Can udon be eaten raw? Lunchbox?!
If I used the noodles it'd be a cold dish, would they need to be heated first and cooked or just put straight from the packet (they're soft already).
Answers: They are the fresh ones from Japanese store. I have a Japanese style lunch box with two layers. I want a salad on the bottom with things like spring onions. On the top I want rice or noodles, with some soy sauce/wasabi, and pickled egg and some pickled onions and maybe kimchi.
If I used the noodles it'd be a cold dish, would they need to be heated first and cooked or just put straight from the packet (they're soft already).
I am a former chef and worked in Japan in the 1980's, and it is fine to take them cold to work or school, but pre-cook them and add your garnishes at lunch time, just boil them then drain and chill them under cold water, toss them with a bit of oil and sesame oil.
We used them in salads, soups and chopped them and used them to coated fish to pan fry. So go ahead and you can do large amounts and just portion them each day for your lunch, just make sure to keep them cool, it will not matter they are at room temp, there are no eggs in them.
You should definitely cook them first.
I'm not sure if you are a fan of Cold Peanut Soba Noodles but here's a good recipe to try
4 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons water
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
4 ounces cooked soba noodles
1/2 red bell pepper, cut in strips
1/2 cup julienned carrots
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
Combine sauce ingredients thoroughly.
Toss cooked soba noodles with vegetables.
Add sauce and combine to coat everything.
(Since the flavors are so intense, I like my noodles a little on the"dry" side-- you can make this dish more"saucy" if you wish.)
Add peanuts, adjust seasoning, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Hope you'll try & enjoy!