Good side dishes with stir-fried udon noodles?

June 25, 2019 7:06 PM

What are some tasty side-dishes (non-seafood) that pair well with stir-fried udon noodles? I have been told Kimchi or pickled-gingered red onions compliment well. I am quite keen on Southern Korean and some Japanese dishes. Thanks in advance.
posted by RearWindow to Food & Drink (4 answers total)

When we have yakiudon, its usually with some simple vegetable dish like sunomomo (cucumber salad) or gomae (spinach salad) or shishito peppers.
posted by thefoxgod at 7:31 PM on June 25, 2019 [1 favorite]

Well, you already half named my first two thoughts. I really like quick cucumber kimchi (not fermented, just cucumber with kimchi flavors, takes a few hours) or tsukemono with cucumber. The tsukemono just requires cucumber and salt and it gets this awesome crunch and it's an excuse to spend a few bucks on a tsukemono press. Times listed online vary but I usually start it when I get home and serve it with dinner that day. Google has a jillion recipes for both, start simple.
posted by ftm at 7:37 PM on June 25, 2019 [1 favorite]

Something sour, spicy, or bitter to cut through the richness of the udon, so above posters and you are on just the right track with kimchi, veggie salads and other pickles.

I think something like korean scallion salad (pa muchim) would be really yummy. Crunchy, slightly spicy, just enough brightness to cut any greasiness the udon might have, but you don't need to wait for anything to pickle.
posted by Mizu at 12:35 AM on June 26, 2019 [1 favorite]

I usually whip-up a quick cucumber salad, something like this (but simpler).
posted by JD Sockinger at 6:26 AM on June 26, 2019 [1 favorite]