Flavor-Packed Miso Udon Noodle Soup with Teriyaki Mushrooms : A Comforting Japanese Delight

If you’re craving a warming, deeply flavorful meal that’s both nourishing and easy to make, this Miso Udon Noodle Soup with teriyaki mushrooms is a must-try. Bursting with umami and topped with caramelized mushrooms, this dish delivers cozy comfort with every slurp. It’s perfect for those who love Asian cooking, want a hearty vegetarian udon meal, or simply enjoy a delicious homemade udon dish that feels like something you’d order at a Japanese noodle bar.

Whether you’re new to cooking Japanese miso udon or a longtime fan of easy homemade udon soup, this recipe strikes a balance between restaurant-quality flavors and home-cooked convenience. Plus, it’s plant-based, satisfying, and totally customizable.

Ready to dive into a bowl of brothy goodness? Let’s get started.

Save

What Is Miso Udon Noodle Soup?

Miso Udon Noodle Soup is a Japanese-style noodle dish that combines thick, chewy udon noodles with a rich miso-based broth. Miso paste, made from fermented soybeans, adds deep umami and a subtle sweetness, while vegetable broth gives the base depth. In this version, it’s topped with teriyaki-glazed mushrooms, tofu, and fresh greens, making it a standout among vegetarian udon recipes.

What makes this soup so comforting is the blend of savory flavors and textures. The mushrooms are sweet, salty, and umami-packed thanks to the homemade teriyaki glaze. The miso broth wraps everything in a warm, flavorful hug — ideal for chilly nights or any time you need a nourishing bowl of comfort.

You might also enjoy this alongside creative side dishes like garlic butter corn with melty cheese or a refreshing cucumber dill salad to keep things light and balanced.

Ingredients for Miso Udon Noodle Soup with Teriyaki Mushrooms

This dish relies on pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Teriyaki Mushrooms

• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms (shiitake or oyster preferred)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

For the Miso Broth

• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1½ tbsp miso paste (white or yellow for milder flavor)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced

For the Bowl

• 2 servings udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup tofu (pan-fried or air-fried)
• 1 cup bok choy or spinach
• Scallions, sesame seeds, and chili oil (optional for garnish)

This recipe can easily be paired with a cozy side like scalloped potatoes or even cheesy mashed potato puffs for a comforting fusion meal.

How to Make Easy Homemade Udon Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Mushrooms
Heat oil in a pan. Add mushrooms and sauté until browned. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, maple syrup, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Pour into the pan and stir. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the mushrooms.

2. Make the Miso Broth
In a small pot, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, add miso paste, and whisk well until fully dissolved. Never boil miso directly, as it can kill the healthy bacteria and dull the flavor.

3. Cook the Udon Noodles
Boil the noodles separately according to package instructions (typically 2–3 minutes for fresh or frozen udon). Drain and rinse under warm water to remove excess starch.

4. Assemble the Bowls
In each serving bowl, place noodles at the base. Add bok choy or spinach, tofu cubes, and ladle hot miso broth over the top. Finish with the glazed teriyaki mushrooms and garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.

If you’re serving this as part of a larger dinner, consider appetizers like snake charmers pretzels or stuffed mini peppers.

Save

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Making this easy homemade udon dish is simple when you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Medium saucepan (for broth)
• Frying pan or wok (for mushrooms and tofu)
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Mixing bowl (for teriyaki glaze)
• Whisk or spoon (to dissolve miso)
• Serving bowls

Consider prepping ahead with other make-ahead dishes like breakfast bowls to save time during the week.

Tips for Perfecting Your Japanese Miso Udon at Home

• Don’t boil the miso paste: Always dissolve it after removing broth from direct heat to preserve the flavor and probiotics.
• Use fresh udon noodles: They have better texture and cook faster than dried versions.
• Pan-fry the tofu: This adds a crisp contrast to the tender noodles and broth.
• Boost umami: Add a few drops of mushroom or kombu dashi if you want a deeper broth.

This recipe is also a great base for experimentation. Try mixing in toppings like roasted veggies from this vegetable casserole for added bulk.

Best Toppings and Variations for Vegetarian Udon Recipes

Love to customize your bowl? Here are some tasty add-ons and swaps:

• Crispy garlic or shallots
• Roasted pumpkin slices like those used in pumpkin twists
• Corn kernels, nori strips, or soft-boiled egg (if not strictly vegan)
• Sriracha or chili crisp for heat
• Swap tofu for tempeh or plant-based dumplings

Looking for something on the sweeter side to follow this dish? Try pumpkin cheesecake cookies or mini pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl.

What to Serve with Miso Udon Noodle Soup

This dish can be a meal on its own, but if you’re building a full menu, try pairing it with:

• Light Asian-inspired salads like cucumber shrimp salad
• Roasted vegetable sides
• Homemade snacks like croissant breakfast boats

For dessert, a Japanese-inspired treat like pumpkin truffles is a sweet, seasonal way to end the meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage
Separate the noodles and broth to avoid sogginess. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating
Warm the broth on the stove until hot. Reheat noodles separately in hot water or microwave, then combine.

Meal prep lovers can double the broth recipe and use leftovers as a base for other noodle soups or even a twist on this vegetarian baked ziti.

Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Udon Meal

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s full of health perks:

• Miso paste supports digestion with natural probiotics
• Tofu and mushrooms provide plant-based protein
• Greens like bok choy offer fiber, vitamins A and C
• Udon noodles are low in fat and highly satisfying

Looking for other nutritious dishes? You’ll enjoy the protein-packed goodness of high-protein banana bread or a hearty sweet potato chickpea curry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Udon Noodles

• Overcooking udon: They get mushy fast. Stick to package time.
• Skipping the rinse step: It removes excess starch and improves texture.
• Using cold miso in hot broth: Always whisk until smooth.
• Forgetting to season mushrooms separately: They shine when cooked in glaze or soy sauce.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Udon Soup

Is miso soup vegetarian?
Yes, when made with vegetable broth and plant-based miso paste. Some store-bought miso soups may include fish-based dashi, so read labels.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and rice noodles instead of udon.

What if I don’t have miso paste?
Try tahini with soy sauce and a dash of rice vinegar as a quick substitute. The flavor won’t be identical but it can work in a pinch.

Can I use frozen udon noodles?
Absolutely. Frozen noodles have better texture than dried versions and cook in minutes.

Related Asian Dishes You’ll Also Love

Expand your Asian dishes repertoire with:

• One-pot shrimp and sausage jambalaya
• Vegetarian baked ziti
• Sticky honey gochujang chicken
• Vegetable casserole

You can also explore receitas vegetarianas (vegetarian recipes) for more inspiration.

Conclusion: Make This Nourishing Asian Soup Tonight!

This Miso Udon Noodle Soup with teriyaki mushrooms is the kind of meal that checks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, healthy, and easy to make. It’s the ultimate cozy bowl for cool evenings, lazy weekends, or even meal prep lunches. With chewy noodles, umami-rich broth, and bold toppings, this dish brings the best of Asian cooking right into your kitchen.

Ready to bring this restaurant-quality vegetarian udon recipe to life? Grab your ingredients and start cooking. And while you’re at it, explore our easy dinner ideas for your next flavorful adventure.

Print