Japanese Pan Noodles Recipe

Embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey to the Land of the Rising Sun without leaving the comfort of your kitchen with this irresistible and oh-so-tasty Japanese Pan Noodles recipe that will leave you wanting more.

Bursting with flavors and textures, this dish will transport you to the bustling streets of Tokyo and immerse you in the rich Japanese culinary tradition.

So, grab your chopsticks, don your apron, and let's embark on this flavorful adventure together.

Ingredients

• 2 cups soba noodles (can be replaced with udon noodles)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 ½ cups firm tofu, cubed
• 1 ¼ cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

1. Start by cooking the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent further cooking. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic and sauté until they turn translucent and release their aroma.
4. Add the julienned red bell pepper and carrot, sautéing for a couple of minutes until they start to soften but retain some crunch.
5. Gently add the cubed tofu to the skillet and cook until it develops a golden-brown crust
6. Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook until they turn tender.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
8. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and tofu, allowing them to absorb the flavors while the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Add the soba noodles and gently toss so that the sauce coats everything.
10. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the Japanese Pan Noodles and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve and enjoy.

FAQs

Are Japanese Pan Noodles vegan-friendly?

Yes, this dish is vegan-friendly. Ensure that the sauce ingredients and any additional toppings you use are also free from animal products. The combination of tofu and vegetables in the recipe makes it perfect for vegans and vegetarians.

Can I add meat to the Japanese Pan Noodles?

Certainly! While the recipe provided is vegetarian, you can add meat like thinly sliced chicken, beef, or even shrimp to the dish if you prefer a non-vegetarian version. Just cook the meat separately before adding it to the pan with the vegetables.

Is mirin necessary for the sauce, and can it be substituted?

Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce, but if you can't find it, you can substitute it with a mix of 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. This will provide a similar sweet-tangy note.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a spicy kick, you can add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce.

How long can I store the dish?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should remain good for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the noodles before microwaving or reheating on the stovetop to prevent them from drying out.