Creamy Miso Udon is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the savory richness of miso with the chewy texture of udon noodles. This easy recipe creates a creamy, flavorful sauce using just a few ingredients, including coconut milk and miso paste. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with vegetables or proteins of your choice, making it perfect for any meal, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for guests.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Udon noodles (fresh or frozen)

• 1 tbsp white or yellow miso paste

• 1 1/3 cups full-fat coconut milk

• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

• Mushroom of your choice

Directions

1. Cook the Udon Noodles: Boil water in a large pot and cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine vegetable broth and coconut milk. Stir in the miso paste and cook until fully dissolved and smooth.

3. Add Garlic: Once the sauce is heated through but not boiling, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Mix Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked udon noodles to the sauce and toss gently to coat them with the creamy miso sauce.

5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more miso paste or salt.

6. Serve: Transfer to bowls and garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot. For an extra creamy touch, you can drizzle more coconut milk on top before serving.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 64g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 6g

• Protein: 12g

• Fat: 28g

  • Saturated Fat: 23g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g

• Sodium: 800mg

• Cholesterol: 0mg

Why Miso and Coconut Milk Make the Perfect Combination

Miso paste, a traditional Japanese ingredient made from fermented soybeans, brings a deep, savory umami flavor to dishes. In this recipe, the miso paste combines perfectly with the smooth richness of coconut milk, creating a creamy sauce that coats the udon noodles beautifully. The coconut milk adds a touch of sweetness and richness, which balances out the salty and savory miso. This combination results in a luscious, comforting broth that makes every bite of udon feel indulgent yet light. The marriage of coconut milk with miso is also great for those seeking a dairy-free or vegan alternative to traditional creamy noodle dishes.

The Udon Noodles: Soft and Chewy Perfection

Udon noodles are thick, chewy Japanese noodles that are typically made from wheat flour, water, and salt. Their hearty texture makes them ideal for holding up in soups or creamy sauces, as they absorb the flavors without becoming soggy. Udon noodles are versatile and come in both fresh and frozen varieties, making them easy to work with in the kitchen. For this recipe, either fresh or frozen udon noodles can be used, and they only need a few minutes to cook. The noodles’ natural chewy texture, combined with the creamy miso sauce, creates a satisfying bite that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the broth.

How to Make the Creamy Miso Udon Sauce

The base of the Creamy Miso Udon sauce consists of coconut milk and vegetable broth. Begin by combining the two liquids in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the miso paste until it dissolves completely, forming a smooth, creamy mixture. Miso paste is essential in this dish as it provides the depth of flavor that makes this dish so savory and comforting. As the broth and coconut milk heat up, the miso’s earthy flavor infuses into the sauce, creating a delicious, velvety consistency that will coat the udon noodles perfectly.

Once the miso paste is incorporated into the broth and coconut milk mixture, minced garlic is added to further enhance the savory depth. Garlic provides an aromatic kick that complements the miso’s umami, making the sauce even more flavorful. The garlic only needs to cook for a short time—about 1 minute—so that it releases its fragrant oils without burning.

Mixing the Noodles and Sauce

Once the udon noodles are cooked and drained, the next step is to combine them with the creamy miso sauce. Gently toss the cooked noodles into the sauce, making sure each strand is coated with the rich, creamy mixture. The thick noodles absorb the sauce, which makes each bite rich and satisfying. The combination of the noodles with the miso coconut broth provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures: the chewy noodles, the creamy sauce, and the subtle, savory miso that ties everything together.

Adjusting the Seasoning

After mixing the noodles with the sauce, it’s time to taste and adjust the seasoning. Depending on the brand and strength of miso paste used, you may want to add more miso or a pinch of salt to enhance the dish’s overall flavor. This is a great opportunity to customize the dish to your preferences, ensuring the flavor is as rich or as mild as you like.

Garnishing and Serving

Once the noodles are well-coated and the sauce is perfectly seasoned, transfer the Creamy Miso Udon to serving bowls. To add a fresh burst of color and flavor, garnish the dish with sliced green onions. The slight sharpness of the green onions adds contrast to the rich miso coconut sauce, making each bite more dynamic. If you want to make the dish extra creamy, drizzle a little more coconut milk on top of the finished noodles before serving.

Customization Options

Creamy Miso Udon is a highly customizable dish. The base recipe can be adjusted with your choice of proteins or vegetables to make it even more filling or diverse. Here are some easy additions:

• Proteins: You can add tofu, chicken, or shrimp to this dish for added protein. Tofu, in particular, pairs wonderfully with miso and can be cubed and sautéed to add texture to the dish.

• Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, add vegetables such as spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, or carrots. These vegetables can be quickly sautéed with the garlic and added to the sauce, or you can use steamed or roasted vegetables as a topping.

• Spices and Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a dash of chili paste, sriracha, or fresh chili slices to the dish. The heat complements the richness of the coconut milk and miso sauce beautifully.

Health Benefits of Creamy Miso Udon

Creamy Miso Udon is not only delicious but can also be quite nutritious. Miso paste is rich in probiotics due to its fermentation process, which is beneficial for gut health. The coconut milk provides healthy fats, which can help keep you full and satisfied, and the low-sodium vegetable broth ensures the dish is lighter than typical creamy noodle soups. This recipe is also suitable for those following dairy-free, vegan, or gluten-free diets, depending on the type of noodles and broth you choose.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Creamy Miso Udon is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, yet sophisticated enough for entertaining guests. The creamy miso sauce provides a comforting, indulgent flavor that is still light enough for warmer days. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with family and friends, this dish offers both heartiness and simplicity in one bowl. Its versatility allows it to adapt to any dietary preferences, and it’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks who still want to enjoy a flavorful, comforting meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Miso Udon is the perfect blend of savory miso, creamy coconut milk, and chewy udon noodles, making it a satisfying and comforting dish. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe offers a delicious and versatile meal that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you add your favorite protein, experiment with vegetables, or simply enjoy it as is, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. The combination of rich flavors and satisfying textures makes Creamy Miso Udon the perfect meal for any occasion.