Gomoku Udon (Udon with Mixed Toppings)
Why this recipe works
- Clean, layered broth: Dashi gives the soup its savoury base, while soy sauce and mirin add saltiness, depth and gentle sweetness.
- Varied textures: Chewy udon, tender vegetables, meaty shiitake and a soft egg make the bowl feel complete without heaviness.
- Easy to adapt: The mixed-topping format works well with different greens, mushrooms or extra protein, as long as the broth stays balanced.
Get the most out of this recipe
Authenticity notes
- Home-style udon: This is a practical Japanese-style bowl rather than a highly formal regional dish: a seasoned dashi broth, noodles and a colourful mix of toppings.
- Dashi matters: Dashi is the defining flavour of the broth, giving it the light but savoury character associated with many Japanese noodle soups.
Timing notes
- Serve straight away: Udon is best assembled just before eating so the noodles stay springy and do not continue absorbing the broth.
- Prep first: Slice the vegetables and spring onions before starting the broth; once the soup is simmering, the toppings cook quickly.
Ingredient notes
- Choose springy udon: Use udon noodles that cook up thick and elastic, then drain them well before adding the broth.
- Stagger the greens: Add bok choy stems before the leaves so the stems become tender while the leaves stay bright and just wilted.
Make-ahead tips
- Store separately: Keep the broth and toppings apart from the noodles in the fridge so the udon does not soften or dilute the soup.
- Reheat gently: Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer until piping hot, then warm the noodles briefly and assemble the bowls just before serving.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the toppings: cut the carrot into fine matchsticks, slice the shiitake, and separate the bok choy stems from the leaves. Slice the spring onions, keeping a little of the green part for finishing.
- Bring a saucepan of water to a gentle simmer. Lower in the eggs and cook for 6 to 7 minutes for softly set yolks, then cool briefly under cold running water and peel.
- In a large pot, bring 900 ml water to a simmer and whisk in the dashi powder. Stir in the soy sauce and mirin, then keep the broth at a gentle simmer.
- Add the shiitake and carrot to the broth and simmer for 4 minutes until the carrot is just tender. Add the bok choy stems and simmer for 2 minutes, then add the leaves and cook for 1 minute until just wilted.
- Meanwhile, cook the udon noodles according to the packet instructions until springy. Drain well in a colander and divide between two bowls.
- Ladle the hot broth and toppings over the noodles. Halve the eggs and place on top, then finish with the spring onion and serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the broth at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil so it stays clear and the vegetables keep their colour.
- For the best texture, cook and drain the udon just before serving so the noodles do not dilute the broth.
- Egg safety: if serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, cook the eggs until the yolks are fully set.
Substitutions
- Replace bok choy with spinach for a softer, quicker-cooking green.
- Replace mirin with 1 tbsp water mixed with 1 tsp granulated sugar for similar sweetness and balance.
- Replace shiitake mushrooms with button mushrooms for a milder flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store broth and toppings separately from the noodles in airtight containers. Reheat the broth to a gentle simmer until piping hot, then warm the noodles briefly in hot water and assemble; add the egg cold or warm it in the hot broth for 1 minute.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 bowls
- Total time: 45min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Japanese
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Allergens:
Eggs Soybeans Wheat
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