Japanese cuisine is known for its variety and distinct flavors, with each region boasting its own specialties. One dish that beautifully represents the simple yet hearty tradition of Kanto cuisine is Utsunomiya Fried Noodles. This dish, originating from Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture, is a perfect example of how unpretentious ingredients can come together to create something delightful. Today, we’ll explore the steps to prepare this dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To make Utsunomiya Fried Noodles, you will need:
Noodles: 2 portions of yakisoba noodles (or any preferred wheat noodles)
Protein: 100 grams of thinly sliced pork (or chicken, tofu for a vegetarian option)
Vegetables:
½ cup of shredded cabbage
½ cup of bean sprouts
¼ cup of sliced green onions
¼ cup of sliced bell pepper (optional)
Sauce: 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
Seasoning: 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
Additional ingredients:
Cooking oil (vegetable or sesame)
Salt and pepper to taste
Pickled ginger for garnish (optional)
StepbyStep Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before cooking, prepare all your ingredients. Slice the pork or any chosen protein, shred the cabbage, and slice the green onions and bell pepper. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Protein
In a large frying pan or wok, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil over mediumhigh heat. Once hot, add the sliced pork (or protein substitute) and sauté until it is fully cooked and nicely browned. This should take around 35 minutes. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper while cooking for added flavor.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, add the shredded cabbage, sliced green onions, bean sprouts, and bell pepper (if using) to the pan. Stirfry the mixture for an additional 23 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender but still crunchy. The colorful veggies not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
Step 4: Mix in the Noodles
Add the yakisoba noodles directly to the pan. If they are precooked, simply loosen them up with chopsticks or a spatula before mixing. If using fresh noodles, follow the package instructions. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are well combined with the protein and the vegetables.
Step 5: Flavor the Dish
In a mixing bowl, combine the oyster sauce and soy sauce together. Pour this sauce evenly over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly again to ensure that the sauces coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 23 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the fried noodles from heat and serve them hot on plates or in bowls. For an authentic touch, top each serving with a sprinkle of pickled ginger. This adds a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the dish.
Enjoying Utsunomiya Fried Noodles
Utsunomiya Fried Noodles exemplify the beauty of Kanto cuisine: straightforward, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of tender protein, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce enveloping the noodles makes this dish perfect for any meal. Whether enjoyed as a quick weekday dinner or served at a larger gathering, it is sure to please.
So the next time you’re craving something simple yet delicious, consider trying your hand at making Utsunomiya Fried Noodles. With these easy steps, you can bring a taste of Japan’s Kanto region right into your kitchen!