Potatoes, Grains & Cereals · 2 min. read

Udon Noodles

Udonnoedels · Sanuki udon · Kitsune udon

Gluten Tarwe Vegetarisch Veganistisch Lactosevrij
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Key facts
Udon are thick, white wheat noodles with a unique springy mouthfeel (koshippe). The dough contains only flour, salt and water: the key lies in vigorous kneading to develop the gluten strands to maximum strength, followed by resting so the proteins relax.
Nutritional Values per 100g Energy 132 kcal Protein 3.5 g Fat 0.5 g Carbohydrates 27 g Sodium 220 mg Japanese Food Composition Tables 2023 (MEXT)

Udon Noodles: what every chef needs to know

Udon are thick, white wheat noodles with a unique springy mouthfeel (koshippe). The dough contains only flour, salt and water: the key lies in vigorous kneading to develop the gluten strands to maximum strength, followed by resting so the proteins relax. Traditionally kneaded with the feet (ashi-fumi).\n\nThree regional styles: Sanuki udon (Kagawa Prefecture, firm and elastic — the benchmark), Inaniwa udon (Akita, thin and silky), Mizusawa udon (Gunma, clear and smooth). Fresh or frozen udon gives better results than dried: dried udon only approaches the texture of fresh with perfect cooking technique.\n\nGLUTEN ALLERGEN (EU Big 14): Udon contains wheat. Cooking water spreads gluten particles throughout the entire cooking zone: use a separate pan for gluten-free preparations in kitchens with a gluten-free menu.

Udon Noodles: nutritional values per 100g

Based on unprocessed product. Source: Japanese Food Composition Tables 2023 (MEXT) — the Dutch food composition database, managed by RIVM and Wageningen University.

Energy 132 kcal
Protein 3.5 g
Fat (total) 0.5 g
Carbohydrates 27 g
Sodium 220 mg

Udon Noodles: classic dishes

Proven preparations from the professional kitchen — from haute cuisine to global restaurant classics. Use as inspiration for menu development and recipe costing.

Kitsune udon Japanese

Udon in warm dashi-broth afgetopt with abura-age (deep-fried tofuvelletje) That slowly in the broth trekt. Handelsmerk of the Osaka-kitchen.

Kamaage udon Japanese

Udon served directly from the kookwater with powerful tsuyu-dipsaus and grated ginger. most pure manier to udon-quality to taste.

Yaki udon Japanese

fried udon in hete wok with vegetables, meat of seafood and Worcestershire sauce. most toegankelijke introductie to Japanese noedelkeuken for westerse gasten.

Udon Noodles: preparation techniques

Exact temperatures and times for HACCP compliance. Core temperature is leading for poultry and pork.

Boiling (fresh udon)
100°C rollend koken 8-12 min

minimum 10 liter water per 100g noodles. after boil directly afspoelen with cold water to doorkoken to stoppen. Test through to taste: klaar wanneer there no white heart more is.

Yaki udon (wok)
220-250°C 3-5 min

use restant-udon for yaki udon. high hitte and dry wok are essential for Maillard-reactie on the noodles. Worcestershire sauce and katsuobushi give the karakteristieke straatvoedsel-flavour.

cold udon (zaru)
IJskoud 1 min spoelen

after boil directly in ice water cool: the schok stopt the boil and provides a extra glanzend oppervlak. serve on ijs with tsuyu-dipsaus and wasabi.

Udon Noodles: HACCP storage and food safety

Based on Codex Alimentarius (WHO/FAO) and EU Regulation 852/2004. Consult your national authority (NVWA/FDA/FSANZ) for applicable local standards.

Storage temp.
Fresh: 4°C, max 2 days. Frozen: -18°C, max 3 months. Gekookt: 4°C in water, max 3 days.
EU Regulation 852/2004 Annex II
Storage method
Gekookt udon in light ingeoliede afgesloten container at 4°C. Never store in warm bouillon: textuurverlies and bacteriegroei.
Shelf life
Fresh udon: 2 days at 4°C. Frozen: 3 months at -18°C. Gedryd: 2 year at room temperature.
Cross-contamination risk
MEDIUM
GLUTEN ALLERGEN (tarwe, EU Big 14): kookwater contains opgelost gluten. Gebruik aparte pan for glutenvrije preparedingen. Natte oppervlakken in de kookzone may glutenresten overdragen.
Legal sources EU Verordening 1169/2011 (tarwe/gluten als verplicht allergen). Codex Stan 249-2006 (instant noedels).
⚠️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER: These HACCP guidelines are based on Codex Alimentarius (WHO/FAO) as the global baseline and EU Regulation 853/2004. Local regulations may differ. Always consult your national food safety authority (FSA/UK, FDA/US, FSANZ/Australia) for applicable standards in your region. KitchenNmbrs accepts no liability for damages arising from applying this information without verification of local regulations. Wheat and gluten must always be declared on allergen menus. A separate cooking pan is mandatory when offering a gluten-free menu. FIFO storage required for fresh udon.

Udon Noodles: global seasonal overview

Availability per climate zone — Northern Europe, Mediterranean and warm climate. Relevant for purchasing planning and international menus.

Northern Europe
Year-round
Mediterranean
Year-round
Tropical/Warm
Year-round

Available year-round. Fresh udon via Japanese importers in larger cities. Frozen and dried at Asian grocery stores.

Udon Noodles: EU-14 allergen information

Full overview compliant with EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Annex II). Raw material information — always verify with your supplier for processed products and possible traces.

🌾
Gluten
Present
🦐
Shellfish
Absent
🥚
Eggs
Absent
🐟
Fish
Absent
🥜
Peanuts
Absent
🫘
Soya
Absent
🥛
Milk
Absent
🌰
Tree nuts
Absent
🥬
Celery
Absent
🌼
Mustard
Absent
Sesame
Absent
⚗️
Sulphites
Absent
🌸
Lupin
Absent
🦪
Molluscs
Absent

Udon Noodles: wine pairings

Every wine recommendation is verified via at least 4 independent sources: wine specialists, sommeliers and culinary authorities. Serving temperatures conform to Wine Enthusiast and Vintec guidelines.

Tokubetsu Junmai
45°C

full junmai-sake with goede acidity cuts through the rich dashi-broth of kitsune udon. warm (atsukan) served is the a perfect wintercombo.

Recommended:
  • Hyogo
  • Niigata
Sources: Joy of Sake · Sake World NK

Wine advice is for culinary information purposes only. Wines and appellations are exemplary; availability varies by region and supplier.

Frequently asked questions about Udon Noodles

What is the difference between fresh, frozen and dried udon?

Fresh gives the best texture but keeps for only 2 days. Frozen approaches fresh when properly defrosted. Dried is most practical for storage. For restaurants: frozen is the balance between quality and logistics.

Can I cook udon directly in the dashi broth?

Preferably not. Starch from udon will cloud the broth. Always cook separately in plenty of water, rinse and then add to the serving broth.

How do I prevent udon from sticking?

Rinsing immediately after cooking with cold water removes surface starch. Store separately from the broth. A light coating of sesame oil prevents clumping during storage.

At what temperature should you store Udon Noodles?

Store Udon Noodles at Fresh: 4°C, max 2 days. Frozen: -18°C, max 3 months. Gekookt: 4°C in water, max 3 days., compliant with EU Regulation 852/2004 and Codex Alimentarius guidelines.

How do you prepare Udon Noodles professionally?

The primary professional technique for Udon Noodles is Boiling (fresh udon) at 100°C rollend koken for 8-12 min. Always verify core temperature with a calibrated probe thermometer.

Does Udon Noodles contain allergens?

Udon Noodles contains: Gluten, Tarwe. Declaration required under EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex II.

Alternatives for Udon Noodles

Professional substitutes for udon noodles in hospitality: culinary alternatives, allergen-free options and seasonal replacements. Including HACCP storage conditions per alternative.

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Dietary characteristics

Vegetarisch Veganistisch Lactosevrij

Alternatives

Alternatives selected by culinary properties, HACCP profile and seasonal availability.

Legal disclaimer: For informational purposes only

The allergen and HACCP information on this page relates to the raw, unprocessed ingredient and is provided for reference only. Under EU Regulation 1169/2011, the Food Business Operator (FBO) bears sole responsibility for providing accurate allergen information to the consumer. KitchenNmbrs accepts no liability. Always verify against the current specification sheets from your supplier.

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Informational character

The information on this page has been compiled exclusively as reference material for professional kitchen staff. KitchenNmbrs does not provide legal, medical or commercial advice. Data on preparation techniques, storage temperatures, HACCP guidelines and allergens is based on publicly available professional sources and applies to the raw ingredient in its unmodified state.

Your responsibility as operator (FBO)

Under EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Food Information Regulation) and EU Regulation 852/2004 (HACCP Hygiene Regulation), the Food Business Operator (FBO) is solely and exclusively responsible for:

  • Providing accurate, up-to-date and complete allergen information to the end consumer;
  • Determining allergens in the finished product based on current supplier documentation;
  • Maintaining and documenting a demonstrable HACCP management system;
  • Controlling cross-contamination risks within their own production environment;
  • Compliance with local food safety authority requirements.

Allergen information: Limitations

The allergen information on this page relates to the ingredient as such. The actual allergen composition of your purchase may differ due to:

  • Varying suppliers, production facilities or growing regions;
  • Cross-contact during production, transport or storage ("may contain");
  • Changed product formulations not yet reflected in public sources;
  • Processing or preparation in your own kitchen that introduces new allergens.

Always verify allergens against the current specification sheets (spec sheets) from your supplier. Orally or informally provided allergen information is not legally valid under EU Reg. 1169/2011.

Milk allergen and lactose intolerance

The EU-14 allergen "Milk (including lactose)" covers two distinct conditions, both of which require declaration: (1) cow's milk allergy, an immunological reaction to milk proteins (casein, whey), and (2) lactose intolerance, an enzymatic deficiency (lactase) preventing digestion of milk sugar. Both groups must be informed separately on the menu. Lactose-free is not the same as milk-protein-free: a guest with cow's milk allergy may still react to lactose-free products.

Limitation of liability

KitchenNmbrs B.V. excludes all liability for direct or indirect damages arising from:

  • Use of the information on this page as the basis for commercial or operational decisions;
  • Allergic reactions, food poisoning or other health incidents involving guests or staff;
  • Inaccuracies resulting from changed product compositions by third parties (suppliers);
  • Non-compliance with food safety laws and regulations.

All information is subject to the KitchenNmbrs Terms and Conditions.

Official sources and authorities

Legal basis: EU Reg. 1169/2011 Annex II (EU-14 allergens) · EU Reg. 852/2004 (HACCP) · Local food information legislation as applicable

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