Udon Noodle Soup with Chicken & Mushrooms

I want to love Udon Noodle Soup. Usually though, if by some random turn of events (i.e. I’ve suddenly decided to forgo the sushi/sashimi option, which is rare), I order it at a Japanese restaurant, I’m always a little disappointed. Because udon noodle soups—in American Japanese restaurants anyway—can be a little bland. I love the thick, chewy noodles and the light broth, but the dish doesn’t have quite enough oomph for me. I decided to do my own version, and before all you recipe purists start attacking me in the comments, I’ll fully acknowledge that this recipe may not be entirely traditional. But it tastes good. So there. My udon noodle soup uses a mixture of chicken broth and dashi stock as the base. Then, I seared marinated chicken and caramelized shiitake mushrooms, because why not? When placed on top of the noodles, this mixture gives the soup that rich, savory flavor that I’m looking for in any and every bowl of noodles I set my sights on. This recipe is pretty simple and doesn’t use too many specialty ingredients. If you can’t find mirin, feel free to substitute any rice wine or a dry cooking sherry. Ok, on to the recipe!

Chicken & Mushroom Udon: Recipe Instructions

Note that while I have fresh udon noodles pictured below, frozen udon noodles are preferred if you can find them! They have a superior texture. Add the chicken broth, dashi stock (can also substitute more chicken stock), ginger, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce to a large saucepan or pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and continue simmering while you prepare the rest of the dish. Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat, and add the garlic. Allow the smashed garlic cloves to crisp up in the oil for about 2 minutes. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and add 1 teaspoon oil and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix until combined. Add the chicken to the pan in one layer and turn up the heat to medium high. Don’t move the chicken. Allow to sear until it’s browned on one side, and then stir. During this process, move the garlic on top of the chicken so that it doesn’t burn. Remove the chicken and garlic from the pan and set aside (this prevents the chicken from drying out while the mushrooms are cooking). Add the sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms and cook until they’re tender. Stir in the mirin and 1 teaspoon soy sauce and cook for another minute. Stir the chicken and garlic back in. Cook the udon according to package directions and distribute between two soup bowls. Taste the stock and check for seasoning. Too salty? Add water. Not seasoned enough? Add salt. Pour the hot stock over the noodles, and top with the chicken and mushroom mixture. Garnish your chicken and mushroom udon noodle soup with scallions and serve.