Ingredients:
- 2 servings of fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional, for added heartiness)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Japanese curry powder or curry roux (store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a subtle sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
- Optional: tofu, chicken, or beef (for protein)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Udon Noodles: Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using fresh or frozen noodles, it typically takes about 3–5 minutes to cook. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Make the Curry Broth: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the sliced carrot and diced potato (if using) to the pot, and sauté for a couple of minutes. Then, pour in the broth (vegetable or chicken), and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in Curry Flavor: Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the curry powder (or curry roux if you’re using it), soy sauce, miso paste (if using), and sugar. Stir well to combine, and simmer for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Noodles and Broth: Add the cooked udon noodles to the pot and stir to coat them with the curry broth. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors of the broth.
- Serve: Ladle the curry udon soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. If you want to add protein, you can include cubed tofu, cooked chicken, or beef on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – 1 Bowl of Curry Udon Soup)
The nutritional information is based on a basic version of curry udon soup with vegetables and udon noodles. The addition of protein such as tofu or chicken will slightly alter the calorie count.
Nutrition per Serving (1 bowl, approx. 1.5 cups):
- Calories: 350–450 kcal
(depending on the choice of broth, noodles, and added protein) - Protein: 10–20 g (higher with tofu, chicken, or beef)
- Carbohydrates: 50–60 g
- Fiber: 4–6 g
- Sugars: 6–8 g
- Fat: 10–12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1–2 g
- Cholesterol: 0–30 mg (higher if using meat or egg)
- Sodium: 800–1,200 mg (depending on soy sauce and broth used)
- Potassium: 600–800 mg
- Vitamin A: 80–100% DV (from carrots and sweet potatoes)
- Vitamin C: 15–25% DV
- Calcium: 4–6% DV
- Iron: 10–15% DV
Key Nutritional Benefits:
- High in Carbohydrates: Udon noodles are primarily made of wheat, providing a solid source of carbohydrates to fuel your body. They also give the soup a chewy texture, which complements the smooth curry broth.
- Fiber and Vitamins: The carrots, potatoes (if using), and other vegetables in the broth contribute fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which support digestion and overall health. Carrots, in particular, are high in vitamin A, which is important for eye health and immunity.
- Protein: If you add tofu, chicken, or beef, the dish becomes a complete meal with a good amount of protein, which helps with muscle repair and satiety. Tofu also provides iron and calcium, while chicken or beef adds more vitamin B12.
- Customizable for Dietary Preferences: You can make this dish vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and tofu, or you can add meat for a heartier version. The miso paste adds a depth of flavor and some beneficial probiotics, but it can be omitted for a lighter soup.
Air Fryer Option for Crispy Topping:
For an extra crunchy texture, consider adding some crispy fried onions or panko breadcrumbs as a topping. If you have an air fryer, you can quickly make crispy onions or breadcrumbs by tossing them with a bit of oil and air frying at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Sprinkle these on top of your curry udon for a nice textural contrast.
Why You’ll Love Curry Udon Soup:
- Comforting & Hearty: The combination of chewy udon noodles in a savory, spiced curry broth creates a warming, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any season, but especially cozy in colder weather.
- Quick and Easy: While curry udon might sound elaborate, it’s relatively simple to prepare and can be ready in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer method for crispy toppings makes it even faster!
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste. Add more or less curry powder depending on your spice preference, and swap in any vegetables you like (e.g., mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy). It’s also great for using up leftover vegetables or protein.
Curry Udon Soup is the perfect fusion of two iconic Japanese dishes—curry and udon—and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it as a simple meal on its own or with added proteins and vegetables, this dish is an easy, nourishing, and flavorful option for any night of the week.
