Krpice sa zeljem - Japanese Style

Ingredients

While the original Croatian dish uses homemade pasta and traditional seasonings, this Japanese adaptation replaces the pasta with udon noodles and incorporates Japanese flavors such as soy sauce and mirin. The cooking techniques and presentation are also adjusted to align with Japanese culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Krpice sa zeljem, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) udon noodles 200g (7 oz) udon noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200g (7 oz) cabbage, thinly sliced 200g (7 oz) cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish) 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish) Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 6g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced cabbage to the pan and cook until it wilts slightly.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the cabbage and stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan and toss gently to coat them with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. 6.
   Serve the udon noodles with cabbage in bowls, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Udon noodles — Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but make sure not to overcook them as they should remain slightly chewy.
• Cabbage — Thinly slice the cabbage to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly.
• Soy sauce — Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• Mirin — If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a combination of rice vinegar and sugar.
• Sesame oil — Add the sesame oil at the end of cooking to preserve its aroma and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onion and garlic.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for extra color and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a dash of chili oil or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
• To make it more filling, you can add some protein such as tofu, tempeh, or cooked chicken.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Savory Udon Noodles with Cabbage hot, as a main course. It pairs well with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad. Enjoy it with chopsticks for an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few extra slices of green onion. Serve it in beautiful Japanese bowls to elevate the dining experience.