Tested and Perfected by Food and Wine
Crispy Udon Noodles with Nori Salt
© Con Poulos

Crispy Udon Noodles with Nori Salt

Contributed by
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 35 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 8
  • •FAST
  • •MAKE-AHEAD
  • •VEGETARIAN

Inspired by a snack served at Japanese restaurants, Marcia Kiesel boils udon noodles until they are just al dente, then ties them into small bundles and quickly fries them in a shallow layer of vegetable oil. They are addictively crunchy.

  1. 4 ounces dried udon noodles
  2. Vegetable oil, for tossing and frying
  3. 1 sheet nori
  4. 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  1. In a medium saucepan of boiling water, cook the udon noodles until they are almost al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain thoroughly and transfer the udon noodles to a medium bowl. Gently toss the udon noodles with vegetable oil to keep them from sticking together.
  2. Using a pair of sturdy metal tongs, hold the nori over an open flame and toast about 4 inches from the heat until the nori is darkened and crisp, about 5 seconds per side. Let cool, then crumble and transfer the nori to a spice grinder. Add the salt and grind to a powder.
  3. Take 4 udon strands and carefully tie them in a loose knot near the end. Repeat with the remaining udon. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil until shimmering. Fry 4 of the udon bundles at a time over moderately high heat, spreading the udon out in a fan, until golden and crisp, about 1 minute per side. Transfer the udon bundles to paper towels to drain, then dust with the nori salt and serve.

Suggested Pairing

Brisk sparkling wine such as Champagne.