Mentaiko Cream Udon: A Rich Umami Delight
Master the Ultimate Umami Dish: How to Make Mentaiko Cream Udon
Indulge in the exquisite flavor of Mentaiko Cream Udon, featuring a creamy, savory sauce topped with rich mentaiko (spicy cod roe). I made this for a solo lunch – it’s incredibly simple, easy, and quick to prepare! Perfect for a satisfying single-serving meal.
Mentaiko Cream Udon Ingredients
- 1 portion Udon noodles
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 King Oyster Mushroom
- 2 Baby Bok Choy (optional)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- A little Sliced Garlic
- 200ml Heavy Cream
- 150ml Milk
- 1 slice Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Tbsp Mentaiko (cod roe, separated from membrane)
- A pinch of Ground Black Pepper
- A little Olive Oil
- A little Baby Sprouts or Parsley (for garnish)
- 0.5 tsp Chicken Stock
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and cut the king oyster mushroom into similar-sized pieces. If using baby bok choy, wash it and cut it into bite-sized sections. (Note: Baby bok choy is optional and can be omitted.)
Step 2
If you’re including baby bok choy, make sure it’s thoroughly washed and trimmed. It adds a lovely fresh texture and a hint of green to the dish.
Step 3
Instead of boiling the udon noodles separately, we’ll use hot water for convenience. Bring water to a boil using an electric kettle. Pour the boiling water over the udon noodles in a bowl. Gently loosen the noodles with chopsticks as the hot water cooks them, ensuring they remain perfectly al dente.
Step 4
Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Add the sliced mushrooms and onions, and stir-fry until the onions become translucent. Season with a grind of black pepper for extra flavor.
Step 5
Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the heavy cream and milk. Add the slice of cheddar cheese. Stir gently as the cheese melts, creating a wonderfully rich and creamy sauce.
Step 6
When the cheddar cheese has completely melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the mentaiko (cod roe) and the chicken stock. The salty, umami-rich mentaiko perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Step 7
Add the prepared udon noodles and baby bok choy (if using) to the sauce. Stir everything together well to coat. Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve immediately, garnished with baby sprouts or chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your delicious Mentaiko Cream Udon!
