Sweet Miso Udon Recipe

Sweet Miso Udon is a comforting bowl of chewy noodles bathed in a rich, umami-packed broth that’s both savory and subtly sweet. The silky miso base is perfectly balanced with tender vegetables and a hint of warmth, creating a dish that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick yet deeply flavorful meal.

Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures—springy udon noodles, crisp veggies, and a velvety broth that coats every strand. The sweet miso adds a unique depth, making this dish feel indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or need a speedy dinner, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Sweet Miso Udon

• 3-4 oz dried udon or rice noodles
• 1 teaspoon butter or extra-virgin olive oil (or substitute with your preferred cooking fat)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 4 oz mushrooms of your choice, chopped (shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms work well)
• 3-4 scallions, chopped, whites and greens separated
• 7 oz firm tofu, chopped into small cubes
• ¾ cup water or broth, as needed (vegetable or dashi broth adds extra flavor)
• ½ sheet nori, cut into thin slices (kitchen scissors work best)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
• Sea salt, to taste

Sweet Miso Sauce

• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons mirin (or substitute with a mix of 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook udon according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the miso sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the miso paste, sugar, and mirin. Bring to a gentle boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously. Set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a medium pot or saucepan, heat the butter until melted. Add the garlic, ginger, mushrooms, scallion whites, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the mushrooms are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the tofu: Stir in the tofu cubes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
5. Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pot (if timed well, add them directly from the boiling water to help create the sauce). Add the sweet miso sauce 2 tablespoons at a time, tasting after each addition. You may not need all of it, depending on your preference.
6. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add water or broth, ¼ cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Finish the dish: Turn off the heat and stir in half the scallion greens, nori slices, and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more sauce or salt if needed.
8. Serve: Portion into bowls and top with the remaining scallion greens, nori, and sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately!

Customize Your Sweet Miso Udon with Toppings

Make this dish your own by adding extra toppings! Try soft-boiled eggs, pickled ginger, or shredded carrots for added texture and flavor. For a spicy kick, drizzle with sriracha or sprinkle with chili flakes. Don’t forget to experiment with different mushrooms like shiitake or oyster for a deeper umami taste.

Perfect Pairings for Your Udon Bowl

Serve your Sweet Miso Udon with a side of steamed edamame or a crisp Asian-inspired salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a cup of green tea or miso soup to enhance the Japanese-inspired flavors. This dish also works well as a hearty lunch or light dinner.

Quick Tips for Time-Saving Success

To save time, prep your ingredients ahead of time—chop the tofu, mushrooms, and scallions in advance. Use pre-minced garlic and pre-grated ginger to cut down on prep work. If you’re in a rush, swap dried udon for fresh or frozen udon noodles, which cook faster.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the noodles and warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the noodles rubbery. Add fresh toppings like scallions and sesame seeds after reheating for a fresh finish.

Recipe Variations to Try

For a vegan version, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Swap tofu for tempeh or seitan for a different protein option. If you’re gluten-free, use rice noodles or gluten-free udon. You can also adjust the sweetness of the miso sauce by reducing the sugar or using maple syrup as a substitute.

Sweet Miso Udon

Amy

Sweet Miso Udon is a comforting bowl of chewy noodles bathed in a rich, umami-packed broth that’s both savory and subtly sweet. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick yet deeply flavorful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Cuisine Japanese cuisine

Servings 0

Ingredients

  

• 3-4 oz dried udon or rice noodles
• 1 teaspoon butter or extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 4 oz mushrooms of your choice, chopped
• 3-4 scallions, chopped, whites and greens separated
• 7 oz firm tofu, chopped into small cubes
• ¾ cup water or broth, as needed
• ½ sheet nori, cut into thin slices (kitchen scissors work best)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
• Sea salt

Sweet miso sauce

• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons mirin

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook udon according to package directions.
• Make the miso sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the miso paste, sugar, and mirin. Bring to a gentle boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously. Set aside.
• In a medium pot or saucepan, heat the butter until melted. Add the garlic, ginger, mushrooms, scallion whites, and a pinch of salt and sauté until the mushrooms are cooked down.
• Add the tofu and cook another couple of minutes.
• Add the cooked noodles (if you can time this well, add them right from the boiling water so the excess water will help to create the sauce).
• Add the sweet miso sauce 2 tablespoons at a time and taste after each addition. You might not use all of it depending on your preference. If necessary, add water or broth to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
• Turn heat off and stir in half the scallion greens, nori, and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more sauce if necessary.
• Portion into bowls and top with the remaining scallion greens, nori, and sesame seeds.

Keyword comfort food, Savory Broth, Sweet Miso, Udon Noodles

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