This easy chicken udon with wasabi is a noodle recipe that is a celebration of bright, ultra-savory, and nose-tingling flavors. Want to know the differences between real wasabi vs fake? Read on!
Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 15 minutes until cooked through and well-browned. Pour in the soy sauce and 1 teaspoon dashi granules and toss to combine. Remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a bowl.
Leave the pot on medium heat and add diced shallot. Sauté for 5 minutes before adding the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms for 8–10 minutes until lightly browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Simmer the broth:
Pour the water or chicken stock into the pot and gently scrape up anything stuck to the bottom. Return the chicken to the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Cook the noodles:
While the broth simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the udon and then drain them. Divide the noodles between bowls.
Prepare the wasabi oil:
Place the grated wasabi or prepared wasabi paste into a food processor. Add the 4 tablespoons of neutral oil and then blend until completely smooth. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and transfer it to a bowl.
Finish the udon broth:
Whisk the mirin, soy sauce, dashi granules, and sesame oil in a bowl. Add the yuzu miso. Scoop out one cup of hot broth from the pot. Continue to whisk together until the miso is completely melted into the liquid. Pour the mixture into the pot.
Add the baby kale and cook for 5 minutes until wilted. Taste and season the broth to your preferences. Turn off the heat.
To serve:
Ladle the hot broth over cooked udon noodles. Garnish with scallions, microgreens, and sesame seeds. Drizzle each bowl with a teaspoon of wasabi oil. Enjoy!