This Japanese udon noodle soup recipe features an easy udon soup base that you can make in minutes. Choose your favourite udon toppings such as spring onion, katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and shichimo togarashi (Japanese chilli flakes)! This light, tasty Japanese noodles soup is perfect as a quick lunch, dinner or appetiser.
Slide cooked udon noodles into the soup base. Top with sliced spring onion, bonito flakes (katsuobushi) and chilli flakes or shichimi togarashi.
1 stalk spring onion / green onion, 2 tsp bonito flakes / katsuobushi, 1 pinch chilli flakes
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For the best experience, use the freshest udon noodles you can source. Any noodles will do of course, but freshly homemade udon noodles have the most delicious chewy texture that you just can't beat. Cook them until al dente, just like pasta, so they don't become too soggy.
What are Udon Noodles made from? Udon noodles are made from a combination of wheat (normal regular white flour) and salt. That's it! No egg or rice. Sometimes a little cornflour is used when the noodles are cut to stop them from sticking together.
How are Udon Noodles made? We're so glad you asked! This has to be the most fascinating part. Traditionally, udon noodles are actually made with your feet! Depending on the style, it's not uncommon to press out the dough many times to ensure the ultra smooth texture of the final product. It's never been easier to make your own udon noodles at home.
What other toppings can you put on Udon Noodles? The most simple udon noodle topping is a handful of sliced spring onion (scallions) with bonito flakes, but why stop there? Try these other popular udon noodle toppings:
Fried tofu
Wakame (seaweed)
Tempura vegetables or prawns (shrimp)
Kamaboko - fish cake slices
Thinly sliced beef
Egg
Anything else you'd like to experiment with!
For a vegetarian/vegan version of this dish, be sure to use kombu dashi powder - it's made with only seaweed and no bonito flakes.
For a more intense flavour we usually use hon dashi (note, this is made with bonito flakes).