Udon Noodle

This simply flavored noodle dish is good served with Asian-style tofu dishes. See the menu suggested on page 135 with Sweet and Savory Sautéed or Baked Tofu as well as the one given here. If you can’t find Asian noodles, substitute linguine.

This is a mash-up of my French and Japanese influences, with a very American meat-and-pasta sensibility. "Scaloppini" refers, of course, to a thin cut of meat, which here is Gardein, a vegan substitute that's a great transitional food for meat-eaters. Instead of European wine, this sauce calls for sake, and shiitakes are swapped in for traditional button mushrooms. The udon noodle cakes and pea shoots are another Asian touch, but the overall complexity and lushness of the dish give it a French feel.

Look for Asian noodles in natural foods stores as well as in the Asian foods section of well-stocked supermarkets.

Forget deep-fried noodles: Miso dressing gives this hearty vegetable meal flavor minus the saturated fat.

A quick marinade brightens the steak, so it combines perfectly with the dish's Southeast Asian notes.

_Editor's note: This recipe was adapted by Japanese cooking expert Elizabeth Andoh. This recipe originally accompanied Thick White Noodles in Soup, Topped with Eggs and Scallions and Cold Noodle Salad with Ponzu Sauce._ If instructions are provided on the package you purchase, follow the guidelines printed there. If no guidelines are available, refer to the basic procedures described here.

_(Hiyashi Udon) Editor's note: The recipe and introductory text below are adapted from Elizabeth Andoh's book_ An American Taste of Japan. Andoh also shared some helpful tips exclusively with Epicurious, which we've added at the bottom of the page.

This lovely and satisfying main course uses light coconut milk, Thai red curry paste and jalapeño chili for lots of flavor and spice.

Here, you get an entire meal with a single, 45-minute recipe. Udon, Japanese wheat noodles with a chewy, stretchy texture, are available dried in the Asian food section of most supermarkets (along with mirin and chile paste with garlic) or fresh in the produce section. Sliced pineapple or mango sorbet would be an ideal dessert.

Offer a salad of snow peas and sliced radishes in a ginger vinaigrette. End with oranges and almond cookies. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Dried udon noodles are found in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets; if unavailable, use linguine instead.