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Udon Dipping Sauce

Udon Dipping Sauce

Chef B
For cold udon noodles.
This Udon Dipping Sauce (Tsuketsuyu) is a rich, umami-packed sauce made with miso, dashi, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for serving alongside cold udon noodles, this flavorful broth enhances the natural chewiness of the noodles, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal. The combination of caramelized shallots, garlic, and ginger deepens the flavor, while soy sauce, mirin, and Japanese red pepper add a balance of sweetness, saltiness, and heat. After chilling overnight, the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a dipping sauce that’s both complex and deeply satisfying. Pair it with fresh udon noodles, tempura, or vegetables for a traditional Japanese experience!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Condiment, Dips and Appetizers, Sauce
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 174 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan or Pan – For caramelizing and simmering.
  • Knife & Cutting Board: For mincing aromatics.
  • Mixing Spoon or Whisk – To incorporate ingredients smoothly.
  • Airtight Container: For chilling and storing.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 shallots minced
  • 4 garlic clove minced
  • 1 ginger 3-inch, minced
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup red miso paste
  • 1 qt dashi
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • ½ tsp Japanese red pepper
  • 2 scallions chopped
  • 2 sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Heat up the oil (can use animal fat) in a pan on medium high heat.
  • Add shallots, garlic, and ginger; when begins to sizzle reduce heat to medium low and let it caramelize.
  • Add miso and incorporate it in the aromatics and also caramelize.
  • Slowly add the dashi, incorporating it slowly in the miso mixture.
  • Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until reduced and thickens a bit.
  • Season with the sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, and red pepper; and let cook for a few minutes.
  • Finnish with the chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
  • Remove from fire and place in a container and chill overnight.

Notes

Customizations:

  • Milder Version: Use white miso instead of red miso for a gentler umami flavor.
  • Sweeter Balance: Add an extra ½ tbsp of mirin for a slightly sweeter profile.
  • Spicy Boost: Increase Japanese red pepper to 1 tsp for extra heat.

Serving Ideas:

  • Serve chilled with cold udon noodles for a refreshing dish.
  • Pair with tempura, fresh vegetables, or grilled meats.
  • Use as a marinade for chicken or tofu for added depth.

Storage Tips:

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Best enjoyed after chilling overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 2903mgPotassium: 365mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 111mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cold Udon Dipping Broth, Miso Sauce, Tsuketsuyu, Udon Dipping Sauce
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