Make a Quick and Easy Meal with Frozen Udon Noodles

Make a Quick and Easy Meal with Frozen Udon Noodles

What Are Frozen Udon Noodles?

Frozen udon noodles are pre-made fresh udon that has been frozen for preservation and easy storage. They come frozen in vacuum-sealed packages. The freezing process stops any deterioration or spoilage, allowing the udon noodles to be stored for extended periods. When ready to eat, you simply cook the frozen udon noodles directly in soups, broths, or water.

The texture of frozen udon noodles is remarkably similar to fresh udon. The freezing helps retain the chewiness of properly made udon. And since dried udon noodles need to be reconstituted in water before cooking, frozen udon tends to have a better overall quality.

Benefits of Frozen Udon Noodles

There are several advantages to using frozen udon noodles compared to fresh or dried:

  • Convenience – Frozen udon noodles require minimal prep. Just thaw if needed and cook. No boiling like dried udon.
  • Long shelf life – Properly frozen udon can last 6-12 months in the freezer before deteriorating in quality.
  • Consistency – The texture and taste stays consistent between packages of frozen udon batches.
  • Time savings – Fresh udon needs to be boiled for 5-10 minutes. Frozen udon cooks faster.
  • Price – Frozen udon tends to be cheaper than fresh udon from specialty grocers.

Where to Buy Frozen Udon Noodles

While fresh udon noodles need to be purchased from Asian grocery stores, frozen udon noodles are widely available at most major supermarkets and grocery stores. Popular brands like Myojo, Sun Noodle, and JFC can be found in the Asian frozen foods section. International or Asian markets will also have a great selection of Japanese frozen udon noodle brands.

When scanning the frozen section, look for vacuum-sealed packages with minimal frost build up. Check the expiration date and look for signs of freezer burn like discoloration or dry spots. A solid block of frozen udon in a smooth package indicates properly frozen noodles.

How to Cook Frozen Udon Noodles

Cooking frozen udon noodles is simple:

  1. Thaw the udon: For best results, thaw the udon in the refrigerator overnight. You can quick thaw in cold water if you need udon faster.
  2. Boil water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the noodles.
  3. Add noodles: Carefully add the frozen udon noodles and stir to prevent sticking. Return to a boil.
  4. Cook the noodles: Boil the udon for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Test a noodle to ensure it’s fully cooked.
  5. Drain and rinse: Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.

The udon noodles are now ready to use in soups, stir fries, and other recipes. For a simple meal, boiled udon can be served with a dipping sauce on the side.

Frozen Udon Noodle Recipes

Frozen udon noodles shine in these quick and easy recipes:

Hearty Miso Udon Soup

This savory miso soup is elevated with thick, chewy udon noodles. Simply heat the miso soup base and add thawed, precooked udon just before serving. Garnish with green onions, mushrooms, and tofu.

Spicy Kimchi Udon Noodles

Mix cooked udon with kimchi, sesame oil, garlic, and gochujang paste for a fiery noodle dish. Top with a fried egg for extra richness. The cooked frozen udon holds up well to the spicy sauce.

Creamy Sesame Udon Salad

Instead of heavy pasta salads, try this lighter take using cold cooked udon noodles. Toss them with a tangy sesame mayo dressing, crunchy vegetables, and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura Udon

For next-level udon, make some quick shrimp and vegetable tempura then serve over hot udon in an umami-rich dashi broth. The hearty frozen udon stands up well to the flavorful broth.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Frozen Udon

To properly store leftover frozen udon noodles:

  • Let noodles cool completely after cooking then transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
  • Do not freeze cooked udon noodles as the texture will deteriorate.

To reheat leftover frozen udon noodles:

  • In a saucepan, add a small amount of water or broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Add the chilled udon noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  • For a soup or broth dish, you can reheat the udon directly in the soup.

With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy delicious udon noodle dishes all week long!

Tips for Cooking Frozen Udon Noodles

  • Don’t overcook frozen udon. Go for al dente texture.
  • Boil in plenty of water so noodles don’t stick together.
  • Rinse in cold water after cooking to stop carryover cooking.
  • Add to soups or broths at the end to avoid getting mushy.
  • Thoroughly thaw if pan frying for maximum browning.

Get Creative with Frozen Udon Noodles!

Frozen udon noodles are extremely versatile. You can use them as a substitute for heavier pasta noodles or ramen. They work in soups, stir fries, cold noodle salads, and more.

With frozen udon stocked in the freezer, you can quickly make delicious homemade Japanese food anytime. So grab a bag of frozen udon noodles and start experimenting in your kitchen!