What To Do With Somen Noodles?

Noodles are one of the most versatile and popular dishes in the world, and they can be a great addition to any meal. There are so many things you can do with them, so why not make the most of your somen noodles? If you’re not sure how to use them, don’t worry. This blog post offers a few ideas for what to do with somen noodles, so you can get creative with your meals and make the most out of this delectable food. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to accompany a main course or a main meal in itself, there’s something here for everyone. From adding somen noodles to a soup to making a delicious stir-fry, you can be sure to find something to your taste. So, let’s explore some of the delicious possibilities that somen noodles have to offer.

How to Cook Cold Somen Noodles

Dried somen noodles – one of few types of Japanese noodles that are sold only in dried form.

Mentsuyu (noodle soup base) – store-bought or homemade

Chopped scallions – for garnish

Grated ginger – for garnish

Optional toppings – please read below.

Why You Should Try Somen Noodles

Very versatile. Goes well with any broth, sauce, or toppings!

Cook super fast! It takes only 1 to 1½ minutes.

Easily accessible. A package of dried somen noodles can be purchased online and in most Asian grocery stores.

Japanese and Asian grocery stores carry packages of dried somen noodles. My favorite brand is called Ibonoito (揖保乃糸). This brand is still the best in terms of flavor and texture, and I grew up eating it. I’m overjoyed that we can now buy their products in the US!

Jin, a friend from my middle school, sent me these packages (see below) of somen noodles from Shodo Island where he currently lives.

Ume, a Japanese plum, is used to make the pink somen noodles. Shodo Island’s Tenobe Somen (), one of Japan’s top three producers of somen noodles, has made the area well-known.

Japanese Somen Noodles Recipe with Sweet Soy-Ginger Sauce

14 oz. dried somen noodles

1/2 teaspoon grated or minced garlic

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1/4 cup Japanese soy sauce

1/4 cup mirin

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 teaspoon chili paste , chili garlic sauce or chili flakes

green onions for garnish

water to dilute the sauce if its too salty (optional)

steamed vegetables (optional)

grilled meat (optional)

Cook somen noodles according to package. Drain and set aside.

In medium bowl, combine rest of sauce ingredients: garlic, ginger, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil and chili paste/sauce/flakes. Add additional teaspoons of water to dilute the sauce if its too salty

When ready to serve, dress sweet soy-ginger sauce over somen noodles. Serve cold.

FAQ

What are somen noodles used for?

Somen noodles are a thin variety of wheat-based noodles that are popular in Japan. They have a mild flavor and delicate texture. They are frequently used in soups, salads, and stir-fries as well as being served chilled with a soy-based dipping sauce.

What is somen eaten with?

The traditional way to eat somen is with a cold soy and mirin-based dipping sauce, as well as a variety of ingredients known as yakumi in Japan, including ginger, wasabi, chopped scallions, chives, myoga (a gingery flower bud), and minty shiso leaves.

Can I use somen noodles for ramen?

Alternatively, you can use dried ramen-style noodles like Chinese or Japanese somen. In a pinch angel hair pasta even works. You can model your homemade ramen after any of the following traditional ramen varieties depending on your preferences. The most subdued variety is Shio ramen, which has a clear, delicately salty chicken broth.

Do you have to rinse somen noodles?

Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander immediately. Gently knead the noodles with your hands while running them under cold water. This aids in removing extra oil from the noodles, which were previously made of extremely thin noodles. Serve with the dipping sauce, tsuyu, and any additional garnishes or toppings.