Beef Udon Soup Easy Recipe

Craving a hearty, satisfying meal? This Beef Udon Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef, silky udon noodles, and a rich, savory broth—all in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor and warmth!

Quick and delicious, this Beef Udon Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort dish—perfectly seared beef, soft udon noodles, and a flavorful broth, all in under 30 minutes!

This easy Beef Udon Soup recipe combines tender beef, silky udon noodles, and a rich broth, delivering the perfect balance of savory flavors in every bite—comfort food made simple

FAQs

1. What is Beef Udon Soup?

Beef Udon Soup is a traditional Japanese noodle soup featuring thick, chewy udon noodles, tender beef, and a flavorful dashi-based broth.

2. What kind of beef should I use for Beef Udon Soup?

Thinly sliced beef cuts like chuck, ribeye, or sirloin are best for this recipe, as they cook quickly and remain tender.

3. Can I use dried udon noodles instead of fresh?

Yes, dried udon noodles work well. Follow the package instructions for cooking times, as they may differ from fresh or frozen noodles.

4. What is HonDashi, and can I substitute it?

HonDashi is an instant dashi granule used for making Japanese soup stock. If unavailable, you can substitute it with homemade dashi, chicken broth, or a combination of soy sauce and miso paste.

5. How can I make this Beef Udon Soup spicy?

For a spicy kick, sprinkle Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven spice), add chili flakes, or mix in a bit of sriracha or chili oil.

6. Can I make Beef Udon Soup gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your udon noodles are made from rice or another gluten-free alternative.

7. How do I store leftover Beef Udon Soup?

Store the broth and beef separately from the noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and combine before serving.

8. Can I freeze this soup?

You can freeze the broth and beef, but it's best to cook fresh udon noodles when serving, as they can become mushy when frozen and reheated.

9. What are some good toppings for Beef Udon Soup?

Popular toppings include kamaboko (fish cake), scallions, tempura flakes, a soft-boiled egg, or seaweed for extra flavor.

10. What side dishes go well with Beef Udon Soup?

Pair this dish with Japanese gyoza (dumplings), edamame, cucumber salad, or tempura vegetables for a complete meal.

11. Can I make Beef Udon Soup in advance?

Yes, you can make the broth and beef mixture in advance and store them separately. Just cook the udon noodles fresh when ready to serve.

12. What does mirin add to the soup?

Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that enhances the depth and balance of the broth, giving it a mild sweetness and umami flavor.

13. Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken, pork, or even tofu can be used as a substitute for beef in this udon soup.

14. Is Beef Udon Soup healthy?

Yes, this soup is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, but it can be high in sodium. Adjust the salt and soy sauce as needed for a healthier version.

15. How can I enhance the umami flavor in the broth?

To deepen the umami flavor, consider adding shiitake mushrooms, a dash of miso paste, or a small piece of kombu (dried kelp) while simmering the broth.

Let me know if you'd like me to tweak these for better SEO optimization! 🚀🍜

Watch the video tutorial

Beef Udon Soup Easy Recipe

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil

  • 4 scallions/green onions

  • ½ lb thinly sliced beef (chuck or rib eye)

  • 2 servings of udon noodles

For the Beef:

  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce

  • ½ Tbsp sugar

For the Soup:

  • 2 cups of water

  • 2 Tsp HonDashi

  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 Tbsp mirin

  • 1 Tsp sugar

  • Pinch kosher salt

For Toppings:

  • Japanese Fish Cake (Kamaboko) (a few slices)

  • 1 green onion/scallion, sliced

  • Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven spice), to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Soup:

    • In a small saucepan, add 2 cups of water, HonDashi, 1 tsp sugar, 1 Tbsp mirin, and 1 Tbsp soy sauce.

    • Bring to a boil, then taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt. Keep on low heat and cover.

  2. Prepare the Beef:

    • Cut the thinly sliced beef into bite-size pieces.

  3. Cook the Udon:

    • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

    • Cook udon noodles in boiling water for 1 minute (or follow package instructions for dry noodles).

    • Drain and transfer the noodles to serving bowls.

  4. Cook the Beef:

    • While the udon is cooking, heat a large frying pan over medium heat.

    • Add 1 Tbsp vegetable oil and sauté the white parts of the scallions for 30 seconds.

    • Add the beef and brown on all sides until seared.

    • Stir in ½ Tbsp sugar and 1 Tbsp soy sauce, allowing the sauce to caramelize and thicken slightly. Turn off the heat.

  5. Assemble the Dish:

    • Pour the hot soup over the udon noodles in the serving bowls.

    • Place the cooked beef on top of the noodles.

    • Add fish cake slices and garnish with scallions.

    • Sprinkle Shichimi Togarashi for a spicy kick, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) (Estimated)

  • Calories: 450

  • Total Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

  • Cholesterol: 50mg

  • Sodium: 1200mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g

  • Dietary Fiber: 2g

  • Sugars: 8g

  • Protein: 22g

Enjoy your Beef Udon Soup—a quick, flavorful, and comforting Japanese classic!