Spicy and Refreshing Simple Inari Udon
A Hearty Bowl of Spicy Inari Udon Noodles
Enjoy a simple yet delicious Inari Udon using store-bought udon noodles! This dish is wonderfully refreshing, spicy, and savory, with a delightful chewy texture. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, packed with flavor and comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 serving of store-bought udon noodles (including noodle pack and soup base)
- 5-10 pieces of fried tofu (inari aburaage)
- 5-6 stalks of green onion
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or fish sauce)
- 1/3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 500ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the ingredients for your udon. You’ll need one serving of store-bought udon noodles, fried tofu (inari aburaage), and green onions. For the fried tofu, briefly blanch it in boiling water or pour hot water over it in a sieve to remove excess oil. Gently squeeze out the water and cut each piece in half. This step helps to make the broth cleaner. Chop the green onions into approximately 2cm lengths.
Step 2
Pour exactly 500ml of water into a pot. This water will form the base of your delicious udon broth.
Step 3
Add the udon soup base that comes with the store-bought udon package, along with 1 tablespoon of tuna extract, to the water. Stir well to dissolve. The tuna extract adds a deep umami flavor to the broth.
Step 4
Once the broth comes to a rolling boil, carefully add the udon noodles to the pot.
Step 5
Gently separate the noodles with chopsticks as they cook, stirring to prevent them from sticking together. Let them boil for about 1 minute until the noodles are well separated and have a chewy texture.
Step 6
When the noodles are fully loosened, add the prepared fried tofu to the pot. You can adjust the amount of fried tofu based on your preference. I added about 10 pieces because I love them, but feel free to use more or less! The tofu will absorb the broth, making it even more flavorful.
Step 7
To add a spicy kick, stir in 1/3 tablespoon of red pepper flakes. If you enjoy more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add finely chopped Korean chili peppers (cheongyang peppers). Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Step 8
If your store-bought udon came with a garnish packet, add it now for extra texture and flavor. These often contain dried vegetables that enhance the broth’s complexity.
Step 9
Finally, garnish the udon with the chopped green onions. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little soy sauce or mentsuyu (Japanese dipping sauce) if it’s not salty enough. Using mentsuyu can provide an even richer umami taste.
Step 10
Your steaming hot and delicious Inari Udon is now ready! For an even more satisfying meal, consider serving it with a boiled egg or some kimchi. Experience the wonderful combination of the spicy, refreshing broth, chewy noodles, and tender fried tofu. This recipe comes highly recommended!
