What is Yaki Udon Made of?
Yaki udon is made using Japanese udon noodles. The ingredients for udon noodles are wheat flour, water, and salt. They are a thick, chewy wheat noodle. However, unlike the rice noodles found in many stir-fries, it is not gluten-free. Although udon noodles are dairy- and vegan-free, it’s always a good idea to read the ingredients because different brands may use different additives.
Typically, only three ingredients are used to make udon noodles: wheat flour, water, and salt. Yaki udon can be made into a nutritious meal with protein, fiber, and carbohydrates because it is made with a variety of vegetables and protein. To make this recipe lighter, I substituted ground chicken. Under the recipe instructions, you can find the chicken yaki udon’s nutritional information.
Udon noodles are great in stir-fries, so a great way to use them is in yaki udon. Udon noodles from frozen cook quickly and, depending on how you cook them, retain the chewy texture of udon noodles fairly well, making them a great option for quick meals.
For this recipe I used pre-cooked udon noodles you find vacuum packed in plastic. These are typically found in the refrigerated or frozen section of your Asian grocery store. If you have freshly made or dried udon noodles, cook them according to the packet directions but subtract 1 minute since you’ll be cooking them more in the stir fry. Be sure to rinse them in cold water afterwards and drizzle on a little oil if youre not using them right away.
Are udon noodles good for you?
Although they’re mostly carbohydrates, they’re not necessarily bad for you if you tolerate wheat. Udon is therefore best used in dishes that have a lot of vegetables, such as soups, stir-fries, and salads.
High in carbs and low in fat, a cup of cooked noodles contains 4 grams of protein, and a modest amount of fiber and iron. See the complete nutritional profile of udon noodles.
Varieties of udon noodles & how to cook them
There are countless brands of dried and fresh udon noodles. Since there aren’t many differences between them, your choice of product will largely depend on what is in stock. Both types are readily available on many online sources.
The majority of the time, dried udon is sold in 8-ounce packages that are cellophane-wrapped. To prepare it, simply cook it in a large pot of water that is rapidly simmering. It’s best to follow package directions. To achieve an al dente texture, they need to be cooked for 5 to 7 minutes.
Some instructions advise briefly rinsing them after draining to remove some of the starch. Packaged udon keep nearly indefinitely in the pantry. In shape, dried udon resembles fettuccine and is a little flatter than fresh varieties.
Fresh udon are plumper and rounder than the dried variety. They come in sealed containers weighing between 12 and 16 ounces (or more) each. Once purchased, store them in the refrigerator and pay attention to the “best by” date.
You can add these noodles to soups in the final two to three minutes of cooking because they are almost ready to use. You still need to cook them for 2 to 3 minutes for stir-fries and cold dishes; as with dried noodles, it’s best to follow the instructions on the package.
Natural food stores may carry a version of whole wheat udon, but even then, they are much less common. They are undoubtedly healthier, but their personality tends to resemble soba more so than the typical thick Asian noodle.
FAQ
How do you make udon vacuum packed noodles?
To a pot of boiling water, add one packet of noodles per person (about 500ml per packet). Cook for 2-3 minutes before draining. Add the cooked noodles and udon noodle soup to a bowl, then top with your preferred garnishes.
Do udon noodles need to be cooked?
You can add these noodles to soups in the final two to three minutes of cooking because they are almost ready to use. You still need to cook them for 2 to 3 minutes for stir-fries and cold dishes; as with dried noodles, it’s best to follow the instructions on the package.
How do you use instant udon noodles?
- Remove lid. Place unwrapped noodles, sauce, and flakes into the bowl.
- Pour room temperature water up to the inside line.
- Microwave for 4 minutes without lid. Stir and serve.
Do you have to boil udon noodles first?
While frozen udon can typically be used after a brief soak in hot water, dried udon must be boiled.
