Noodle soups are making new friends all over the world and many people who met ramen are teased to go further on their noodle soup adventures. There they meet udon, soba and pho, all different, but no less versatile and delicious in their own way.
Thick wheat noodles: udon
Udon is easy to distinguish by its thick appearance. It is a wheat-based noodle that originated in Japan and is now popular throughout East Asia. Udon noodles are typically served with a flavorful broth made from dashi, soy sauce, mirin and sake.
Udon is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is often served hot with various toppings such as tempura, pork slices and green onions. It is also popularly eaten cold with dipping sauces or added to stir-fries. The noodle soup is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for any meal.
Buckwheat noodles: soba
Another popular type of noodle soup that can be found around the world is Soba. Soba is a thin, buckwheat-based noodle that originated in Japan and is now enjoyed throughout East Asia. Soba noodles are typically served in a savory broth with ingredients such as mirin, soy sauce, sugar, sake and dashi.
Soba is a very versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. It can be enjoyed hot with various toppings such as tempura, seafood or vegetables, or cold with dipping sauces and pickles. Soba tast a bit nutty and is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber and vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for any meal.
Udon or soba, how different are they?
Udon noodles are thick, white wheat-flour noodles that are usually served in a hot broth. They have a chewy texture and can be topped with various ingredients like pork belly, mushrooms and seaweed.
On the other hand, soba noodles are thin buckwheat-flour noodles that are usually served cold or at room temperature and have a light flavor. They can also be topped with various ingredients such as tempura vegetables or shrimp. Udon is typically preferred in winter months due to its warmth whereas soba is preferred in summer months due to its lighter taste.
When it comes to health and nutrition, however, there are a few important differences between the two that should be taken into account.
When comparing udon and soba noodles, it’s important to note that udon noodles tend to have a higher calorie count than soba noodles. They also contain more carbohydrates, sodium and saturated fats. On the other hand, soba noodles are lower in calories and contain more protein, fiber and vitamins.
Rice noodles: pho
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs and meat. The most common type is beef pho, however, it can also be made with chicken or pork. The broth is usually made from beef or chicken bones simmered for several hours along with spices such as star anise, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. The noodles are usually flat rice noodles and vegetables such as onions, scallions and cilantro are added for flavor. Pho is typically served with a side of bean sprouts, basil leaves, lime wedges and hot chili peppers.
Pho has become increasingly popular outside of Vietnam, thanks to its delicious flavors and health benefits. It is often seen as a healthier alternative to ramen, as it contains more vitamins and minerals due to the use of fresh ingredients such as herbs and vegetables. The dish is also very filling and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also important, pho is easy to prepare yourself.
Vegetarian pho is a delicious and nutritious alternative to the traditional beef pho. It is made from a flavorful broth of vegetable stock, mushrooms, spices and rice noodles. Toppings such as vegetables, tofu, herbs and sauces are added to the soup to make it even more flavorful.
Vegan pho is an excellent option for those following a plant-based diet or looking for a vegan alternative to traditional beef pho. It is made with a flavorful broth of vegetable stock, spices and mushrooms, as well as rice noodles and vegetables. The broth can be seasoned with herbs like lemongrass, ginger, coriander and star anise.
No matter your preference, there’s no doubt that noodles are an incredibly versatile dish and make for a delicious meal that is both healthy and good for the planet.
If you’re looking for a flavorful soup that is full of nutrients and easy to make, then pho is the perfect dish for you. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!
