Skip to main content

Kitsune Udon

My kids can’t get enough of the savory and sweet flavor of this dish, which makes me smile because I still remember the moment I first tasted kitsune udon—in elementary school. Back in Japan, my grade school served meals to its students, and these noodles were one of my favorite lunchtime treats. I know both you and your kids will love them, too: they’re easy to prepare and the sweet and tangy flavor lasts and lasts.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

Abura-Age

2 packs (2 large pieces each) marinated abura-age (fried bean curd), halved
6 cups water
2 cups Dashi (page 40)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons Japanese soy sauce
6 cups Udon Broth (page 66)
1 pound dried udon noodles
3 scallions, both white and green parts chopped, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    To prepare the abura-age, in a medium saucepan, add the abura-age and water. Bring to a boil, then drain the abura-age; rinse with cold water and gently squeeze out excess water. Place the abura-age back in the same pan and add the dashi, sugar, mirin, and soy sauce; set over medium heat. Simmer the liquid to reduce until nearly all of it has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.

    Step 2

    Heat the broth in a small pot over medium heat. Once it comes to a boil, cover the pot and decrease the heat to low. Keep warm until ready to serve.

    Step 3

    Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook, following package instructions. Drain well.

    Step 4

    Divide the noodles among 4 bowls. Pour one-fourth of the hot broth into each bowl. Top each with 1 piece abura-age and garnish by sprinkling the scallions over the top.

Takashi's Noodles
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.