How to Make Tempura Udon: A Comforting Japanese Favorite

Last updated on December 4th, 2024 at 03:35 am

Tempura Udon is a popular Japanese dish that combines two beloved elements of Japanese cuisine: crispy, golden tempura and comforting, savory udon noodles. The dish is a wonderful balance of textures and flavors—light and crunchy tempura sitting atop a bowl of thick, chewy udon noodles immersed in a rich, umami-packed broth. Whether you’re craving something warm on a chilly day or just want to experience the delightful contrast between the crispness of tempura and the silkiness of udon, Tempura Udon is a dish that never disappoints.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to create the perfect bowl from scratch, including making the dashi broth and frying up delicious tempura vegetables and shrimp.

Tips for Perfect Tempura

Keep your batter cold: First and foremost, the contrast between cold batter and hot oil is key to achieving crispy tempura. In fact, you can even place the batter bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it chilled. This will ensure that your tempura comes out light and crunchy every time.

Don’t overmix the batter: Additionally, it’s important to mix the tempura batter lightly. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, which, in turn, makes the tempura heavy and chewy rather than airy. So, a gentle mix will do the trick!

Use the right oil temperature: Moreover, maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the batter will burn before the inside cooks, and if it’s too cold, the tempura will end up greasy. Ideally, aim for a consistent 350°F for the best results.

Nutrition (approximate per serving):

Calories: 500 kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 1200mg

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this recipe combines the warmth and comfort of udon soup with the light, crunchy goodness of tempura, creating a meal that’s satisfying and full of flavor. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make at home. Furthermore, the versatility of this recipe allows you to use your favorite vegetables for the tempura, or you can even swap out the shrimp for other proteins like fish or chicken. So why not give this recipe a try? You’ll get a delicious taste of Japan right from your own kitchen, guaranteed to make your tastebuds dance!