Udon with Soft Egg and Green Onion (Onsen Tamago Udon)
Photo: Aya Brackett; Styling: Alessandra Mortola
This simple dish is a gateway to the world of udon. It has a complex flavor and a range of textures--chewy udon, crunchy green onions, and custardy egg. Its Japanese name comes from an egg (tamago) simmered in the warm waters of a hot spring (onsen)--a traditional cooking method in that country.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Try this method for custardlike eggs, based on a Japanese tradition of cooking them in an outdoor hot spring: Heat a large pot of water to 160°. Gently lower eggs into water and simmer 30 minutes, keeping water temperature between 152° and 156° (add a tablespoon of ice water to control the heat's rise). Chill eggs in cold water, then carefully crack into a small, shallow dish. Or soft-cook eggs the way you like.
Step 2
2
Boil udon (see "Udon Essentials," below). Using a large strainer, scoop out noodles into a large bowl and save water to heat soup bowls.
Step 3
3
Meanwhile, put green onions in a bowl of cold water and vigorously swish around with your fingers to separate into rings. Drain; repeat twice.
Step 4
4
Bring broth to a boil in a saucepan.
Step 5
5
Warm 4 soup bowls by dipping them in hot udon-cooking water. Divide noodles among bowls. Scoop an egg into each, leaving behind most of white, and ladle broth over noodles. Top with green onions and a pinch of seven-spice powder.
Step 6
6
Udon Essentials Udon (wheat-flour noodles): Store-bought fresh-frozen noodles have a supple texture that's closest to homemade, while the dried ones tend to be thin and flabby. To cook store-bought fresh-frozen udon, drop the frozen block into boiling water. When the water boils again, drain. Cook udon right before serving; the noodles get sticky as they sit.
Step 7
7
Make ahead: Eggs in shell, up to 2 days, chilled. Green onions, up to 1 day, chilled.
Ingredients
4 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 pound fresh or frozen udon noodles
1/4 cup very thinly sliced Japanese green onions (negi) or regular green onions, white and pale green parts only
1/4 teaspoon seven-spice powder (shichimi togarashi) or cayenne
Directions
Step 1
1
Try this method for custardlike eggs, based on a Japanese tradition of cooking them in an outdoor hot spring: Heat a large pot of water to 160°. Gently lower eggs into water and simmer 30 minutes, keeping water temperature between 152° and 156° (add a tablespoon of ice water to control the heat's rise). Chill eggs in cold water, then carefully crack into a small, shallow dish. Or soft-cook eggs the way you like.
Step 2
2
Boil udon (see "Udon Essentials," below). Using a large strainer, scoop out noodles into a large bowl and save water to heat soup bowls.
Step 3
3
Meanwhile, put green onions in a bowl of cold water and vigorously swish around with your fingers to separate into rings. Drain; repeat twice.
Step 4
4
Bring broth to a boil in a saucepan.
Step 5
5
Warm 4 soup bowls by dipping them in hot udon-cooking water. Divide noodles among bowls. Scoop an egg into each, leaving behind most of white, and ladle broth over noodles. Top with green onions and a pinch of seven-spice powder.
Step 6
6
Udon Essentials Udon (wheat-flour noodles): Store-bought fresh-frozen noodles have a supple texture that's closest to homemade, while the dried ones tend to be thin and flabby. To cook store-bought fresh-frozen udon, drop the frozen block into boiling water. When the water boils again, drain. Cook udon right before serving; the noodles get sticky as they sit.
Step 7
7
Make ahead: Eggs in shell, up to 2 days, chilled. Green onions, up to 1 day, chilled.
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