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Vegetarian Udon Noodle Soup

This Japanese-style udon soup recipe uses several Asian ingredients that are available at most grocery stores, including udon noodles, mirin (cooking wine), miso, and sesame oil. All will keep for months in the pantry or fridge. Inspired by eatingwell.com
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 325
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ounces udon noodles
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1½ tablespoons minced fresh garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 serrano pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 (32 fluid ounce) container low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce plus 1 teaspoon, divided
  • 2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 2 heads baby bok choy, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 2 teaspoons white miso (see tip)
  • 1 (14 ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and cubed
  • ½ cup thinly sliced scallions (4 medium)
  • 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided

Method
 

  1. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and serrano; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth, mirin, and 1 Tbsp. soy sauce; bring to a simmer. Stir in mushrooms and carrots; simmer until the carrots are just tender, 3 to 6 minutes. Stir in bok choy and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 2 minutes more.
  3. Whisk warm water and miso in a small bowl until smooth; add to the pot. Stir in tofu and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir scallions into the soup. Divide the noodles among 4 bowls. Ladle the soup over the noodles. Drizzle each bowl with 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil and 1/4 tsp. of the remaining soy sauce.

Notes

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that contributes a deep, rich umami flavor. White miso is a sweet variety made with soy and rice. Look for it in the refrigerated section of well-stocked supermarkets, near the tofu. It will keep in the refrigerator for at least a year.