Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary journey with our recipe for Nabeyaki Udon. This Japanese noodle dish is a warm and comforting delight, featuring thick udon noodles, tender chicken or seafood, and an array of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful dashi broth. What makes Nabeyaki Udon extra special is the presentation – it’s traditionally served in a hot pot (nabe), making it a wonderful communal meal to share with friends and family. This recipe for four will take you on a flavorful adventure, where each spoonful is a taste of Japan’s heartwarming cuisine. So, let’s explore the world of Nabeyaki Udon and create a meal that’s both soul-soothing and delectable.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups dashi stock (you can use a combination of water and dashi powder or buy pre-made dashi)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 small bunch of spinach, stems trimmed
- 4 large shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
- 8 ounces of boneless chicken (sliced) or seafood (such as shrimp or scallops)
- 8 ounces of fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 4 eggs
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend), for extra flavor (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- In a large pot, combine the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Protein
- Add the thinly sliced onion, julienned carrot, spinach, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and your choice of protein (chicken, seafood, or a combination) to the simmering broth.
- Allow the ingredients to cook in the broth for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, and the protein is fully cooked.
Step 3: Cook Udon Noodles
- While the broth is simmering, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Hot Pot
- In individual serving pots or a larger hot pot, divide the cooked udon noodles evenly.
- Carefully crack an egg into each pot, ensuring it settles atop the noodles.
- Ladle the hot broth, vegetables, and protein into each pot, covering the noodles and eggs.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi for a touch of heat and flavor.
Serve your homemade Nabeyaki Udon hot, directly from the pot(s), and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this traditional Japanese dish. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, and the hot pot presentation makes it an unforgettable culinary experience.
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