Japanese noodles are an easy starting point for cooking at home. Two popular choices are udon and soba, but what is the difference?

Both can be enjoyed hot or cold, and neither needs a complicated recipe. Here is a simple guide to choosing your noodles and preparing your first bowl.

What are udon noodles?

Udon are Japanese noodles made mainly from wheat flour. They are often thick, with a mild flavour and a pleasantly chewy texture, although thinner varieties also exist.

Their gentle flavour makes them a good match for savoury broths and a variety of toppings.

You may find udon sold dried, frozen or in ready-to-use packs. Each type needs different preparation, so follow the instructions on the packaging.

What are soba noodles?

Soba are Japanese noodles made with buckwheat flour. Many varieties also contain wheat flour, and the proportion of buckwheat varies between products.

They are usually thinner than udon and have a more distinctive, earthy flavour.

If you enjoy noodles with a little more character, soba are worth trying. They work well in both warm soups and chilled dishes.

Which should you choose?

Choose udon if you prefer a mild flavour and a thicker, chewy noodle. They are a comforting option for a warm bowl of soup.

Choose soba if you enjoy an earthy flavour and a thinner noodle. They are especially enjoyable served chilled with a dipping sauce.

There is no wrong choice. Try both and see which texture and flavour you prefer.

How do you serve them hot?

A simple noodle soup is an easy place to start.

Prepare a suitable dashi broth and season it to taste with soy sauce or use a noodle soup base according to its instructions. Some soup bases are concentrated and need to be diluted.

Cook your noodles following the packet instructions. If the instructions call for draining or rinsing, complete that step before placing them in your bowl.

Add the hot broth and your chosen toppings.

For a simple meal, try:

• Sliced spring onion
• Cooked mushrooms
• Tofu
• A boiled egg
• Cooked vegetables

Choose two or three toppings rather than adding everything at once. This keeps preparation easy and lets you enjoy the noodles themselves.

How do you serve them cold?

Chilled soba and udon are a refreshing alternative to a hot noodle soup.

Cook the noodles according to the packaging, then drain and rinse under cold running water where instructed. Drain well before serving.

Serve with a suitable dipping sauce, often called tsuyu. Check the bottle carefully: a concentrated sauce may need a different dilution for dipping than for soup.

Dip a small portion of noodles into the sauce as you eat. You can serve sliced spring onion alongside for extra flavour.

Can you stir-fry udon?

Yes, udon can be used to make a quick stir-fried noodle dish, often called yaki udon.

Prepare the noodles as directed on the packet. Cook sliced vegetables in a little oil, add the noodles and season with a suitable sauce.

Cabbage, carrots and mushrooms are useful starting ingredients. You can also add tofu or fully cooked meat.

Keep the seasoning light at first, then taste and adjust before serving.

Are udon or soba gluten-free?

Udon are generally made from wheat and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Soba are not automatically gluten-free either. Many contain a mixture of buckwheat and wheat flour. Even products made with only buckwheat should be checked for gluten-free labelling if you need to avoid gluten.

Always read the ingredients and allergen information. Buckwheat can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Are noodle sauces vegetarian?

Some are, but others contain fish-based dashi or bonito extract.

For a vegetarian meal, check both the noodles and the sauce. Choose a suitable kombu or shiitake-based broth and vegetarian toppings.

A simple meal, your way

Whether you choose chewy udon or earthy soba, Japanese noodles offer plenty of possibilities for everyday meals.

Start with a warm soup or a chilled bowl, follow the preparation instructions and add a few toppings you enjoy.

Looking for Japanese ingredients in Belgium? Explore TAGAWA’s online store and find inspiration for your next noodle dish.