Palauan Udon Delight

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) udon noodles 250g (8.8 oz) udon noodles
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili paste 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili paste to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the carrot and bell pepper to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the coconut milk and let the broth simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Divide the cooked udon noodles among serving bowls and ladle the hot broth over them.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Udon noodles — Cook the udon noodles just until they are al dente to maintain their chewy texture.
• Chili paste — Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier broth or reduce it for a milder flavor.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier meal, add cooked shrimp or tofu to the broth.
• Customize the toppings by adding bean sprouts, sliced mushrooms, or chopped scallions.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer the coconut milk for a few extra minutes to reduce it slightly.
• Adjust the seasoning by adding a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of soy sauce before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Serve the Palauan Udon hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Encourage your guests to squeeze the lime juice over the udon just before eating to enhance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, arrange the colorful toppings, such as julienned carrots and sliced bell peppers, on top of the udon noodles. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves over the dish for a pop of green color.