Restaurant-Style Curry Nanban Tsukemen: A Cozy Cold-Weather Soba Recipe

Craving a comforting and flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than Curry Nanban Tsukemen, a unique twist on traditional Japanese tsukemen (dipping noodles). This recipe blends the rich, savory depth of curry with the delightful crunch of nanban (southern-style) fried chicken, creating a culinary experience that's both exciting and satisfying. Imagine perfectly cooked soba noodles, swimming in a luscious, aromatic curry broth, topped with crispy, flavorful chicken and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. It’s a delicious dance of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

This comforting dish is surprisingly easy to make, even for home cooks. The key lies in balancing the rich curry broth with the lightness of the soba noodles and the satisfying crunch of the chicken. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Yukihira pot

Ingredients

  • Thinly sliced pork belly
  • Onion: 1/4
  • Curry powder
  • Dried bonito flakes: 2g
  • Buffalo milk
  • Water
  • Potato starch
  • Thinly sliced nori or yuzu
  • Soba noodles
  • Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Curry Pork Base

  • Cut the onion into 5mm widths.
  • Cut the pork belly into thin slices, about 5cm long.
  • Heat the Yukihira pot, add oil, then onions. Stir-fry until softened.
  • Turn off the heat. Add pork, shred it and mix with onions. This prevents sticking.
Cut the onion into 5mm widths.Cut the pork belly into thin slices, about 5cm long.Heat the Yukihira pot, add oil, then onions. Stir-fry until softened.Turn off the heat. Add pork, shred it and mix with onions. This prevents sticking.
Prepare the Curry Pork Base
  • Turn the heat back on. Add curry powder, dissolving it in the pork oil to distribute flavor.

Step 2. Create the Curry Nanban Tsukemen Broth

  • Add the noodle soup (adjust amount as needed), water, and milk. Add dried bonito powder for flavor.
  • Mix potato starch with water, then add to the soup to thicken.
  • Add yuzu zest for aroma (optional).
Add the noodle soup (adjust amount as needed), water, and milk. Add dried bonito powder for flavor.Mix potato starch with water, then add to the soup to thicken.Add yuzu zest for aroma (optional).
Create the Curry Nanban Tsukemen Broth

Step 3. Cook and Chill the Soba Noodles

  • Serve the thickened soup separately from boiled and cooled soba noodles.

Read more: 15-Minute Japanese Curry Udon: Quick, Easy, & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Tips

  • Use curry powder, not curry roux, for an authentic soba restaurant flavor.
  • Dissolve the curry powder in the pork oil for best flavor distribution.
  • Don't overboil the milk; it will separate.
  • The tsukemen method (dipping noodles) is recommended to prevent soggy noodles.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of noodles instead of soba?

Yes! Udon or even ramen noodles can be substituted, but soba offers a unique nutty flavor that complements the curry well.

2. How can I make the curry broth spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth while it simmers. You can also use a spicier curry powder.


This Restaurant-Style Curry Nanban Tsukemen recipe offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience, perfect for a chilly evening. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress, and the relatively simple process makes it achievable for home cooks of all levels. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this comforting bowl of noodles!