The scents of cinnamon and star anise add big flavors to this quick soup.
Butter adds body and a silky texture.
Fresh udon noodles take only a few minutes to cook, but dry udon noodles work well here too.

Photo:Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Theres no need to strain the broth to remove the spices.
Add garlic paste and ginger paste; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly darkened, about 1 minute.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Reduce heat to medium to maintain a simmer; simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in butter and fish sauce, whisking to melt the butter completely.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Cook noodles according to package directions.
Divide the noodles among 4 shallow bowls.
Ladle 1 cup of the broth over each; drizzle each bowl with 1 teaspoon sesame oil.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds.
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.