Spicy Tuna Udon (Printer-Friendly)
Tender udon noodles coated in spicy tuna sauce with crisp vegetables and toasted sesame. A quick Japanese-inspired dish ready in 25 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Protein & Noodles
01 - 7 oz fresh or frozen udon noodles
02 - 4.25 oz canned tuna in water, drained (or cooked fresh tuna, flaked)
→ Vegetables
03 - 1/2 cup julienned carrot
04 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
05 - 2 spring onions, sliced
06 - 1 tablespoon pickled ginger, finely chopped (optional)
→ Sauce
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie)
08 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
09 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
11 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
→ Toppings
13 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
14 - 1 sheet nori, torn into small pieces
15 - Fresh chili slices (optional)
# How To Make It:
01 - Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the udon noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender but still chewy. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir thoroughly until all components are evenly incorporated into a cohesive, well-seasoned sauce.
03 - Add the julienned carrot, thinly sliced cucumber, spring onions, and pickled ginger to the tuna sauce mixture. Fold gently to combine without breaking apart the tuna or crushing the vegetables.
04 - Add the cooled udon noodles to the bowl with the spicy tuna and vegetable mixture. Toss vigorously, ensuring every strand is evenly coated with the sauce.
05 - Divide the dressed noodles between two serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds, scatter torn nori pieces over the top, and arrange fresh chili slices if desired.
06 - Serve immediately, either chilled or at room temperature. Pair with a light, dry sake or crisp white wine for a complete dining experience.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- It comes together faster than delivery and hits every craving note: creamy, spicy, savory, and fresh.
- The sauce is a five ingredient shortcut that tastes like you spent an hour building layers of flavor.
02 -
- Do not skip rinsing the noodles under cold water because residual heat will continue cooking them and turn your udon gummy and soft.
- Drain the canned tuna as thoroughly as possible because excess liquid will thin your sauce into something watery and disappointing.
03 -
- Add a soft boiled egg on top if you want richness because the runny yolk mixes into the spicy sauce like a dream.
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes until they start to pop because the aroma alone will make you look like you know exactly what you are doing.