Kake udon, a simple yet profoundly satisfying Japanese noodle soup, is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Its elegant simplicity belies a depth of flavour achieved through the perfect balance of savory dashi broth, chewy udon noodles, and a delicate array of optional toppings. This classic dish showcases the beauty of Japanese culinary principles, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and a focus on clean, balanced tastes. From a quick weeknight meal to a comforting weekend indulgence, kake udon offers a warm embrace in a bowl.
This recipe provides a clear and easy-to-follow guide to crafting authentic kake udon at home, even for novice cooks. We'll walk you through each step, from preparing the flavorful dashi to perfectly cooking the udon noodles and assembling your bowl of deliciousness. Prepare to be surprised by how easily you can recreate this beloved Japanese staple in your own kitchen.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Dry sardines (nibosi): 10g
- Dry kombu: 10g
- Katsuobushi (bonito flakes): 15g
- Water: 1 liter
- Soy sauce: 5 tbsp
- Mirin: 2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Udon noodles
- Koboko (Japanese fish cake)
- Spring onion
- Tempura bits (tenkasu)
- Shichimi chili
- Kake-jiru (concentrated noodle dipping sauce): 2 tbsp + 150ml water (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Dashi Broth
- Remove heads from dry sardines (nibosi).
- In a pot, combine water, dry sardines, and dry kombu. Let it soak at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Add katsuobushi, turn on medium-low heat. Gently warm until small bubbles appear around edges, then turn off heat.
- Strain the dashi through a strainer lined with kitchen paper to remove solids and obtain clear broth.
- Return the dashi to the pot and add soy sauce, mirin. Bring to a boil over high heat for about 2 minutes to remove alcohol from mirin.
- Turn off heat, add salt, and mix.
Step 2. Prepare the Kake-jiru (Optional)
- If using, mix Kake-jiru (concentrated noodle dipping sauce) with water according to package instructions.
Step 3. Assemble the Udon Soup
- Place cooked udon noodles in a bowl.
- Add several ladles of the soup broth.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Add toppings such as koboko, spring onion, tenkasu, and shichimi chili to taste.
Read more: 15-Minute Japanese Curry Udon: Quick, Easy, & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Tips
- Homemade dashi is best, but store-bought dashi packets can be used as a shortcut.
- Adjust the ingredients to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. What is dashi, and can I substitute it?
Dashi is a Japanese stock made from kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes. For a substitute, you can use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, but the flavour will be different.
2. Where can I buy udon noodles?
Udon noodles are widely available in Asian grocery stores and increasingly in larger supermarkets, often in the refrigerated section.
3. Can I add other ingredients to my kake udon?
Absolutely! Common additions include sliced green onions, tempura scraps (tenkasu), a raw egg, or shredded nori seaweed.
Enjoy your warm bowl of homemade kake udon – a testament to the simple beauty of Japanese cuisine. This versatile recipe allows for endless customization to suit your preferences. Now that you've mastered this classic, explore other variations and discover the joy of creating delicious Japanese meals at home!