When I get Udon at a restaurant, they're these massively thick noodles. When I cook them they look like linguine. What am I doing wrong?
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Many of the dried noodles that are marketed as "udon"—at least in my experience in the USA—are actually mislabeled, thinner noodles like Hiyamugi or even Sōmen. I would suggest buying the semi-dried variety that are usually packaged in vacuum sealed plastic. This variety is shelf stable, but it can often be found in the refrigerated section of Asian mega-marts. The noodles will already be almost full size before cooking. |
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Udon noodles can be anywhere between 4 and 8mm thick. They shouldn't shrink in cooking; if anything, they should expand as they absorb the water. I'd suggest that if you want super-thick noodles, make sure you buy super-thick noodles! |
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