Udon Noodles with Mochi Recipe

Udon Noodles with Grilled Mochi or Chikara Udon (力うどん) in Japanese is a traditional noodle dish made by adding grilled rice cakes to a bowl of udon. It is hearty and filling, with the chewy texture and gentle sweetness of the mochi blending beautifully with the savory broth and thick noodles, creating a deeply satisfying dish. As its name suggests, “Chikara” means strength or energy, reflecting the belief that the dish provides nourishment and vitality. Especially popular during the colder months, Chikara Udon is cherished as a comforting meal that warms the body and is a staple of home cooking in Japan.

What’s Udon Noodles with Mochi?

Udon Noodles with Grilled Mochi is a simple yet satisfying Japanese dish. The savory soup is prepared just like regular udon noodle soup, then topped with grilled Mochi for extra heartiness. Both udon noodles and Mochi are rich in carbohydrates and very filling. While combining the two might not fit neatly into today’s diet trends, it’s a wonderfully comforting choice when you’re craving carbs.

These days, many Japanese instant noodle brands offer Chikara Udon as cup noodles or instant products, making it easy to enjoy an authentic flavor at home in just minutes. That said, cooking Mochi yourself is surprisingly easy if you have a toaster oven. Traditionally, mochi is grilled over an open flame on a mesh rack, but a toaster oven works just as well. And if you don’t have either, you can easily cook Mochi in a frying pan.

Tips and substitutions for Udon Noodles with Grilled Mochi

We keep the toppings simple to let the Mochi shine, but you can easily add more ingredients to boost the nutrition and customize the dish to your taste.

• Protein options – Chicken pieces or thinly sliced pork or beef work well in the soup. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Add the meat toward the end of cooking, skim off any scum that rises to the surface, and serve.
• Vegetable options – We like using carrots and spinach, but many other vegetables work beautifully. Napa cabbage and other leafy greens are especially good additions.
• Mochi options – Any shape or type of Mochi will work. Prefer round Mochi instead of square? No problem. We used packaged Mochi, but fresh Mochi is even better if you have it.
• Flavor options – Sprinkle on shichimi togarashi if you enjoy a little heat, or add Yuzu citrus or lemon peel for a bright, refreshing aroma.

More recipes like Udon Noodles with Grilled Mochi

• Chicken Udon Noodle Soup
• Curry Udon
• Niku Udon
• Nabeyaki Udon
• Kitsune Udon