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Kitsune Udon

My kids can’t get enough of the savory and sweet flavor of this dish, which makes me smile because I still remember the moment I first tasted kitsune udon—in elementary school. Back in Japan, my grade school served meals to its students, and these noodles were one of my favorite lunchtime treats. I know both you and your kids will love them, too: they’re easy to prepare and the sweet and tangy flavor lasts and lasts.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

Abura-Age

2 packs (2 large pieces each) marinated abura-age (fried bean curd), halved
6 cups water
2 cups Dashi (page 40)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons Japanese soy sauce
6 cups Udon Broth (page 66)
1 pound dried udon noodles
3 scallions, both white and green parts chopped, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    To prepare the abura-age, in a medium saucepan, add the abura-age and water. Bring to a boil, then drain the abura-age; rinse with cold water and gently squeeze out excess water. Place the abura-age back in the same pan and add the dashi, sugar, mirin, and soy sauce; set over medium heat. Simmer the liquid to reduce until nearly all of it has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.

    Step 2

    Heat the broth in a small pot over medium heat. Once it comes to a boil, cover the pot and decrease the heat to low. Keep warm until ready to serve.

    Step 3

    Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook, following package instructions. Drain well.

    Step 4

    Divide the noodles among 4 bowls. Pour one-fourth of the hot broth into each bowl. Top each with 1 piece abura-age and garnish by sprinkling the scallions over the top.

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