Deliciously Spiced Udon Noodle Soup
This Deliciously Spiced Udon Noodle Soup is a celebration of flavor and freshness, inspired by Nigella Lawson's delightful recipe. Perfect for a light lunch or a warm dinner, this noodle soup is a quick and easy dish that combines chewy udon noodles with a fragrant vegetable broth enriched with star anise and ginger. Loaded with vibrant vegetables like sugar snap peas, shiitake mushrooms, and baby pak choi, each bowl of this nourishing soup is finished with a sprinkle of fresh coriander for a burst of aroma. Serve it up for a comforting meal packed with nutrients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried udon noodles
175 g (Cook according to packet instructions)
vegetable stock or dashi stock
750 ml (Use as the base for the soup)
soft dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon (Add to the stock mixture for sweetness)
star anise
1 (Add to the stock for aromatic depth)
grated gingerroot
1 teaspoon (Grate fresh ginger for a spicy kick)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (Add for umami flavor)
bean sprouts
75 g (Rinse before adding to the soup)
sugar snap peas
75 g (Trim and slice if needed)
sliced shiitake mushrooms
75 g (Slice fresh shiitake mushrooms)
baby pak choi
2 (Finely slice for added crunch)
fresh coriander
2 tablespoons (Chop for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the udon noodles in boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and divide the noodles evenly between two serving bowls.
2
In a saucepan, pour in the vegetable or dashi stock, and add the soft dark brown sugar, star anise, grated ginger, and soy sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
Once boiling, add the bean sprouts, sugar snap peas, sliced shiitake mushrooms, and finely sliced baby pak choi to the broth. Reduce the heat and let the vegetables simmer for just two minutes, or until they are tender yet still vibrant.
4
Carefully ladle the hot vegetable broth and mixed vegetables over the prepared udon noodles in each bowl, ensuring an even distribution.
5
For the finishing touch, generously sprinkle chopped fresh coriander on top to enhance the flavor and presentation. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade noodle soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deliciously Spiced Udon Noodle Soup?
It is a fragrant and nutrient-packed dish inspired by Nigella Lawson, featuring chewy udon noodles in a vegetable broth flavored with star anise, ginger, and soy sauce.
Is this udon noodle soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable or dashi stock and a variety of fresh vegetables without any meat products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The instructions specify dividing the cooked noodles and broth evenly between two serving bowls, making it suitable for two people.
What ingredients are used for the soup base?
The soup base is created by combining 750 ml of vegetable or dashi stock with soft dark brown sugar, star anise, grated ginger, and soy sauce.
How long should I cook the vegetables in the broth?
Once the broth is boiling and the vegetables are added, you should reduce the heat and simmer them for just two minutes to keep them tender and vibrant.
Can I use dashi stock instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either vegetable stock or dashi stock to be used as the flavorful liquid base for the soup.
What type of noodles are required for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 175 g of dried udon noodles, cooked according to the package instructions.
How is the ginger prepared for this soup?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of grated fresh gingerroot to provide a spicy kick to the broth.
What gives the soup its aromatic depth?
A single star anise is added to the stock mixture to provide a unique and fragrant aromatic depth.
How should the baby pak choi be prepared?
You should use two baby pak choi and finely slice them before adding them to the simmering broth for extra crunch.
Why is brown sugar added to the soup?
One teaspoon of soft dark brown sugar is added to the stock mixture to provide a subtle sweetness that balances the savory soy and spices.
Can I substitute the sugar snap peas?
While sugar snap peas are recommended for their crunch, you could substitute them with snow peas or sliced green beans if necessary.
Are the shiitake mushrooms fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 75 g of sliced shiitake mushrooms; fresh mushrooms are typically used for this type of quick-simmered soup.
What is the best way to garnish this udon soup?
The dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of two tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutrient-packed meal consisting of fresh vegetables, light broth, and udon noodles.
How do I assemble the final dish?
First, place the cooked noodles in bowls, then carefully ladle the hot broth and mixed vegetables over them to ensure even distribution.
Can I add protein like tofu or chicken to this soup?
While the base recipe is vegetarian, you can easily add cooked tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make the meal more substantial.
What cuisine is this dish inspired by?
This recipe is inspired by Japanese cuisine, specifically utilizing traditional ingredients like udon, dashi, and shiitake mushrooms.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe. The vegetables only require two minutes of simmering, making it ideal for a fast lunch or dinner.
Can I make this soup spicy?
To add heat, you can include sliced fresh chilies, chili flakes, or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the broth while it simmers.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting soggy?
To keep the vegetables vibrant and crunchy, ensure you do not simmer them for longer than two minutes before serving.
What is the purpose of soy sauce in this recipe?
Two tablespoons of soy sauce are added to the broth to provide essential umami flavor and saltiness.
Do I need to wash the bean sprouts?
Yes, the preparation notes suggest rinsing the 75 g of bean sprouts thoroughly before adding them to the soup.
Can I prepare the broth in advance?
You can prepare the spiced stock mixture in advance, but it is best to add the fresh vegetables and noodles just before serving for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a light lunch?
Absolutely, its combination of light broth and fresh vegetables makes it a perfect light yet satisfying midday meal.
What can I use if I don't have star anise?
If star anise is unavailable, you can use a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder or fennel seeds to approximate that licorice-like aroma.
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, if shiitake mushrooms are not available, you can use oyster mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms, or enoki mushrooms.
How should the noodles be cooked?
The dried udon noodles should be boiled in water according to the instructions on the packet and then thoroughly drained.
Who is the celebrity inspiration for this recipe?
The description notes that this specific version of spiced udon noodle soup is inspired by the culinary style of Nigella Lawson.
Should the soup be served hot?
Yes, for the best experience, the hot vegetable broth should be ladled over the noodles and served immediately while warm.