Japanese Tempura Udon is a delightful combination of crispy tempura and hearty udon noodles, making it a beloved dish in Japan. Known for its contrasting textures and flavors, this dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often enjoyed during colder months. Its popularity stems from the satisfying experience of slurping warm noodles while enjoying the crunch of freshly fried tempura.
Servings: Serves 4 people
Appliances/Utensils:
Ingredients:
- For the Udon:
- 14 oz (400g) dried udon noodles
- For the Tempura Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 1 egg
- For the Tempura:
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 sweet potato, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- For the Broth:
- 4 cups dashi stock
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
- Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Cook the udon noodles in a large pot for boiling according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the tempura batter by whisking together the flour, ice-cold water, and egg in a mixing bowl until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dip the shrimp and vegetables into the tempura batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Fry the battered shrimp and vegetables in batches until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
6. In a separate large pot for boiling, combine the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and allow the sugar to dissolve.
7. Divide the cooked udon noodles among four bowls.
8. Pour the hot broth over the noodles in each bowl.
9. Top each bowl with the fried tempura shrimp and vegetables.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and grated ginger, if desired.
Tips and Suggestions:
- For a lighter batter, use sparkling water instead of ice water.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add more vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
- To enhance the flavor, you can add a dash of sesame oil to the broth.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of pickled ginger or a small salad for a complete meal.
- Use chopsticks to enjoy the noodles and tempura authentically.
Estimated Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes