Vegetarian Udon Recipe

Cooking this vibrant Vegetarian Udon recipe is like taking a little culinary journey that brings a burst of flavors and textures to your plate. The way the aromatic garlic and ginger infuse with tender-crisp veggies and silky noodles, all enveloped in a savory-sweet sauce, makes each bite transportively delicious.

I love how the vivid colors of fresh broccoli florets and red bell peppers come together with the umami of shiitake mushrooms when I prepare my vegetarian udon. This dish, tossed in a blend of sesame oil with hints of garlic and ginger, is so packed with nutrients that it pretty much qualifies as a health food.

Vegetarian Udon Recipe Ingredients

• Udon Noodles: Rich in carbohydrates, providing energy, with a soft, chewy texture.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: High in fiber and support immune health with their umami flavor.
• Broccoli: Packed with vitamins C and K, offering a nutritious green crunch.
• Red Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, adds sweetness and color.
• Carrots: Loaded with beta-carotene, contributing to eye health and natural sweetness.
• Snow Peas: Provide fiber and vitamins, with a crisp texture and slightly sweet taste.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth with umami, enhancing the dish’s flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Offers a nutty aroma and is rich in healthy fats.
• Ginger: Adds a spicy, aromatic zing and aids digestion.
• Mirin: A sweet rice wine that balances flavors with a hint of acidity.

Vegetarian Udon Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz dried udon noodles
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 3 scallions, sliced

How to Make this Vegetarian Udon Recipe

1. Follow the package directions to cook the udon noodles. Drain and set them aside.

2. In a large skillet or wok, on medium-high heat, combine the sesame oil and vegetable oil.

3. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger in a pan for about 30 seconds, until they are fragrant.

4. Introduce the sliced shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are starting to lose their firmness.

5. Combine the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, carrots, and snow peas in a wok. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes in the wok until they become tender-crisp.

6. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce.

7. Put the udon noodles in the skillet with the vegetables and pour the sauce over them. Combine everything and heat until hot for about 2-3 minutes.

8. Take off the heat and dust with sesame seeds.

9. Before serving, sprinkle with sliced scallions.

10. Serve your flavorful Vegetarian Udon hot and enjoy!

Vegetarian Udon Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large skillet or wok
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Grater
8. Measuring spoons
9. Small bowl

FAQ

• Can I use fresh udon noodles instead of dried ones?Indeed, fresh udon noodles are usable. Simply adhere to the cooking instructions provided with the package, as they generally necessitate a shorter cooking duration compared to their dried counterparts.
• What can I substitute for shiitake mushrooms?If you cannot find shiitake mushrooms, you can use other mushrooms instead, such as button, cremini, or portobello.
• Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?For a gluten-free version of this recipe, use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free as well. Then, use gluten-free udon noodles.
• Can I add protein to this dish?Of course! Tofu or tempeh can be added for a protein increase and to maintain dish vegetarianism. Cube and sauté them with the vegetables or bake them separately.
• What is the purpose of mirin in the recipe?The dish gets a touch of sweetness and a basic flavor added to it by mirin. If you can’t find mirin, mix together some rice vinegar and a little sugar.
• How can I make the dish spicier?For heat, think about including sliced chili peppers, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Indeed, the sauce and veggies can be made in advance. Just keep them cool in the refrigerator, and when it’s time to serve, cook the noodles. This ensures that they are fresh and slightly chewy.

Vegetarian Udon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute whole wheat spaghetti or soba noodles for udon noodles.
Shiitake mushrooms: Use cremini or button mushrooms in their place.
Broccoli florets: Replace with green beans or asparagus.
Red bell pepper: Use yellow or orange bell pepper in its place.
Hoisin sauce: Use a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of honey instead.

Pro Tips

1. For enhanced flavor, consider toasting the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before using them for garnish. This will intensify their nutty aroma and taste.

2. To add an extra layer of flavor, marinate the sliced shiitake mushrooms in a small amount of soy sauce and mirin for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This will add depth to the mushrooms and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

3. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and ginger.

4. For perfectly cooked broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the wok. This will help them retain their bright green color and ensure they are tender-crisp.

5. To prevent the udon noodles from sticking together after cooking, rinse them under cold water immediately after draining. This step also stops the cooking process and ensures they maintain the right texture.