Miso mushroom udon is a comforting and savory noodle dish made with chewy udon noodles coated in a creamy miso garlic sauce. The combination of tender mushrooms, umami-rich miso, and velvety cream makes this meal deeply satisfying while being incredibly quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something cozy in under 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy miso mushroom udon is the ultimate comfort food for noodle lovers. The thick udon noodles soak up the rich, savory miso cream sauce, while the mushrooms add a meaty texture and deep umami flavor. It’s an easy, one-pan dish that feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 servings frozen udon noodles
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms work well)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Furikake or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Udon Noodles:
   Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the frozen udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly golden.
4. Make the Sauce:
   Lower the heat slightly, then stir in the miso paste and heavy cream. Mix well until the miso fully dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine with Noodles:
   Add the cooked udon noodles into the pan, tossing to coat them evenly in the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   Transfer to bowls and garnish with furikake or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Replace butter with plant-based butter and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Add Protein: Stir in tofu cubes, shrimp, or chicken for added protein.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of chili oil or sriracha for a spicy version.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bok choy, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried udon noodles instead of frozen?

Yes, you can. Cook them according to the package directions, but frozen udon tends to have a chewier texture ideal for this recipe.

2. What kind of miso paste works best?

White miso paste (shiro miso) is preferred for its mild, slightly sweet flavor, but red miso will add a deeper umami taste if you prefer something stronger.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and coconut or soy cream instead of heavy cream.

4. How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free miso paste and gluten-free noodles such as rice or soba noodles made from 100% buckwheat.

5. What mushrooms work best?

Shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms are great options, but you can mix different types for a more complex flavor.

6. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before mixing in the noodles.

7. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Avoid boiling the cream at high heat. Simmer gently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

8. What can I use instead of furikake?

You can use toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or seaweed flakes as garnish.

9. Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s not recommended since the cream sauce may separate when thawed. Fresh is best for this dish.

10. Can I add miso directly to boiling sauce?

It’s better to dissolve miso in a bit of warm cream or water first to ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy miso mushroom udon is a quick, comforting, and deeply flavorful dish that brings together the richness of cream, the umami of miso, and the hearty bite of mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week, it’s a recipe that proves you don’t need much time—or many ingredients—to create something truly satisfying.

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