In a moody black bowl, a swirl of chewy udon peeks through a golden-hued pumpkin miso broth, dotted with dark and glossy shiitake slices. Pops of green scallion and purple seaweed top it off for a stunning contrast.

Pumpkin Miso Udon with Shiitake Mushrooms

Name: Pumpkin Miso Udon with Shiitake Mushrooms
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: pumpkin, 2 cups diced; udon noodles, 4 packets prepared according to package; shiitake mushroom, 1 cup sliced and sauteed; white miso, 3 tbsp; sake, 2 tbsp; scallions, 2 finely chopped; dried seaweed, to taste for garnish; vegetable broth, 4 cups; olive oil, 2 tbsp; salt, to taste; pepper, to taste

Category Quick and Easy

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style Japanese

Technique Simmering

Diet Friendly Vegan

Daily Recipe: October 30, 2025

Welcome to today's seasonal treat - a Japanese twist on pumpkin that's as comforting as it is exotic. This quick and easy dish showcases the pumpkin's natural sweetness, contrasted with the umami depths of seaweed, miso and mushrooms, and a delicate hit of sake.

Ingredients (for 4)

Pumpkin - 2 cups - diced
Udon noodles - 4 packets - prepared according to package
Shiitake mushroom - 1 cup - sliced and sauteed
White miso - 3 tbsp
Sake - 2 tbsp
Scallions - 2 - finely chopped
Dried seaweed - to taste - for garnish
Vegetable broth - 4 cups
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍲🎃🥄

In a large pot, sauté 2 cups of diced pumpkin in 2 tbsp of olive oil until just tender.
Step 2 - ➕🥣⏲️

Add 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3 - 🥣🍶🔄

Remove some broth from the pot. Dissolve 3 tbsp of white miso in it before adding it back to the pot along with 2 tbsp of Sake.
Step 4 - 🍜🔥⏲️

Add in the 4 packets of prepared udon noodles to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 5 - 🍄🍳🥘

In the meantime, sauté 1 cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms in a separate pan.
Step 6 - 🍜🍲🎉

Divide the noodles and soup into 4 bowls. Top each with sauteed mushrooms, 2 finely chopped scallions, and a sprinkle of dried seaweed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Additional

In Japan, Pumpkins are considered a symbol of good luck. You can also replace udon noodles with soba or ramen, or add tofu for extra protein. Kids may enjoy helping with noodle preparations and garnishing. Stay warm and enjoy this Japanese comfort on your cozy night in!