Heavenly Tsukimi Udon
Heavenly Tsukimi Udon, which translates to 'full moon udon', is a delightful Japanese dish that harmoniously blends delicate flavors and textures. The soft egg serves as the radiant 'full moon', surrounded by warm, comforting 'clouds' of udon noodles and embellished with fragrant leeks. This dish evokes the serene beauty of autumn nights, making it a favorite for moon gazers and food lovers alike. Whether celebrating the beauty of the harvest moon or simply indulging in a comforting meal, this dish brings warmth and romance to any table, making it a cherished recipe throughout the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Thin noodles
10 ounces (Cooked according to package directions)
Boiling water
As needed (For cooking noodles)
Cold water
1 cup (Used to adjust cooking temperature of noodles)
Leeks
2 (Thinly sliced diagonally, use white part only)
Soy sauce
6 tablespoons (Mixed into broth)
Mirin
2 tablespoons (Mixed into broth)
Sugar
1/2 tablespoon (Mixed into broth)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning the broth)
Chicken broth
3 1/2 cups (Used as the base of the soup)
Eggs
4 (To be cracked into each serving bowl)
Pepper
To taste (Freshly cracked, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the thin noodles and stir gently. As soon as the water comes back to a boil, pour in 1/2 cup of the cold water. Let it return to a boil, then add the remaining cold water.
2
Cook the noodles until al dente according to the package directions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them under lukewarm water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3
Thinly slice the white part of the leeks diagonally until you have about 2 tablespoons. Rinse and set aside.
4
In the same pot, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few minutes.
5
Divide the cooked noodles evenly among four oven-proof bowls, then add the sliced leeks on top.
6
Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and leeks in each bowl.
7
Create a small well in the center of each bowl and gently break an egg into this space.
8
Carefully place each bowl in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the egg is cooked to your preferred doneness.
9
Remove from the oven and garnish with the sliced green part of the leeks and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Tsukimi Udon?
Heavenly Tsukimi Udon, also known as 'full moon udon', is a Japanese dish featuring udon noodles and a soft egg that represents the moon.
What does the name 'Tsukimi' mean?
Tsukimi translates to 'moon-viewing' or 'full moon' in Japanese, reflecting the appearance of the egg in the dish.
What does the egg symbolize in this recipe?
The soft egg serves as the radiant 'full moon' in the center of the bowl.
What do the udon noodles represent in the dish?
The warm udon noodles represent comforting 'clouds' surrounding the radiant egg moon.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to be divided evenly among four oven-proof bowls, providing four servings.
What type of noodles are used for Heavenly Tsukimi Udon?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of thin noodles, cooked according to package directions.
How do you prepare the noodles to ensure they are al dente?
Cook the noodles for 4-5 minutes, adding cold water in two stages when the pot boils, then rinse under lukewarm water.
Why is cold water added during the noodle boiling process?
Adding cold water helps regulate the temperature and ensures the thin noodles cook evenly to an al dente texture.
Which part of the leeks should be used in the soup?
The white part of the leeks is sliced and added to the bowls before baking, while the green part is used for garnish.
How should the leeks be sliced?
The leeks should be thinly sliced diagonally to provide a fragrant and aesthetic addition to the dish.
What are the ingredients for the broth?
The broth is a mixture of chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
How much chicken broth is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth as the base of the soup.
Is there sugar in the Tsukimi Udon broth?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of sugar to balance the savory flavors of the broth.
What is the purpose of mirin in the broth?
Mirin is used to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor common in Japanese cuisine.
How much soy sauce is added to the broth?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of soy sauce to be mixed into the broth.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (180°C) for baking the udon bowls.
Do I need special bowls for this recipe?
Yes, you must use oven-proof bowls because the dish is finished in the oven to cook the egg.
How long do you bake the udon bowls?
The bowls should be baked for 5-7 minutes, depending on your preferred level of egg doneness.
How do you place the egg in the bowl?
Create a small well in the center of the noodles and broth, then gently break an egg into that space.
What garnish is used for the finished dish?
Garnish the dish with sliced green leeks and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper.
Is this dish traditionally eaten during a specific time of year?
It is a favorite for autumn nights, often used to celebrate the beauty of the harvest moon.
Can I use salt to season the broth?
Yes, the recipe includes salt to taste to ensure the broth is properly seasoned.
What is the texture of the finished egg?
The egg is baked until it reaches your preferred doneness, typically remaining soft to represent the moon.
How do you stop the noodles from overcooking after boiling?
Rinse the drained noodles under lukewarm water to stop the cooking process immediately.
Is Heavenly Tsukimi Udon considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting meal that brings warmth and romance to the table.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 ingredients total, including noodles, broth components, eggs, and seasonings.
Can this recipe be served for romantic occasions?
Yes, the dish is noted for its serene beauty and romantic appeal, making it a cherished recipe for special meals.
What should I do with the leeks after slicing them?
Rinse the sliced white parts before adding them to the noodles, and save the green parts for the final garnish.
What is the base liquid for the soup?
Chicken broth serves as the primary base for the soup in this version of the recipe.
How long does it take to cook the noodles?
The noodles typically take about 4-5 minutes to reach an al dente consistency.