Umami Furikake Udon

Introduction to Umami Furikake Udon

Umami Furikake Udon is a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese udon and the savory complexities of furikake, a popular Japanese seasoning. Udon, with its thick, smooth whites, serves as an ideal base for this aromatic dish. Furikake enhances the dish with a symphony of flavors featuring ingredients such as nori, sesame seeds, salt, and optional inclusions like bonito flakes or dried egg.

The history of udon dates back to the Edo period in Japan, originally brought over by a Buddhist priest who imported the craft from China. Over the centuries, udon has evolved from a simple wheat noodle to an integral part of Japanese cuisine, appearing in dishes ranging from soup-based to stir-fried concoctions.

Furikake, created in the early 20th century, was originally made as a calcium-rich seasoning for patients with calcium deficiencies. Since then, it has transformed into a popular condiment used to flavor rice, vegetables, and now, noodles like udon.

Ingredients

• Udon noodles - 400g
• Furikake seasoning - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Mirin - 2 tablespoons
• Sake - 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon
• Green onions, finely sliced - 3
• Tofu, drained and cubed - 200g
• Shiitake mushrooms, sliced - 150g
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Optional: Bonito flakes - for extra umami

Preparation

Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice the green onions thinly and set them aside. Slice the shiitake mushrooms and drain the tofu, cutting it into cubes.

Cooking the Udon Noodles

1. Boil water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the udon noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check your noodles with a cooking timer to achieve the perfect texture. They should be tender but firm.
2. Once done, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to halt cooking. Set the noodles aside.

Preparing the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Stir well until everything is combined.

Cooking the Tofu and Mushrooms

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed tofu and fry until each side is golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the shiitake mushrooms and sauté until they are soft and aromatic.

Combining Ingredients

Add the cooked udon noodles and tofu to the pan with the mushrooms. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Final Touches

1. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle the furikake seasoning over the top.
2. Garnish with finely sliced green onions and, if using, a handful of bonito flakes for an added depth of flavor.

How to Enjoy the Meal

Umami Furikake Udon is best enjoyed fresh, showcasing the rich blend of flavors and textures. Serve it warm, perhaps with a side of pickled vegetables or a light miso soup to create a balanced meal. The creamy aroma of the sesame oil and the distinct taste of the furikake seasoning make each bite a burst of umami.

For a complete cultural experience, enjoy this dish with a pair of traditional chopsticks and a cup of warm green tea. Each mouthful offers a taste of Japanese heritage, comfort, and modern culinary fusion.