How to Cook Udon Noodles

A Healthier Michigan

| 1 min read

Udon noodles are long, thick wheat-flour noodles that originated from Japan. They are a chewy type of noodle that, once cooked, can be served cold or hot. They are often used in recipes such as soups, stir-fries, noodle bowls and salads, and they pair well with a variety of sauces.
Udon noodles come in fresh, frozen and dried varieties. Fresh udon is best for dishes where you want a softer texture, while dried udon is ideal for soups where you want a chewier bite.

How To Cook Fresh Udon Noodles

Total Time:

8 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 4 cups water

  • 1 cup fresh udon noodles

  • salt, if desired

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Rinse the noodles under cold water to remove any excess starch. Then, add water to a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil. Use 4 cups of water for every 1 cup of udon.

  • Step 2

    Add salt to the water according to preference and heath needs. Then using a ladle or slotted spoon, add in the fresh udon noodles. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking together.

  • Step 3

    Fresh udon only takes 2 to 3 minutes to cook. Watch and stir occasionally.

  • Step 4

    After 2 to 3 minutes, check the noodles for doneness by tasting one. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.

  • Step 5

    Serve as desired or cool and store for later use.

How To Cook Dried Udon Noodles

Total Time:

40 minutes

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Difficulty:

Easy

Serving Amount
Ingredients

  • 3 cups water

  • 1 cup fresh udon noodles

  • salt, if desired

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Before cooking, soak the noodles in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate them.

  • Step 2

    Add water to a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil. Use 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of dried udon. Follow package directions for guidance if necessary.

  • Step 3

    Add salt to the water according to preference and heath needs. Then, add in the dried udon noodles. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking together.

  • Step 4

    Dried udon takes longer to cook and requires more stirring than fresh udon. Cook noodles for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.

  • Step 5

    After 8 minutes, check the noodles for doneness by tasting one. It should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.

  • Step 6

    Serve as desired or cool and store for later use.

How to Store Udon Noodles

Store leftover cooked udon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it by steaming or microwaving. You can also freeze cooked udon noodles for later use. However, they may become slightly mushy after freezing and thawing.
Image: Getty Images
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