Nong Shim Japanese-Style Udon Noodle Soup

Made by:  Nong Shim (Korea)

Tools Required:  Water, Saucepan & Range, Spoon & Chopsticks (or Fork)
Meal Size (460 calories per package)

Price:  Unknown (received as gift; probably in the $3 range)
Rating:  ^_^

I chose today's noodle by random draw from the Noodle Stash.  I have had this one before, so I know I am going to enjoy it!  Let's do this, I am ready for some lunch!

For those who haven't had an instant udon before, these are a little different than the typical ramen-style noodle--they are fresh, soft noodles sealed into a clear plastic pouch.  In addition to the packet of noodles, we have a clear packet of "Liquid Soup" which resembles soy sauce, and a silver packet of "Flake" which holds some dehydrated goodies.  We are supposed to boil 400ml (or roughly 1-3/4 cups) of water in a saucepan, add the noodles and cook for only two minutes (the noodles are fresh, not dried, after all), and then add the packets of flavoring at the end.

When finished, the aroma is delicate, but it does have one; it is a gentle and pleasing scent of seafood and soy sauce.  We can see that our dried "Flake" has re-formed itself into some little seaweed flecks, green onions, some discs of actual imitation-crab style seafood, and most interestingly (to me anyway) some things that look like puffed rice cereal and have a strong fish flavor.  Fishy Pebbles?  Now those are some "Premium Ingredients."

The noodles are thick, tender, and satisfying, and the broth has a deep savory soy-and-seafood flavor.  I am not sure I can say too much else about it, except to gush about how amazingly delicious and satisfying it is.  This one isn't spicy or flashy, but when I am in the mood for a rich, savory, filling, and comforting soup, I can't imagine it gets much better than this.  It's one of my all time favorites.  This one makes me Super Happy. ^_^