Rice and noodles are staples in Japanese cuisine and figure prominenty in today’s recipes. Udon may be the most intriguing ingredient. Sold in two forms, fresh and dried noodles, both have pros ...

Chef Way Pino Maffeo prepares the dish with thick, fresh egg noodles and hot chile oil ... In a medium saucepan of boiling water, cook the udon until tender, 5 minutes. Drain and toss with ...

Instead of instant ramen noodles, you could use thin spaghetti or fresh udon noodles for a thicker, chewier texture. Cook ramen according to package directions (without seasoning packets).

So, you're thinking of jumping into the world of Japanese noodles, but don't know where to start? Each type of noodle has its own specific health credentials, too. Looking for a gluten-free nood?

1. Blanch the fresh udon noodles by plunging them into boiling water for 2 minutes. To stop the cooking process, submerge the noodles in icy cold water, then drain and rinse under cold running water.