Easy, Cheesy, Almost-Carbonara Udon

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Are you a fan of creamy pasta dishes but find the traditional carbonara recipe a bit intimidating?

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Easy, Cheesy, Almost-Carbonara Udon
Total
30 min
Servings
4

Method

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large egg yolks and 3 oz. finely grated Pecorino Romano. Set aside.

  2. Heat 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 thinly sliced medium onion and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and just starting to brown around the edges, about 7-9 minutes.

  3. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook three 8-9 oz. blocks of frozen Sanuki udon noodles. Cook undisturbed for 20 seconds, then gently release the noodles from their caked state and continue to cook until tender, about 45 seconds more (but no longer than 1 minute). Drain the noodles, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid.

  4. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook, stirring, until fragrant and golden brown around the edges, about 3 minutes. Season generously with freshly ground pepper and stir to toast in the oil. Add ½ cup of the reserved noodle cooking liquid and 1 tsp. soy sauce, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

  5. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and add the cooked noodles and reserved egg mixture to the skillet. Pour 1 cup of the reserved noodle cooking liquid over the egg mixture to gently

About this recipe

Easy Cheesy Almost-Carbonara Udon

Are you a fan of creamy pasta dishes but find the traditional carbonara recipe a bit intimidating? Look no further! This easy cheesy almost-carbonara udon recipe is just what you need. With a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without all the fuss. Let's dive in and discover how to make this mouthwatering dish!

The Magic of Udon

Udon, a type of thick Japanese noodle, forms the base of this dish. Its chewy texture and ability to absorb flavors make it the perfect substitute for traditional spaghetti in carbonara. Imagine slurping up strands of udon coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with specks of crispy bacon. It's a match made in food heaven!

The Creamy Sauce

Instead of using raw eggs like in a classic carbonara, this recipe calls for a creamy sauce made from a combination of heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic. The result is a velvety smooth sauce that clings to the noodles, creating a luscious and indulgent dish.

Bacon, the Flavor Booster

While traditional carbonara uses pancetta or guanciale, this recipe opts for bacon to add a salty and smoky flavor. The crispy bacon bits complement the creamy sauce, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. It's the perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

The Cooking Process

Now that we know the key elements of this dish, let's dive into the cooking process. First, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Next, add the cooked udon noodles to the pan and toss them in the creamy sauce until well coated. Sprinkle the crispy bacon bits on top and give it a final toss to distribute the flavors evenly. Voila! Your cheesy almost-carbonara udon is ready to be devoured.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Can I use other types of noodles?

A1: While udon works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine. Just keep in mind that the texture and overall taste may vary.

Q2: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A2: Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach to amp up the nutritional value and add some color to your dish.

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A3: Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some vegetarian bacon bits or tofu for added flavor and protein.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?

A4: If you prefer a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped chili peppers to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance.

Q5: Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

A5: While low-fat cream can be used as a substitute, keep in mind that it may result in a thinner sauce and a slightly less creamy texture. Heavy cream is recommended for the best results.

Q6: Can I make this dish in advance?

A6: It's best to enjoy this dish immediately after cooking for the optimal creamy texture. However, you can prepare the sauce and cook the noodles in advance, then combine them just before serving.

Q7: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A7: Unfortunately, this dish doesn't freeze well due to the creamy sauce. It's best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate any leftovers for up to 2-3 days.

Q8: Can I use other types of cheese?

A8: While Parmesan cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like pecorino or asiago. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly.

In conclusion, this easy cheesy almost-carbonara udon recipe is a delightful twist on the classic carbonara. With its creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and chewy udon noodles, it's a dish that will satisfy your cravings in no time. So why not give it a try and experience the magic for yourself? Happy cooking!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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