Udon Noodles with Pork, Shiitakes, and Miso

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of udon noodles in a miso-flavored broth with this tempting noodle bar dish. The combination of thick, chewy noodles and potent miso creates an otherworldly experience for your taste buds. To achieve a sweet yet savory backbone, we sought to create a deeply flavored pork broth without spending hours in the kitchen. By browning finely chopped country-style pork ribs, and combining them with water and store-bought chicken broth, we achieved a deliciously rich and savory broth in record time. Ginger, garlic, onion, mirin, soy sauce, and miso elevated the flavors quickly, with the miso added at the last minute to preserve its boldness. Sliced shiitake mushrooms, fresh udon noodles, and more pork slices were cooked directly in the strained broth, infusing them with incredible flavor. The best part? This flavorful dish comes together in just one pot, making it both convenient and satisfying. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with this udon noodles in miso broth recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ pounds boneless country-style pork ribs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped medium
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 1 (1-inch) piece of ginger, peeled, sliced thin, and smashed
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• ¼ cup red miso
• 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced thin
• 1 pound fresh udon noodles
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 scallions, sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

PREPARATIONS:

1. Slice 8 ounces of pork crosswise into ¼-inch-thick pieces; refrigerate until needed. Cut the remaining 1 pound of pork into 1-inch chunks, then pulse in a food processor to a coarsely chopped texture.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the processed pork and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until well browned.
3. Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until the onion begins to soften. Add broth and water, bringing it to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until the broth is flavorful.
4. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Return the strained broth to the clean Dutch oven and bring it to a simmer.
5. In a small bowl, whisk ½ cup hot broth with miso until dissolved and smooth. Set aside.
6. Stir shiitake mushrooms into the pot and simmer until nearly tender. Add noodles and cook, stirring often, until noodles and mushrooms are tender.
7. Stir in the miso mixture and return to a brief simmer. Add sliced pork, mirin, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Remove the pot from heat and let it stand until the pork is cooked through.
8. Sprinkle individual portions with scallions and sesame seeds before serving.

YIELD: This recipe serves 4 people.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Do not trim the excess fat from the ribs, as it contributes to flavor and moistness.
• Do not substitute other types of noodles for the udon noodles.

TIPS:

• For added depth of flavor, you can garnish the dish with additional toppings such as soft-boiled eggs, sliced green onions, or nori strips.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more chili oil or chili flakes to suit your preference.
• To make the dish vegetarian, replace the pork with tofu or vegetables of your choice.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 87g
• Protein: 21g
• Fiber: 11g
• Sodium: 1930mg

Indulging in a bowl of udon noodles in miso-flavored broth is a culinary experience that combines the richness of flavors with the comforting texture of chewy noodles. By creating a pork broth that delivers depth and umami in record time, this recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy the authentic taste of a noodle bar dish at home. The combination of browned pork, ginger, garlic, and miso infuses the broth with a sweet yet savory backbone, while the shiitake mushrooms and udon noodles soak up the delicious flavors. With the miso added at the last minute, the broth remains bold and vibrant.

This one-pot recipe allows you to savor the harmonious blend of ingredients and enjoy the satisfaction of a complete meal in a single bowl. Feel free to customize your udon noodles with your favorite toppings and garnishes, such as scallions, sesame seeds, or even a soft-boiled egg. The versatility of this dish allows for personalization to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you’re seeking a quick and flavorful weeknight meal or a cozy dish to warm your soul, this udon noodles in miso broth recipe is sure to deliver. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to savor the richness and depth of flavors found in this delightful bowl of udon noodles.