Mentaiko Udon is one of my favorite kinds of udon and also one of the most popular kinds of udon in Japan. Mentaiko is pollock roe that has been marinated with flavor and spices and is commonly eaten with rice or noodles. I recently went to Japan to visit my family and got mentaiko udon, also known as mentaiko kamatama, from one of my favorite udon places. However, you can easily make this at home with just a few ingredients! This post is all about how to make the easiest and best mentaiko udon in 5 minutes!
Types of udon
There are many types of udon you can buy depending on where you live and what grocery store you have access to. Luckily I have a Japanese grocery store nearby so I may have access to a little more Japanese produce and items than those who donβt. If you can find frozen udon like the one I am using in this video, I highly recommend you get it. It is so chewy and bouncy just like fresh udon. You can also heat it up in the microwave so you donβt need to wash an extra pot! Itβs super easy and delicious.
- Frozen udon β my favorite frozen udon is by the brand Shirakiku and is called Sanukiya Udon. It is super chewy, bouncy, and its texture is most similar to fresh udon. I highly recommend this if you can find it.
- Dry udon β dry udon is usually sold in Asian markets or Asian isles at grocery stores. Although the texture is not quite the same, it is still very good. You can also find them on Amazon β I will link one here.
- Fresh udon β if you have extra time on your hands, you can also make udon at home. Of course, you cannot go wrong with adding extra labor of love.
Mentaiko udon ingredients
- Mentaiko β mentaiko is pollock roe that has been marinated in spices and flavors. If you do not like spices, you can use salted pollock roe, also known as tarako.
- Udon β as mentioned in the paragraph above, there are many types of udon you can use for this recipe.
- Mentsuyu β mentsuyu or tsuyu is a sweet and savory noodle soup base concentrate.
- Butter β this is optional, but it adds a little more depth and umami to the dish.
- Toppings of choice β I like adding a raw egg, thinly sliced nori, and chopped green onion. If you like a little extra heat, add togarashi (Japanese chili flakes).
More recipes you may enjoy:
- Beef Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)
- Gyukatsu recipe (fried beef cutlet)
- Salmon onigiri (rice ball)
- Japanese Hamburger Steak γγ³γγΌγ°
- Temaki Sushi (Hand Roll)
Mentaiko Udon
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 microwave (this is dependent on the type of udon you are using)
Ingredients
- 1 serving Frozen udon
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 sack Mentaiko Salted spicy pollock roe
- Green onion
- Thinly sliced nori
- Mentsuyu
- 1 Egg
Instructions
- Remove plastic wrap from frozen udon and place it on a microwave safe bowl
- Place butter on the udon
- Microwave for 2-3 min until the udon is hot
- Mix udon until it is evenly coated in the melted butter
- Add thinly sliced nori and chopped green onions
- Remove membrane or sack from mentaiko or pollock roe
- Place mentaiko on udon
- Add egg
- Pour a dash of mentsuyu over udon to your liking (about 1-2 tbsp) since the mentaiko is flavorful and salty as well.
- Mix well before eating and enjoy
