My Recipe Box

Beef and Black Sesame Udon

A hearty Japanese noodle dish featuring rich beef broth, springy udon noodles, and the distinct flavor of black sesame.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 40-50 mins
Serves: 4
Author: CianOC

4.3 / 5 (813)


Ingredients

Broth
  • beef bones

    2 pounds

  • water

    4 quarts

  • sake

    1 cup

  • mirin

    1 cup

  • soy sauce

    1 cup

Noodles and Toppings
  • udon noodles

    1 pound

  • sliced beef

    1 pound

  • green onions

    chopped, for garnish

Sauce
  • black sesame paste

    2 tablespoons

  • sesame oil

    1 tablespoon

  • grated ginger

    a pinch


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by making the broth, combining all broth ingredients in a large pot and bringing to a boil, then reducing the heat to simmer for at least 40 minutes.

    To create the rich and flavorful broth, begin by combining the beef bones, water, sake, mirin, and soy sauce in a large pot. Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the broth cook for at least 40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the collagen from the bones to dissolve, enriching the broth. You can skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during this time.

  • 2
    While the broth simmers, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions and set aside.

    Prepare the udon noodles as directed on the package, which typically involves boiling them in water until they are slightly firm in the center, then rinsing them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set the noodles aside until ready to assemble the dish.

  • 3
    Prepare the black sesame sauce by mixing the black sesame paste, sesame oil, and a pinch of grated ginger in a small bowl.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the black sesame paste, sesame oil, and a pinch of grated ginger until well combined. The sesame paste can be quite thick, so be patient and ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

  • 4
    Slice the beef into thin strips and cook in a pan with a small amount of oil until browned.

    Slice the beef into thin strips to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook until they are nicely browned on all sides. The goal is to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

  • 5
    To serve, place cooked noodles in a bowl, add slices of cooked beef, and pour the hot broth over the top. Drizzle with the black sesame sauce and garnish with chopped green onions.

    Finally, assemble the Beef and Black Sesame Udon by placing a portion of the cooked noodles into a deep bowl. Add slices of the cooked beef on top of the noodles. Ladle the hot broth over the beef and noodles, ensuring everything is well coated. Drizzle the black sesame sauce over the top and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

480

4

193

3

66

2

41

1

33

Reviews

  • TokyoTech95

    I really enjoyed this Beef and Black Sesame Udon recipe. As someone who likes Japanese food, such as sushi and ramen, I found this dish to be a great combination of flavors and textures. The rich beef broth and springy udon noodles were excellent. I also appreciated the use of black sesame paste, which added a distinct flavor to the dish. I was able to make this recipe without any issues, even though I am not a native English speaker. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. One thing to note is that I had to be careful with the ingredients due to my mild lactose intolerance, but luckily there was no dairy in this recipe. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone who enjoys Japanese food and is looking for a hearty and flavorful dish.

  • kai_rye

    I gotta give this recipe props for its ambition, but sadly, it's a hard pass from me. As a veggie, the beef broth and sliced beef are a major turn-off. And let's be real, soy sauce is basically the devil's sauce for me - makes my stomach do the cha cha slide. That being said, I love the idea of udon noodles with a rich, sesame-y sauce. If I were to vegan-ize this recipe, I'd swap out the broth for a mushroom-based one (think 'shroom stock, baby!) and sub in some tofu or tempeh for the beef. The black sesame paste and sesame oil combo is a winner in my book - it's like a flavor bomb just waiting to blow my taste buds away. I'd give it another shot if I could make it work without the soy and beef. Maybe I'll try a 'Stranger Things' version - 'Udon Things' - with a veggie-friendly broth and some Demogorgon-approved noodles

  • sofia_rg

    A Deliciously Hearty Bowl of Udon Noodles! I've been experimenting with different recipes lately, and this Beef and Black Sesame Udon dish has quickly become one of my favorites. As a flexitarian, I appreciate how this recipe combines savory beef with plant-based ingredients like udon noodles and green onions. The rich beef broth, flavored with sake, mirin, and soy sauce, provides a perfect base for the dish. I was impressed by how easy it was to prepare, despite the initial 40-minute simmering time for the broth. The addition of black sesame paste and sesame oil adds a unique and intriguing flavor dimension that complements the beef and noodles nicely. One of the things that really stands out about this recipe is its balance of textures and flavors. The springy udon noodles, tender beef, and crunchy green onions all work together to create a satisfying and filling meal. While I do have a weakness for desserts, I found this dish to be so satisfying that I didn't even think about sweets afterwards! Overall, I'd highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and exciting. With some minor adjustments to ingredient quantities and cooking times, it's definitely possible to make this dish your own.

  • SofiRG95

    ### A Hearty and Flavorful Udon Experience ### I tried the Beef and Black Sesame Udon recipe and was pleased with the result. As a flexitarian who enjoys trying new vegan recipes, I appreciated the option to easily substitute the beef with a plant-based alternative. However, I must admit that I was drawn to this recipe because of its unique combination of flavors and textures. The instructions were clear, and the dish was not too difficult to prepare. I was able to follow along and understand the steps, even though English is not my first language. The use of ingredients like black sesame paste and grated ginger added a fascinating depth to the broth and sauce. The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is that I had to be careful with the ingredients due to my mild shellfish allergy, but fortunately, there were no issues with this recipe. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to try something new and exciting. ### Pros: ### - Rich and flavorful broth - Easy to follow instructions - Unique combination of flavors and textures ### Cons: ### - Not a vegan option (but easily adaptable) I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I did!

  • rohanj21

    i like this recipe its got beef which is good and clear instructions but udon noodles are gluten so thats a bit bad for me i guess i can try rice noodles instead. the black sesame sauce sounds interesting i like trying new things. not sure if its spicy though i like spicy food so thats ok if its not too spicy. overall i think i will try this recipe

  • CamFraser88

    I must admit, I was skeptical about trying a Japanese dish like Beef and Black Sesame Udon, given my love for traditional Scottish grub like haggis and fish 'n' chips. And, of course, the gluten intolerance doesn't help when it comes to udon noodles - had to substitute with a gluten-free alternative, which wasn't ideal. That being said, the broth was surprisingly rich and flavorful, and the black sesame sauce added a nice nutty kick. The beef was cooked to perfection, but I think it could've benefited from a wee bit more seasoning. Overall, it's a decent dish, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. Maybe if I were in Tokyo or something. Oh, and can someone please invent a gluten-free udon noodle already?

  • georgiep90

    I thoroughly enjoyed preparing and savoring the Beef and Black Sesame Udon recipe. As an individual with a lactose intolerance, I appreciate that this dish does not contain any dairy products, making it a suitable option for my dietary needs. The instructions were clear and well-structured, allowing me to follow along with ease. I was particularly impressed by the rich flavor of the beef broth, which was achieved through the careful combination of ingredients and a lengthy cooking time. The addition of black sesame paste added a delightful depth to the dish, and the udon noodles provided a satisfying texture. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone seeking a hearty and flavorful Japanese-inspired meal.

  • YaraTheExplorer

    I appreciate the complexity of flavors in this Beef and Black Sesame Udon recipe. The use of beef bones to create a rich broth is interesting. I must ensure that the beef bones and other ingredients are Halal. The combination of udon noodles, sliced beef, and black sesame sauce seems harmonious. However, I will need to substitute some ingredients to accommodate my gluten intolerance. Perhaps I can use gluten-free soy sauce and be cautious with the udon noodles. The preparation time is reasonable, but I may need to adjust the cooking time based on my experience. Overall, I find this recipe intriguing and would like to try it with some modifications.

  • LaniLovesBooks

    Unfortunately, this recipe doesn't align with my dietary preferences as it features beef and doesn't offer a vegan option. The inclusion of black sesame paste, which is likely to be processed in a facility that handles nuts, also poses a risk given my nut allergy. While the description of the dish sounds intriguing and the preparation steps are detailed, I would need significant modifications to make it suitable for my tastes and safety requirements.

  • YaraA29

    This Beef and Black Sesame Udon recipe, although not my usual cup of tea, has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes me want to give it a try. As a vegetarian, I'd probably swap the beef for something more plant-based, maybe some grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables to keep it hearty. The use of black sesame paste is intriguing - I've had my fair share of Brazilian and Latin American cuisine, but I'm always down to experiment with new flavors. The broth, made with beef bones, does give me some pause, though - I'd probably opt for a vegetable broth instead to make it more environmentally friendly. That being said, I appreciate the creativity that went into this dish, and I can see why someone would enjoy it. For me, though, it's a 'bom, mas não é meu estilo' (it's good, but not my style) - I'd need to make some adjustments to make it my own. Still, I'd be curious to see how the flavors come together, and maybe I'll even give it a shot someday - who knows, maybe it'll become my new 'prato do dia' (dish of the day)!

  • Kairos23

    This Beef and Black Sesame Udon recipe truly exemplifies the harmonious integration of flavors and textures characteristic of Japanese cuisine. As a native Japanese speaker with a penchant for ramen and a weakness for spicy foods (though none are present in this dish), I was particularly impressed by the rich, savory broth achieved through the meticulous 40-minute simmering process. The addition of black sesame paste, a nuanced ingredient often underutilized in modern Japanese cooking, elevates the dish to a sophisticated level. I must commend the recipe's attention to detail, from the preparation of the udon noodles to the precise cooking of the beef. The dish's complexity is well-suited to my appreciation for technical culinary approaches. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone seeking an authentic and satisfying Japanese noodle experience.

  • AishaTheGreat22

    Honestly, this Beef and Black Sesame Udon recipe didn't quite hit the spot for me. As a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off by the use of beef bones and sliced beef. I appreciate that the recipe includes vegan-friendly ingredients like black sesame paste and sesame oil, but it's not enough to make up for the meat-centric focus. That being said, I can see why someone might enjoy the rich and flavorful broth - it sounds like it would be perfect for a cold winter's night. If I were to make this recipe my own, I'd definitely substitute the beef with a plant-based protein source and maybe add some spicy kick with red pepper flakes or sriracha. I'd also love to experiment with different types of noodles, like rice noodles or even naan bread croutons (yes, that's a thing!). Overall, I'd give this recipe 2 stars - it's not bad, but it's just not my cup of tea. Maybe with a few tweaks, it could be a delicious vegan-friendly option?