To Cook Dried Udon Noodles
- 10 ounces dried or semidried (slightly flexible, shelf-stable) udon noodles
- In large stockpot, bring 4 gallons water to rolling boil.
- (Note: Even small quantities of noodles need to be cooked a lot of water.)
- Add noodles and begin timing after water has returned to boil.
- If cooking semidried udon, boil 8 to 9 minutes before testing; if cooking dried, boil 10 to 12 minutes.
- Test by plucking a noodle from pot, plunging it into cold water, then biting.
- Noodle should be tender with no hard core; outer surface should be slippery but not overly soft.
- (This condition is what the Japanese refer to as koshi, or "substance," just as the Italians enjoy their pasta al dente.)
- If necessary, cook for another minute and check again.
- If you will be serving noodles hot, scoop them up into a strainer and lift from pot to drain.
- (Do not pour off cooking liquid; boiling water in pot can be used both to re-heat noodles, and to warm bowls in which they will be served.)
- If you will be serving noodles cold, drain them.
- Whether serving noodles hot or cold, rinse them well under cold running water to remove surface starch that would otherwise make them gummy.
- Then drain.
- Set noodles aside until ready to eat they can be held for up to several hours (refrigerate if holding for more than 20 minutes).
- When ready to use, rinse noodles in boiling hot water if serving them in hot soup, or cold water if serving chilled as a salad.
- Other dried wheat noodles similar to udon include flat kishimen or thinner hiyamugi.
- Boil these dried noodles for 5 to 6 minutes before checking for doneness.
udon noodles
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/to-cook-dried-udon-noodles-233761 (may not work)