What To Know
- Curry udon is a beloved Japanese dish that combines the rich flavors of curry with the chewy texture of udon noodles.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.
- Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will empower you to create a delicious and authentic curry udon dish.
Curry udon is a beloved Japanese dish that combines the rich flavors of curry with the chewy texture of udon noodles. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking to recreate this culinary masterpiece at home, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know on how to cook curry udon.
Ingredients
To cook curry udon, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound udon noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the udon noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add the spices: Stir in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan: Add the vegetable broth and coconut milk to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, green beans, red bell pepper, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the udon noodles: Add the cooked udon noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought.
- If you don’t have coconut milk, you can substitute dairy milk or water.
- To make the curry vegetarian, omit the cayenne pepper and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To make the curry spicier, add more cayenne pepper to taste.
- Serve the curry udon with a side of rice or naan bread for dipping.
Variations
- Chicken curry udon: Add cooked chicken to the curry.
- Pork curry udon: Add cooked pork to the curry.
- Seafood curry udon: Add cooked seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, or mussels) to the curry.
- Vegetable curry udon: Omit the meat and add more vegetables to the curry.
- Spicy curry udon: Add more cayenne pepper or other spicy ingredients to the curry.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve curry udon hot with a side of rice or naan bread.
- Top with your favorite toppings, such as green onions, sesame seeds, or a fried egg.
- Serve with a side of pickles or kimchi for a refreshing contrast.
The Perfect Ending
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will empower you to create a delicious and authentic curry udon dish. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and savor the tantalizing flavors of this Japanese culinary delight.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What is the best way to cook udon noodles?
A: Udon noodles should be cooked in boiling water until they are tender but still have a slight chew to them.
Q: Can I use other types of noodles instead of udon noodles?
A: Yes, you can use other types of noodles, such as soba noodles or ramen noodles.
Q: How can I make my curry udon spicier?
A: Add more cayenne pepper or other spicy ingredients to the curry to taste.
Q: Can I make curry udon ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make curry udon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: What are some good toppings for curry udon?
A: Some good toppings for curry udon include green onions, sesame seeds, a fried egg, or pickles.
