experience.
This soup also works beautifully as a starter for a Japanese-themed dinner party or a cozy solo lunch.
Storage Tips for Best Freshness
To maintain the texture and flavor of your udon soup, store noodles and broth separately in airtight containers.
Refrigerate both components promptly after cooling, and consume within three days for optimal freshness.
When reheating, warm the broth gently on the stovetop to preserve its delicate flavors, and reheat the noodles in hot water just until warmed through to avoid sogginess.
Avoid microwaving the broth directly, as this can change the flavor profile.
For longer storage, freeze the broth in portions but keep fresh noodles refrigerated, as freezing can alter their texture.
Always add toppings fresh when serving to retain their best taste and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I make this udon soup vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan dashi stock (kombu and shiitake-based) and omit any animal-derived toppings. The broth remains flavorful and satisfying with plant-based ingredients.
2. What if I can’t find udon noodles?
You can substitute with thick rice noodles or fresh pasta, but udon’s characteristic chewy texture is unique. Frozen or dried udon from Asian markets are your best bet for authenticity.
3. How long can I store leftover broth and noodles?
Store broth and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain quality.
4. Can I prepare the broth ahead of time?
Absolutely. The broth tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight as flavors meld. Reheat gently before serving.
5. What are the best toppings for Kake Udon?
Traditional toppings include scallions, tempura, fish cake, tofu, and shichimi togarashi. You can also get creative with vegetables, mushrooms, or grilled meats for a more filling meal.
This recipe is inspired by justonecookbook and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.