Curry Udon
This is not just a simple bowl of udon noodles but curry flavored noodles with pork, shallots (scallions), aburaage (deep fried tofu) and fish cakes. I made the curry sauce from scratch and the flavor is amazing. Omit meat and fish cakes and make it a vegetarian version of curry udon with konbu dashi stock.
This is not just a simple bowl of udon noodles but curry flavored noodles with pork, shallots (scallions), aburaage (deep fried tofu) and fish cakes. I made the curry sauce from scratch and the flavor is amazing. Omit meat and fish cakes and make it a vegetarian version of curry udon with konbu dashi stock.
- salt & pepper
- 2 tbsp corn flour
- 1 tsp oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 servings of fresh udon noodles ((note 1))
- 4 shallots ((scallions))
- 2 sticks ((note 2))
- 1 aburaage
- 150 g pork belly ( thinly sliced into bite size pieces (note 3))
- 700 ml dashi stock
- 5 tbsp dashi or water
- Carbohydrate 33.792755028965 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 9.97525500173802 g
- Fiber 6.27710001848255 g
- Protein 9.73748001933442 g
- Saturated Fat 1.31595750023237 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (492g)
- Sodium 25.0280000457402 mg
- Sugar 27.5156550104825 g
- Trans Fat 0.841557500765943 g
- Calories 256 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut shallots diagonally into about 5cm (2") long pieces.
- Slice chikuwa diagonally into 4 cm long, 5mm (3/16") wide pieces.
- Pour boiling water over the aburaage to remove excess oil and squeeze moisture out. Cut the aburaage into two lengthwise, then cut them crosswise into 1.5 - 2cm (1/2") wide pieces.
- Add all the Curry Mixture ingredients to a bowl and mix well using a whisk, ensuring that corn flour is dissolved.
- Add oil to a large fry pan or a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Add pork, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the pork pieces are nearly cooked.
- Add shallots, chikuwa and aburaage to the pan and cook further 30 seconds.
- Add dashi stock and turn the heat up to high. When it starts boiling, scum might surface. Remove as much as possible.
- Mix the curry mixture in the bowl again ensuring that corn flour has not collected at the bottom of the bowl. Add the mixture to the pan and turn down the heat to medium.
- The sauce will start to thicken. When the sauce starts boiling, turn the heat off.
- Transfer heated udon noodles to two serving bowls and pour curry sauce over the udon.
- Serve immediately.
- Boil water in a saucepan that is large enough to blanch 2 servings of udon noodles.
- Add udon noodles and boil until the water starts bubbling again or follow the instruction on the pack. Drain.
My Comforting Curry Udon: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of deadlines, school runs, and endless to-do lists. Finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal often feels like an impossible task. But even amidst the chaos, I crave moments of comfort and nourishment. That's where my Curry Udon steps in - a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that's quick to prepare and always a hit with my family.
This isn't your average bowl of noodles. The rich, savory curry sauce is homemade, giving it a depth of flavor you won't find in pre-made options. The tender pork belly, crisp shallots, and chewy udon noodles create a beautiful textural contrast. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the pork and add some firm tofu for extra protein. The umami-rich dashi broth forms the base, making this a truly satisfying and comforting meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. I often adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add mushrooms, spinach, or even a fried egg for an extra layer of richness. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a personalized culinary experience.
The process is surprisingly straightforward. While the curry sauce simmers, I usually catch up on emails or help the kids with their homework. The entire cooking process takes about 20-30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. My family looks forward to this dish every week. It's become a staple in our dinner rotation, a comforting reminder that even amidst the busyness of life, we can still enjoy delicious, homemade food together.
Beyond the Recipe: Finding Comfort in the Everyday
This Curry Udon recipe is more than just a meal; it's a reflection of my approach to life – finding joy in the everyday. As a working mom, I’m constantly juggling multiple responsibilities. Cooking often becomes a form of self-care, a time to de-stress and reconnect with myself and my family. This recipe represents that: simplicity, flavor, and the comfort of a warm, satisfying meal shared with loved ones. The act of preparing this dish, from chopping the vegetables to simmering the sauce, is a calming ritual that allows me to disconnect from the pressures of the day and focus on the present moment.
The fragrant spices and rich broth create a sensory experience that transcends the mere act of eating. It’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate the little things, and find joy in the simple pleasures of life. This dish embodies the heart of home-cooked meals: love, care, and a touch of culinary magic.
And let's not forget the adaptability of the recipe. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, or even spices to create your own unique version. The beauty of cooking is in its flexibility; you're not bound by strict rules, but rather empowered to create something delicious and personal. Each variation becomes a reflection of your individual taste and culinary journey.
So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone who appreciates a good, comforting meal, I encourage you to give this Curry Udon a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It's a taste of home, a moment of calm in the midst of chaos, and a testament to the power of simple, delicious food to nourish both body and soul.
More than just a meal, it's a moment of connection.
