Name: Indulge in Creamy Mushroom Udon
Ingredients: 8 oz udon noodles (fresh or frozen): These thick, chewy noodles serve as the base of the dish, soaking up the rich sauce beautifully.; 2 tbsp butter: This adds richness and depth to the sauce, enhancing the umami flavors.; 1 tbsp olive oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté the mushrooms and garlic, contributing a lovely flavor.; 12 oz mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster): A combination of these mushrooms provides an earthy and umami-packed profile. Feel free to use any favorites or seasonal varieties.; 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic notes, elevating the overall flavor.; 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a savory depth that complements the mushrooms and enhances the umami experience.; 1/2 cup vegetable or mushroom broth: This is the liquid base that carries the dish’s flavors; using mushroom broth intensifies the earthy notes.; 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the dish creamy and luxurious, balancing out the saltiness from the soy sauce.; 2 tsp mirin (rice wine): Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish.; 1 tsp sesame oil: Offers a hint of nuttiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.; 2 green onions (sliced): These add freshness and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.; Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the flavors.; Sesame seeds for garnish: These provide a delightful visual and textural contrast and are a traditional garnish in many Asian dishes.

Description

Enjoy creamy mushroom udon! A comforting dish with tender udon noodles, rich sauce, and savory mushrooms – perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz udon noodles (fresh or frozen): These thick, chewy noodles serve as the base of the dish, soaking up the rich sauce beautifully.
2 tbsp butter: This adds richness and depth to the sauce, enhancing the umami flavors.
1 tbsp olive oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté the mushrooms and garlic, contributing a lovely flavor.
12 oz mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster): A combination of these mushrooms provides an earthy and umami-packed profile. Feel free to use any favorites or seasonal varieties.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic notes, elevating the overall flavor.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a savory depth that complements the mushrooms and enhances the umami experience.
1/2 cup vegetable or mushroom broth: This is the liquid base that carries the dish’s flavors; using mushroom broth intensifies the earthy notes.
1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the dish creamy and luxurious, balancing out the saltiness from the soy sauce.
2 tsp mirin (rice wine): Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish.
1 tsp sesame oil: Offers a hint of nuttiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
2 green onions (sliced): These add freshness and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Sesame seeds for garnish: These provide a delightful visual and textural contrast and are a traditional garnish in many Asian dishes.

Instructions

Cook the udon noodles: Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz udon noodles and cook until al dente, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh noodles or 8-10 minutes for frozen. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, combine 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to fully melt, creating a smooth base for sautéing.
Sauté the mushrooms: Add 12 oz mixed mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender. You’ll know they are ready when they have released their moisture and are slightly caramelized.
Add garlic: Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and continue to sauté for about 1 minute. Look for a fragrant aroma, signaling that the garlic is just cooked yet not burned.
Incorporate the sauces: Pour in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 cup broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tsp mirin, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir well and allow the mixture to come to a simmer. This should take 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add noodles and green onions: Toss the cooked udon noodles into the sauce, along with 2 sliced green onions. Gently mix until the noodles are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
Season: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting according to your preference.
Serve: Ladle the creamy mushroom udon into bowls. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a nice finish.

As you follow these steps, watch for visual cues like the color of the mushrooms and the consistency of the sauce to guide your timing. Enjoy the process as much as the result!