When it comes to comfort food with a touch of elegance, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Veggie Tempura Udon. Combining the crispy goodness of tempura with hearty udon noodles and flavorful broth, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests with your culinary skills. The lightness and crunch of the tempura paired with the warmth of the udon make for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Ready to create a Japanese-inspired masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let’s get cooking!
Veggie Tempura Udon
Ingredients:
– 1 packet of udon noodles
– Assorted veggies of your choice (such as sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup ice-cold water
– 1 egg
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon mirin
– 1 tablespoon sake
– Green onions, sliced, for garnish
– Nori seaweed, shredded, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the veggies: Cut the assorted vegetables into bite-sized pieces. You can get creative with your selection, but popular choices include sweet potato, bell pepper, and zucchini. Set aside.
2. Cook the udon noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the tempura batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ice-cold water, and egg. Mix gently until just combined (it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy). Be careful not to overmix, as you want the batter to stay light and airy.
4. Heat the oil: In a deep saucepan or wok, heat the oil for frying over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready.
5. Coat and fry the veggies: Working in batches, dip the veggies into the tempura batter, making sure they are well coated. Gently place them in the hot oil and fry until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Make the broth: In a separate pot, combine the vegetable broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Assemble the Veggie Tempura Udon: Divide the cooked udon noodles into bowls. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and top with the crispy veggie tempura. Garnish with sliced green onions and shredded nori seaweed.
Enjoy your Veggie Tempura Udon while it’s hot for the ultimate comfort meal that’s both satisfying and full of Japanese-inspired flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy night in or a dish that will impress your guests, this recipe is sure to delight both your taste buds and your soul. Get ready to savor every bite of this delicious and comforting bowl of goodness!
