Somen noodles

somen_noodles

Somen noodles are thin white noodles made from wheat flour and are a popular staple in Japan during summer. Somen noodles are made using a unique, time-consuming process that involves soaking, kneading, and stretching the dough until it is paper-thin. After the dough is stretched, it is cut into long, thin strands that are dried and packaged.

Somen noodles are incredibly versatile and can be eaten cold, hot or used in soups or salads. They are light and delicate in texture, with a subtle wheat flavor that pairs well with a variety of sauces, broths, and vegetables. Somen noodles are considered a healthy and low-calorie food, making them a great option for people looking to maintain a healthy diet.

In Japan, somen noodles are a popular food during the hot summer months when people are looking for something light and refreshing to eat. It is a common sight to see people enjoying somen noodles at outdoor festivals, picnics, and other summer events.

There are many ways to enjoy somen noodles, but one of the most popular ways is to eat them cold. Cold somen noodles are typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, dashi, and other ingredients. The dipping sauce is served on the side, and the noodles are dipped into the sauce before being eaten. Cold somen noodles are an excellent option for a quick and refreshing lunch or dinner on a hot day.

Another popular way to enjoy somen noodles is in a noodle salad. Somen noodle salad typically includes somen noodles, vegetables, and a savory dressing made from soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and other ingredients. The salad is a perfect option for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.

Somen noodles can also be used in soups, such as miso soup or udon soup. In these dishes, somen noodles are typically cooked in the broth along with other ingredients such as vegetables or meat. The result is a flavorful and satisfying soup that is perfect for a chilly evening.

In this recipe, we will be making cold somen noodles with a dipping sauce. This dish is straightforward to make and only requires a few ingredients. The dipping sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To start, cook the somen noodles according to the package instructions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Once the noodles are cold, divide them into four portions and set them aside.

To make the dipping sauce, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, dashi, and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved. You can adjust the amounts of these ingredients to your taste, adding more or less of each ingredient as needed.

Once the dipping sauce is ready, arrange the somen noodles on a plate and serve the dipping sauce on the side. To eat, dip a few strands of the somen noodles into the dipping sauce and enjoy.

In conclusion, Somen noodles are a popular and versatile food in Japan that can be eaten in a variety of ways. Whether you are looking for a light and refreshing summer dish or a comforting bowl of soup, somen noodles are an excellent option for any meal. Give this recipe a try and experience the taste of Japanese cuisine at its finest.

Ingredients:

  • 200g of Somen noodles
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 2 tbsp of soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp of sugar
  • 1 tbsp of mirin
  • 1 tbsp of sake
  • Scallions, thinly sliced
  • Nori, thinly sliced
  • Wasabi, for serving
  • Soy sauce, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to boil in a pot. Add 1 tsp of salt.

  2. Add the Somen noodles to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the noodles are cooked to your liking. Rinse the noodles with cold water and set them aside.

  3. In a saucepan, mix together 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of sugar, 1 tbsp of mirin, and 1 tbsp of sake. Heat the sauce over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.

  4. Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool down to room temperature.

  5. Once the sauce has cooled down, place the noodles in a bowl and pour the sauce over them.

  6. Serve with thinly sliced scallions, nori, and wasabi on top. Add extra soy sauce to taste.

Enjoy!