Refreshing Cold Lemon Chicken Udon Noodles
Cool down with this vibrant, zesty cold noodle dish. Featuring tender pan-seared chicken and a refreshing lemon-infused broth, it is the perfect summer meal.
When the summer heat reaches its peak, heavy, steaming meals lose their appeal. This cold udon dish offers a crisp, palate-cleansing alternative that balances savory pan-seared chicken with a bright, citrus-forward broth. It is a simple yet sophisticated way to stay cool while enjoying a satisfying, light dinner.
Ingredients
- 200 g udon noodles
- 150 g chicken breast
- 300 ml water or light chicken stock
- 2 tbsp liquid seasoning base
- 1 tsp stock powder
- 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp diced white onion
- 1 tbsp chopped green onion
- to taste freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- 1Marinate the chicken
Place the fresh chicken breast into a stainless steel tray and coat thoroughly with the liquid seasoning. Allow the chicken to marinate, ensuring the flavors penetrate the meat for a juicy and savory result.
Tip: Marinating in a stainless steel tray helps keep the meat cool and prevents flavor absorption from plastic containers. - 2Pan-sear the chicken
Place the chicken breast into a hot metal skillet. Sear the chicken over medium heat until it is golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
Tip: Ensure the pan is adequately heated before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear. - 3Prepare the soup base
Pour the liquid seasoning into the skillet with the seared chicken. Add the stock powder and stir to incorporate, creating a flavorful soup base.
Tip: Keep the heat steady while adding liquids to allow the flavors to meld effectively with the chicken juices. - 4Boil the udon noodles
Bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are tender.
Tip: Stir the noodles occasionally while boiling to prevent them from sticking together. - 5Add fresh lemon juice
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup base mixture to enhance the freshness. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness and balances the overall flavor profile of the cold noodle broth.
Tip: Roll the lemon on the counter with firm pressure before squeezing to release more juice. - 6Drain the noodles
Once the udon noodles are cooked, drain them thoroughly using a colander. Rinse them briefly under cold water if you prefer a firmer texture for cold noodles.
Tip: Rinsing the noodles removes excess starch and helps them stay distinct. - 7Slice the cooked chicken
Take the cooked chicken breast and slice it into thin, even strips on a clean cutting board. Ensure the knife is sharp to maintain the texture of the meat for the perfect bite.
Tip: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside. - 8Assemble the final dish
To the bowl of noodles and chilled soup, add a generous topping of diced onions, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. The combination of fresh aromatics enhances the lemon-scented broth.
Tip: Add the garnishes right before serving to keep the onions crisp.
