sesame brown butter udon noodles

In the vast and colorful world of noodle dishes, there’s a particular delight that combines the rich, nutty flavor of sesame with the deep, comforting taste of brown butter—sesame brown butter udon noodles. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, blending simple ingredients into a complex tapestry of flavors that can warm any heart and satisfy any craving for something unique yet familiar.

Udon noodles, with their thick, chewy texture, make the perfect canvas for the luxurious brown butter sauce. The magic of brown butter, or beurre noisette as it’s known in French cuisine, lies in its ability to add a toasty, almost caramel-like flavor to dishes, which pairs beautifully with the earthy tones of sesame. In this recipe, these elements are combined with a handful of other ingredients that add freshness, crunch, and zest, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes.

The appeal of this dish goes beyond its taste. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for a quick midweek dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. Its preparation does not demand expert culinary skills but encourages the home cook to engage fully in the process, from browning the butter to tossing the noodles in the sauce, making it a thoroughly enjoyable dish to prepare.

Moreover, sesame brown butter udon noodles are a testament to the power of fusion cooking, where East meets West in a delightful culinary encounter. The use of udon, a traditional Japanese noodle, coated in a sauce rooted in the French culinary tradition, showcases how ingredients from different parts of the world can come together to create something spectacularly new and exciting.

This recipe is also a celebration of textures. The soft noodles are juxtaposed against crunchy toasted sesame seeds and perhaps some fresh greens or other toppings, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience. It’s a dish that invites experimentation, adaptable to various dietary preferences and available ingredients, which we will explore later in the variations and toppings section.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe itself, exploring the ingredients you will need and the steps to create this comforting, yet surprisingly sophisticated dish.

sesame brown butter udon noodles

Recipe by Sandra J

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

The rich flavors of Sesame Brown Butter Udon Noodles. A perfect blend of nutty sesame, creamy butter, and chewy noodles. Ideal for any meal!

Ingredients

• Udon noodles, 400 grams (fresh or dried)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

• Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, cilantro, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or a squeeze of lime

Directions

• Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
• Brown the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a golden brown color and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
• Make the Sauce: To the browned butter, add the sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
• Combine: Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through.
• Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Add any additional garnishes you prefer.

Notes

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Variations and Toppings for sesame brown butter udon noodles

Sesame brown butter udon noodles are not only delicious in their basic form but also highly adaptable. Here, we’ll explore some creative variations and toppings that can elevate this dish to new heights or tailor it to different tastes and dietary needs.

Protein Additions: For those looking to add protein, consider topping your noodles with slices of pan-seared chicken breast, thin strips of beef, or crispy tofu cubes. These proteins beautifully complement the rich, nutty flavor of the sauce and make the dish more substantial.

Vegetable Variants: To incorporate more vegetables, try adding blanched broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or spinach. These not only add color and nutrients but also enhance the textural contrast in the dish.

Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the brown butter as it cooks, or drizzle the finished dish with a bit of chili oil. This heat can cut through the richness of the butter and bring a lively zest to the noodles.

Creamy Twist: If you prefer a creamier sauce, swirl in a few tablespoons of coconut milk or cream at the end of cooking. This adds a silky smoothness that beautifully balances the robust flavors of sesame and soy.

Herbal Notes: Fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or parsley can be sprinkled on top before serving. Their freshness will complement the deep flavors of the dish and add a burst of color.

Conclusion

Sesame brown butter udon noodles offer a delightful culinary journey that marries simplicity with sophistication. This dish stands out not just for its delightful flavor combinations but also for its flexibility in accommodating different ingredients and preferences. It’s a testament to the beauty of fusion cuisine, where diverse culinary elements can come together to create something that resonates universally.

This recipe encourages personalization and experimentation, inviting each cook to make it their own. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or venture into the various suggested variations, this dish is sure to provide a satisfying and comforting meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need something both grounding and slightly indulgent.

Through the alchemy of brown butter and sesame, combined with the satisfying chew of udon noodles, this dish not only fills the stomach but also warms the soul, making it a perfect choice for any day of the year. As we continue to explore the vast world of noodle dishes, sesame brown butter udon stands out as a versatile, delightful choice that’s sure to become a favorite in any home kitchen.