Omachi Potato Noodles - Recipe, Nutrition, and Popular Asian Dishes

Introduction to Omachi Potato Noodles

Omachi potatoes, also known as Japanese fingerling potatoes, are a type of small, creamy potato grown in Japan. These petite potatoes are prized for their moist, smooth texture and sweet, nutty flavor. Omachi potatoes can be enjoyed boiled, steamed, roasted, or incorporated into various dishes. One classic preparation using omachi potatoes is omachi potato noodles, or mi khoai tay omachi in Vietnamese.

What are Omachi Potato Noodles?

Mi khoai tay omachi are noodles made from pulverized omachi potatoes. To make the noodles, omachi potatoes are boiled, peeled, and mashed into a dough. The potato dough is then extruded through a pasta press to form long, slender noodles. Omachi noodle dough can also be hand cut into noodles or other shapes.

The noodles have a tender, gelatinous texture and pick up the flavors of any sauce or broth they are cooked in. Their muted potato flavor complements spices, herbs, vegetables, and proteins nicely. Omachi potato noodles are commonly used in Japanese hot pot dishes, soups, stir fries, and salad dishes.

Nutritional Profile of Omachi Potato Noodles

As potato-based noodles, omachi noodles are higher in carbohydrates and calories compared to noodles made from wheat or rice flour. However, they contain higher amounts of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 than traditional wheat noodles.

Omachi noodles are naturally gluten-free, making them a good option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. They also contain no added sugars or preservatives like some commercially made noodle varieties.

How to Make Omachi Potato Noodles

Ingredients

• 1 lb omachi potatoes
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• Water for boiling

Steps

1. Wash and peel the omachi potatoes. Cut into large chunks.
2. Place the potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fall-apart tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Drain and transfer potatoes to a mixing bowl. Mash thoroughly while still hot, until a smooth, stretchy dough forms.
5. On a clean surface lightly dusted with potato starch or corn starch, roll the dough into a long rectangle about 1⁄4 inch thick.
6. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes before cutting into noodles. This helps relax the gluten so noodles hold their shape better.
7. Using a sharp knife or pasta cutter, cut the dough into thin noodles about 1/8 inch wide. Cut noodles to desired length based on intended use.
8. Transfer cut noodles in a single layer onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Let dry for 30-60 minutes.
9. To cook noodles, drop into boiling water, broth, or hot pot for 1-2 minutes until heated through and tender.

Tips for Making Omachi Potato Noodles

Here are some helpful tips for making picture-perfect omachi noodles at home:

• Use starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Golds if you can’t find omachi potatoes.
• Be gentle when boiling and mashing potatoes to keep noodles tender.
• Use a pasta machine for fast, uniform cutting.
• Hang cut noodles to dry instead of laying flat for better texture.
• Don’t overcook noodles or they become gummy. They take only 1-2 minutes to cook through.

Popular Dishes Featuring Omachi Potato Noodles

In Asian cuisines, omachi potato noodles shine in comforting one-pot meals like hot pots and noodle soups. The springy noodles pair wonderfully with broths and spice pastes. They also hold up well to prolonged cooking. Here are some classic dishes featuring omachi potato noodles:

Omachi Noodle Hot Pot

This Japanese-inspired hot pot centers around a steaming kombu and bonito broth brimming with vegetables, proteins, and omachi noodles. Diners cook ingredients tableside to their liking. Popular additions include shiitake mushrooms, napa cabbage, tofu, shrimp, thinly sliced pork belly, and julienned carrots and daikon. At the end, beat an egg into the broth for extra richness and body.

Spicy Omachi Potato Noodle Soup

In this Korean-style noodle soup, chewy omachi noodles soak up a fiery red chili and fermented soybean broth. Toppings range from kimchi and pickled vegetables to pan-fried dumplings and stir-fried pork. Garnish with scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil for added aroma.

Sesame Omachi Noodle Salad

For a refreshing summer dish, boil omachi noodles just until al dente, then shock in an ice bath to stop cooking. Toss noodles with julienned cucumbers, carrots, red onion, and cilantro leaves in a tangy sesame oil and rice vinegar dressing. Top with toasted sesame seeds for crunch.

Where to Buy Omachi Potato Noodles

While making omachi noodles from scratch takes some effort, you can also purchase ready-made noodles at select grocery stores and Asian specialty markets. Brands to look out for include:

• Fuji Noodle Company
• Paldo
• Lotus Foods
• JFC International

When buying pre-made omachi noodles, opt for varieties without added flavors or preservatives. Simple ingredients – potatoes, water, and salt – make the cleanest-tasting noodles.

You can find omachi noodles in the refrigerated section, freezer section, or shelves at Asian food stores. They typically come packaged in 8 oz plastic pouches. Refrigerated and frozen noodles have better texture and shelf life compared to shelf-stable varieties.

How to Store Omachi Potato Noodles

Freshly made omachi noodles are best enjoyed soon after cutting for optimal taste and texture. They will keep up to 5 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

For longer storage, freeze homemade or store-bought omachi noodles for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Cooked omachi noodles also freeze well for up to a month. Portion noodles into meal-size servings, then freeze in reusable containers with a bit of broth to prevent sticking.

Delicious and Nutritious Omachi Potato Noodles

With their pleasantly springy, jelly-like consistency and mellow potato flavor, omachi noodles make a comforting addition to Asian-inspired one-pot meals and noodle dishes. Their stellar nutritional profile makes them a standout gluten-free, gut-friendly alternative to wheat-based noodles too.

Whip up a nourishing batch of omachi noodles at home or pick some up from your favorite Asian grocer. Either way, you’re in for a tasty and satisfying noodle experience.

FAQs

What exactly are omachi potato noodles?

Omachi potato noodles, or mi khoai tay omachi in Vietnamese, are noodles made from pulverized omachi potatoes. Omachi potatoes are a small, creamy Japanese potato variety prized for their moist texture and sweet flavor.

Can you use regular potatoes to make the noodles?

While omachi potatoes make the best noodles, you can substitute starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon Golds. The texture may not be quite as smooth and tender, but the noodles will still taste good.

What dishes feature omachi potato noodles?

Popular omachi noodle dishes are Asian one-pot meals like hot pot, pho noodle soup, seafood noodle soup, and spicy cold noodle salads dressed with tangy sauces.

Where can I buy omachi potato noodles?

You can purchase ready-made omachi noodles from Asian grocery stores and specialty markets. Look for them in the refrigerated, freezer, or dry goods sections. Brands like Fuji Noodle Co., Paldo, and Lotus Foods make quality pre-made omachi noodles.

How long do fresh omachi noodles last?

Freshly cut homemade omachi noodles will keep up to 5 days refrigerated. You can also freeze the noodles for 2-3 months for longer storage. Thaw overnight before using.