Savory Green Tea Udon Noodle Soup
Delight in the vibrant and sophisticated flavors of this Savory Green Tea Udon Noodle Soup, inspired by the renowned cookbook 'How to Cook Everything Vegetarian' by Mark Bittman. This elegant yet simple dish arrives as a warm embrace on a chilly day, featuring a fragrant broth infused with green tea and complemented by tender udon noodles. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize the broth with a variety of optional garnishes and ingredients, enhancing its depth and inviting surprise with every spoonful. Perfect as a first course or a heartwarming lunch, this soup can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences or explore new flavor dimensions. Gather your loved ones and enjoy the nourishing power of this delicious noodle soup, which can be served in various styles for an unforgettable dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green tea leaves
1/4 cup (loose or in a tea ball)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning broth)
Udon noodles
8 ounces (uncooked)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning broth)
Mirin or sugar
1 tablespoon (optional) (for a touch of sweetness)
Finely chopped tomatoes
1 cup (optional) (added to broth as it simmers)
Cayenne or other ground dried chile
1-2 pinches (optional) (added to broth as it simmers)
Cubed tofu
1/2 cup (optional) (added to broth when noodles are almost finished cooking)
Precooked small beans (soybeans, adzuki, edamame, mung)
1 cup (optional) (added to broth when noodles are almost finished cooking)
Scrambled eggs
4 (optional) (added to broth when noodles are almost finished cooking)
Grated peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (optional) (added to broth as it simmers)
Nori sheets
2 (lightly toasted and cut into strips for garnish)
Sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (used as a garnish)
Black mustard seeds
1 teaspoon (for garnish)
Nuts (pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts)
2 tablespoons (optional) (toasted and used as a garnish)
Wasabi paste
1 dab (for garnish)
Thinly sliced onion
1 (optional) (added to broth as it simmers or used as a garnish)
Julienned cucumber
1 handful (optional) (added to broth as it simmers or used as a garnish)
Shredded lettuce or cabbage
1-2 cups (optional) (added to broth as it simmers or used as a garnish)
Mung bean sprouts
1 cup (optional) (added to broth as it simmers or used as a garnish)
Candied ginger
2 tablespoons (optional) (added to broth as it simmers or used as a garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by filling a large pot with 7 cups of water. Place it over high heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and allow the water to cool for a couple of minutes.
2
Add the green tea leaves to the hot water—either directly or using a tea ball, cheesecloth, or other mesh utensil. Cover the pot and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it develops a fragrant aroma and deep color.
3
Strain the brewed tea through a sieve into a large saucepan, discarding the tea leaves.
4
Bring the tea broth to a boil and season it with salt to taste. Gradually stir in the udon noodles. As the broth comes back to a rolling boil, pour in 2 cups of cold water, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer to prevent overflow.
5
Cook the udon noodles for about 5 to 7 minutes, monitoring them closely until they are just tender. Timing may vary based on the noodle brand, so taste to check doneness.
6
Adjust the flavor of the broth with additional salt, freshly ground black pepper, and if desired, the mirin or sugar for a hint of sweetness.
7
Optionally, enhance the broth by incorporating your choice of optional ingredients such as finely chopped tomatoes, cayenne, cubed tofu, small precooked beans, scrambled eggs, grated ginger, scallions, and more.
8
Once all ingredients are added and heated through, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your preferred toppings, such as toasted nori strips, sesame seeds, nuts, wasabi, cucumber, shredded lettuce, or bean sprouts.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Green Tea Udon Noodle Soup?
It is a vibrant and sophisticated soup featuring a fragrant broth infused with green tea and served with tender udon noodles.
What cookbook inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the cookbook 'How to Cook Everything Vegetarian' by Mark Bittman.
How long should the green tea leaves steep?
The green tea leaves should steep for 5 to 10 minutes or until the water develops a fragrant aroma and deep color.
How do I prevent the udon noodle broth from overflowing?
Pour in 2 cups of cold water when the broth comes back to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
What is the typical cooking time for the udon noodles?
Udon noodles generally take about 5 to 7 minutes to cook until they are just tender.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Yes, you can add cubed tofu or scrambled eggs to the broth when the noodles are almost finished cooking.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be further customized with plant-based ingredients.
What should the water temperature be when adding tea leaves?
Bring the water to a boil, remove it from the heat, and let it cool for a couple of minutes before adding the tea.
What can be used to add sweetness to the broth?
You can add one tablespoon of mirin or sugar for a hint of sweetness.
How do I prepare the nori for garnishing?
Nori sheets should be lightly toasted and then cut into thin strips.
What kinds of beans are recommended for this soup?
Precooked small beans such as soybeans, adzuki, edamame, or mung beans are excellent additions.
How much water is needed to start the soup?
Begin by filling a large pot with 7 cups of water for the tea base.
Can I use tea bags instead of loose leaves?
Yes, you can use loose tea leaves or a tea ball, but mesh utensils or tea bags also work.
When should fresh ginger be added?
Grated peeled fresh ginger should be added to the broth as it simmers.
What kind of spice can I add to the soup?
You can add one or two pinches of cayenne or other ground dried chile for heat.
What nuts are suggested as a garnish?
Toasted pistachios, cashews, or hazelnuts are recommended optional garnishes.
How is the tea broth clarified?
Strain the brewed tea through a sieve into a large saucepan and discard the tea leaves.
Can I use fresh vegetables as a garnish?
Yes, julienned cucumber, shredded lettuce, cabbage, or bean sprouts are great for garnishing.
What type of seasonings are used for the base broth?
The broth is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is wasabi used in this recipe?
Yes, a dab of wasabi paste can be used as a garnish for extra flavor.
Can tomatoes be added to the soup?
Yes, finely chopped tomatoes can be added to the broth as it simmers.
What is the serving size for this soup?
While specific serving counts aren't provided, the recipe uses 8 ounces of noodles and 9 total cups of water.
Should the noodles be cooked before adding to the tea?
No, the 8 ounces of uncooked udon noodles are added directly to the boiling tea broth.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
Thinly sliced onions or scallions can be added to the broth or used as a garnish.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup is served hot and is described as a warm embrace on a chilly day.
What is the role of candied ginger in this dish?
Candied ginger can be added as an optional garnish to provide a unique sweet and spicy flavor dimension.
Are sesame seeds used in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of sesame seeds is used as a garnish.
What are black mustard seeds used for?
One teaspoon of black mustard seeds is suggested as an optional garnish.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, suitable for a fast lunch or first course.
How many total ingredients are listed including options?
There are 21 total ingredient items listed including all optional garnishes and proteins.