Nabeyaki Udon 鍋焼きうどん

Nabeyaki Udon 鍋焼きうどん
Nabeyaki Udon is a classic Japanese one-pot winter dish with udon noodles, vegetables, and savory dashi broth. A true Japanese winter comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Method
- Remove the root of the scallions and cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Cut off the end of the Chinese cabbage, then slice into 2-inch pieces.

- Remove the stem of carrot, and peel and slice it thinly.

- Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in advance, remove the stems and slice the caps into strips. Save the soaking water.

- Wash and drain the spinach.
- Cut chicken thigh into bite-size cubes.

- Pour the shiitake soaking water and regular water into a pot – 2 cups in total. Add a dashi packet.
- Add shiitake mushrooms and carrot slices. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the dashi packet. Add chicken, cover again and cook another 5 minutes.
- Add 2 tbsp each of mirin and soy sauce. Add only the white parts of Chinese cabbage and scallions. Cover and simmer for 1 minute.
- When it comes back to a boil, add 1 block of frozen udon noodles. Cover for 1 minute.

- Gently untangle the udon. Add the rest of the cabbage, scallion, and the spinach. Cover and cook for 3 more minutes.

- Once the noodles are completely separated, and everything is cooked through and simmering, nabeyaki udon is ready.

- Sprinkle a little shichimi (Japanese spice powder) after serving into individual bowls, for added spiciness.We hope you enjoy your "TOKYO FLAVORS, NEW YORK STYLE" meal! Itadakimasu!

Notes
-
Eggs:
Eggs are a classic addition to Nabeyaki Udon—use one egg per person. You can add a halved hard-boiled egg, or crack in a raw egg during cooking. For a soft, half-boiled egg, add it when the white parts of the Chinese cabbage and scallions go into the pot. -
Mushrooms:
In addition to shiitake, feel free to add other mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms or enoki mushrooms for extra texture and umami. -
Greens:
Shungiku (Japanese chrysanthemum greens) or komatsuna make excellent alternatives to spinach and add a more traditional Japanese flavor. -
Dried Udon:
If using dried udon noodles, boil them separately until 1 minute shorter than the package instructions. Add them to the pot about 1 minute before finishing the cooking. -
Protein Options:
Shrimp is a great addition, and pork can be used in place of chicken if you prefer.
