How to Make Vegetarian-Friendly Japanese Udon Noodles

Udon noodles, a staple of Japanese cuisine, are versatile and delicious, making them a great option for a vegetarian-friendly meal. In this article, we will walk you through the process of making vegetarian udon noodles from scratch, including a simple broth that enhances the umami flavor without using any meat products.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare your homemade vegetarian udon noodles, gather the following ingredients:

  • For the Udon Noodles:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Extra flour for dusting
  • For the Broth:
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese rice wine)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 slice kombu (dried kelp)
  • Optional: sliced green onions, mushrooms, and fresh vegetables for garnish

Making the Udon Noodles

Follow these steps to create your own udon noodles:

  1. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the water while mixing with your hand or a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
  2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: Once rested, divide the dough into smaller portions if needed. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  4. Cut the Noodles: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into even strips, about 1/4-inch wide, to form your udon noodles.
  5. Dust and Store: Dust the noodles with flour to keep them from sticking together. Set them aside while you prepare the broth.

Preparing the Broth

The broth is essential for a satisfying udon dish. Here’s how to make a flavorful vegetarian broth:

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the vegetable broth, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and kombu over medium heat.
  2. Simmer: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove the kombu slice before serving.
  3. Customize Your Broth: For added flavor, consider including sliced mushrooms or other vegetables like bok choy or carrots in your broth.

Cooking Udon Noodles

Cooking your udon noodles is simple:

  1. Boil Water: In a separate pot, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Add the udon noodles to the boiling water. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are tender but still firm. Freshly made noodles will take less time compared to dried noodles.
  3. Drain and Rinse: Drain the cooked noodles in a colander and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

Assemble Your Dish

To serve your vegetarian-friendly udon noodles:

  1. Combine: Divide the cooked udon noodles into serving bowls.
  2. Add the Broth: Pour the hot broth over the noodles.
  3. Garnish: Personalize your dish with garnishes such as sliced green onions