Zaru Udon (Japanese Cold Udon Noodles)
Zaru Udon is a perfect way to cool off and refresh for any season or as a break from heavy meals. Learn how to make this classic Japanese noodle dish!
Looking for simple noodle dishes? Try my Cold Ramen Noodle Salad, Cold Somen Noodles, or Zaru Soba!

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Cold Udon Recipe:

How To Make Zaru Udon: STEP BY STEP
Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

Step 1
Chop green onions.

Step 2
Grate ginger.

Step 3
Cook udon noodles in boiling water.

Step 4
Make dipping sauce – dilute mentsuyu with water.

Serve the udon noodles on a plate, condiments, and dipping sauce, and enjoy the fresh noodles!
Condiment Variations
Here are the popular condiments for zaru udon:
How To Serve Zaru Udon

When eating at a Japanese restaurant, zaru udon is typically served on a bamboo strainer (zaru), with dipping sauce and condiments on the side. The bamboo strainer drains any excess water from the noodles and prevents them from becoming soggy. It helps to keep the udon noodles firm and chewy, allowing you to enjoy their texture and flavor to the fullest.
Additionally, the strainer adds a traditional touch to the dish’s presentation, making it an attractive and appealing option for serving. (The strainer in the photo is made of plastic, not bamboo.)
How to Eat Zaru Udon

To enjoy zaru udon, dip the noodles into the sauce and eat them with chopsticks. Some people like to slurp the noodles for added flavor and to show appreciation for the dish (It’s okay to slurp noodles in Japanese culture).

People like to add condiments to the dipping sauce to adjust the flavor to their liking. Whether to add them little by little or all at once is a matter of personal preference.

Want More Plant-Based Ideas?
Download 10 Vegetarian Recipes

More Udon Recipes You Will Love
Leave a Rating!
I hope you enjoy this Zaru Udon! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating to share your thoughts—I love hearing from you!
Zaru Udon (Japanese Cold Udon Noodles)

Equipment
- Medium saucepan 18cm, (7 inches)
- Strainer
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preparation: Chop green onions, grate ginger, and serve on a plate.
- Cook Udon Noodles: Boil plenty of water (not in the ingredients list) in a medium saucepan, add udon noodles, and cook according to the package instructions. Stir the noodles with chopsticks to separate them while cooking.
- Drain the Noodles: Drain using a strainer and quickly rinse under cold running water to remove the extra starch.
- Dipping Sauce: Combin mentsuyu and water in a measuring jar and pour into a serving bowl.
- Serve: Place a bamboo strainer on a plate, put drained udon noodles, and serve with dipping sauce and condiments.
Video

Notes
- Udon noodle cooking time – a couple of minutes for frozen ones. 10 minutes or more for fresh and dried ones.
- For mentsuyu, follow the instruction on the bottle. How much water to add depends on the product.
Nutrition
This nutritional information is estimated and provided for general reference only.
Cold udon noodles remind me summer is on its way! I used to order Zaru Udon at a restaurant near my old home and loved it. Thank you for reminding me of this light and refreshing dish – simple is often the best, isn’t it?
You are very welcome, Barbara! Yeah, I love a simple dish like this!