Yakisoba

Let’s kick things off with one of my all-time favorites: Yakisoba. This quick and easy dish is a classic Japanese stir-fry that uses Chinese-style noodles, and it’s perfect for getting your kids to enjoy a great serving of vegetables in a fun and tasty way!

Ingredients

• Chinese-style noodles (fresh or dried)
• Vegetable oil
• Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, etc.)
• Protein of your choice (chicken, pork, or tofu)
• Yakisoba sauce (or a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup)
• Spring onions, for garnish
• Pickled ginger, for topping

Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables and protein into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Cook the Noodles: If you’re using dried noodles, cook them according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add your protein and cook until browned. Toss in your vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.
4. Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the pan along with the yakisoba sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles and veggies are well-coated and heated through.
5. Serve: Plate it up, topped with spring onions and pickled ginger. Enjoy!

If you’re curious about making a modern twist, try adding Fried Ebi (shrimp) Curry Kishimen for a delightful variation!

Kishimen Noodles

Next up is Kishimen, these delightful, flat, and wide udon noodles are a specialty from Nagoya. Not only are they quick to cook, but they also carry a traditional charm in every bite. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare!

Ingredients

• Kishimen noodles
• Broth (dashi or chicken broth)
• Seasonal vegetables (shiitake mushrooms, spinach, etc.)
• Protein of choice (shrimp, chicken, or tofu)
• Light soy sauce
• Mirin (sweet rice wine)
• Green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles: Prepare the kishimen noodles as per package instructions, ensuring they are al dente.
2. Prepare the Broth: In a separate pot, bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Add soy sauce and mirin to taste.
3. Combine Ingredients: Incorporate your protein and vegetables into the broth, cooking until everything is heated through.
4. Assemble the Bowl: Place the cooked noodles in a bowl and ladle the steaming hot broth with vegetables and protein over the top.
5. Garnish: Finish with sliced green onions and enjoy!

Misonikomi

Another fantastic noodle dish from Nagoya is Misonikomi. My first taste of this unique dish, featuring a deeply flavored red miso, was a game changer for me! This noodle recipe just may surpass the others once you give it a try.

Ingredients

• Kishimen or udon noodles
• Red miso paste
• Tofu or other protein
• Seasonal vegetables (leeks, carrots, mushrooms)
• Broth (dashi or chicken)
• Green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the kishimen or udon noodles as directed, then set aside.
2. Make the Broth: In a pot, combine the broth with red miso paste, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
3. Add Ingredients: Introduce tofu and your choice of vegetables to the broth, allowing them to simmer until tender.
4. Combine: Stir in the noodles, ensuring they are well-coated and heated throughout.
5. Serve: Dish into bowls and top with sliced green onions.

Toshikoshi Soba

If you’re familiar with New Year’s traditions, then toshikoshi soba likely rings a bell. This dish is traditionally consumed on New Year’s Eve as a way to welcome the new year with good luck and longevity.

Ingredients

• Soba noodles
• Broth (dashi or soy sauce-based)
• Green onions, sliced
• Tempura flakes (tenkasu)
• Seaweed, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Soba: Follow the package instructions for cooking the soba noodles until al dente.
2. Prepare the Broth: Bring your broth to a simmer, adding soy sauce or other seasonings as desired.
3. Combine: Add the cooked soba to the broth and let it sit for a minute so the noodles soak in the flavors.
4. Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnishing with sliced green onions and tempura flakes.

Japanese Noodles in the Summer

Living in California, I appreciate quick meals during the hot summer months. One lightweight dish I enjoy is Trefoil and Shimeji Mushroom Pasta. This quick pasta recipe is easy to whip up and can be modified with your favorite mushrooms!

Ingredients

• Pasta of choice
• Shimeji mushrooms
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Olive oil
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley)
• Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms: In a pan, heat olive oil and add minced garlic and shimeji mushrooms, cooking until tender.
3. Combine: Toss the drained pasta with the sautéed mushrooms and garlic.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan, then serve warm.

On particularly hot days, nothing beats a refreshing bowl of Somen. These ultra-thin wheat noodles can be served cold, a perfect summer treat!

Ramen Recipes

It’s impossible to talk about Japanese noodles without mentioning my beloved ramen. Let’s begin with a basic chicken stock that will serve as a delicious foundation for any ramen dish. 

Ingredients

• Whole chicken or chicken parts
• Onion, halved
• Ginger, slices
• Green onions
• Water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stock: In a large pot, combine chicken, onion, ginger, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 3-4 hours.
2. Strain: After simmering, strain the stock to remove solids. Set the liquid aside to use for your ramen.

Next, different ramen flavors can be derived from this stock. Here, I’ll show you how to make a delicious salt-flavored ramen using basic ingredients.

Ingredients

• Ramen noodles
• Salt
• Menma (Marinated bamboo shoots)
• Naruto (fishcake)
• Spinach
• Green onions or Japanese leek
• Lard, for richness

Instructions

1. Cook Noodles: Prepare the ramen noodles as per the package instructions and set aside.
2. Flavor the Soup: In a bowl, mix the reserved stock with salt to taste, then add the cooked noodles.
3. Add Toppings: Add toppings like menma, naruto, spinach, and a sprinkling of green onions on top.
4. Finish: For a richer taste, add a little lard before serving.

Ramen’s tale is as rich as its flavor. If you want to dive deeper into its history, you’ll discover even more ramen recipes available!