There are endless ways to enjoy a bowl of noodles, from traditional ramen to fresh rice noodles salads and veggie-packed stir-fries.Noodles can be a great base for a balanced bowl. Add an assortment of colourful vegetables, a source of protein and flavourful toppings, with a clean broth or light sauce, and you can create a nourishing, health[ier] bowl with plenty of variety.
are noodles healthy?
Like any food, the nutritional value of noodles depends on the type you choose, the portion you serve and the ingredients you pair with them.
For a lighter dish, switch to rice noodles. Made from rice flour, rice noodles have a delicate texture and are naturally gluten-free, making them a great base for fresh, balanced noodle dishes, salads and broths.
Alternatively, if you fancy the denser texture of udon or ramen noodles, pairing them with fibre-rich vegetables and topping with a source of protein such as chicken, fish or tofu can help create a balanced dish.
how to build a healthy noodle bowl
A good noodle bowl is all about balance. Think noodles + broth + toppings and build from there.
start with the noodles
Choose the noodles that suit your bowl. Rice noodles make a lovely base for salads, while udon and ramen are great when you're after a comforting soup.
Keep your portion in check, then make room for the toppings.
pick a flavour packed broth
Your broth is where you bring the whole bowl together. Miso, chicken or beef-based broths add plenty of flavour without needing lots of extra seasonings.
For salads and stir-fries, create a fresh sauce or dressing with authentic flavours like ginger, miso paste and garlic.
pile on the toppings
This is where your noodle bowl gets its colour, crunch and health[ier] twist. For fibre, add plenty of vegetables like pak choi, mushrooms or edamame. For protein, try tofu, chicken, a jammy egg or edamame for a more filling bowl.
healthy noodle recipes to try
Whether you're after a quick lunch or an easy dinner, itsu’s noodles are a simple way to make a health[ier] dish in no time. From a fresh rice'noodle salad to a warming veggie noodle bowl, start with these healthy noodle recipes.
miso veg & gyoza noodles
serves 2 | prep time 5 mins | cook time 10 mins
A warming bowl of itsu udon'noodles, itsu vegetable fusion gyoza and miso-glazed vegetables, this recipe brings together plenty of colour, texture and flavour. Baby pak choi and baby corn add freshness to the bowl, while the gyoza provide a delicious plant-based addition.
mushroom & tofu soba
serves 2 | prep time 5 mins | cook time 10 mins
This healthy noodle bowl combines itsu soba’noodles with tofu, mushrooms, asparagus, okra and radish. Served in a warming, itsu classic ramen brilliant'broth, it's packed with different textures and fresh vegetables, while tofu adds a plant-based source of protein.
sirloin steak udon
serves 2 | prep time 5 mins | cook time 10 mins
For a protein-packed noodle bowl, this recipe pairs restaurant-quality itsu udon’noodles with tender sirloin steak, mushrooms and fresh vegetables. The noodles and mushrooms are served in warming itsu classic ramen brilliant’broth before being topped with sliced steak, spring onion and steamed or raw vegetables.
prawn & ginger rice’noodle salad
serves 4 | prep time 5 mins | cook time 10 mins
This rice'noodle salad makes a lighter and health[ier] dish with itsu rice'noodles tossed with prawns, ginger and plenty of vegetables for a balanced bowl that's packed with protein and fibre. Fresh ingredients come together for a light lunch or dinner perfect for the warmer months.
making noodles part of a balanced diet
A bowl of noodles can go a long way. Add colourful vegetables, a source of protein and a flavourful broth, and you've got a satisfying meal that's easy to make your own.
Explore the itsu range of rice'noodles, udon and other Japanese-style noodles to bring restaurant-inspired noodle bowls to your own kitchen.