15 Japanese Cold Somen Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Japanese cold somen is a traditional dish that is perfect for hot summer days. The thin, white noodles are served chilled and dipped in a flavorful sauce, making it a refreshing and light meal. While the dish may seem simple, there are a few key elements that make this recipe truly authentic and delicious. In this article, we will explore the history of somen, the ingredients needed, and the steps to create the perfect cold somen dish.
Main Ingredients: Somen, Light Soy Sauce, Sugar, Dashi, Bonito Flakes
Somen noodles are a popular type of thin Japanese noodles, typically served cold during the summer months. This recipe takes those cold noodles and pairs them with a flavorful dipping sauce for a refreshing and easy meal.
The noodles are cooked according to package instructions and then rinsed with cold water until they are chilled. The dipping sauce is made with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, scallions, and ginger for a tangy and savory flavor.
This dish is perfect for a hot summer day when you want something light and refreshing. It's also a great option for those who are looking for a gluten-free noodle dish.
Main Ingredients: Somen Noodles, Mentsuyu, Water, Green Onions, Nori
Zaru Somen is a classic Japanese dish that consists of chilled somen noodles and a dipping sauce. The noodles are usually served on a bamboo mat to help drain the excess water and give them a nice, chewy texture.
The dipping sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, bonito flakes, and grated ginger for a complex and flavorful taste. The noodles are usually served with toppings such as scallions, wasabi, and shiso leaves.
Zaru Somen is a popular summer dish in Japan and is often served at outdoor picnics or festivals. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
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Cold Somen
Main Ingredients: Mirin, Soy Sauce, Kombu, Somen Noodles, Fresh Ginger
This recipe takes a different approach to the traditional cold somen dish by adding a few extra ingredients for more flavor and texture. The somen noodles are cooked and then tossed with cucumber, carrots, edamame, and tofu.
The sauce is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar for a tangy and slightly sweet taste. This dish is perfect for those who want a little more substance in their cold somen.
Main Ingredients: Dashi, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Somen Noodles, Persian
Hiyashi Somen is a popular summer dish in Japan that is made with chilled somen noodles, cucumber, and tomatoes. The noodles are cooked and then rinsed with cold water to chill them. The cucumber is sliced thinly and the tomatoes are cut into small wedges to add a refreshing crunch to the dish.
The sauce for this dish is a simple combination of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sesame oil. This dish is perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner on a hot day.
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Japanese Somen Noodles with Sweet Soy-Ginger Sauce
Main Ingredients: Somen Noodles, Minced Garlic, Grated Ginger, Japanese
This recipe takes a unique spin on the traditional cold somen dish by adding a sweet and tangy soy-ginger sauce. The somen noodles are cooked and then tossed with a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, honey, ginger, and garlic.
The sauce is then drizzled over the noodles and topped with scallions, sesame seeds, and shredded nori. This dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for those who want something a little different from the traditional cold somen dish.
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Easy Chicken Miso Ramen
Main Ingredients: Safflower Oil, Ground Chicken, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
This recipe takes the flavors of a classic ramen dish and combines them with cold somen noodles for a refreshing and easy meal. The somen noodles are cooked and then tossed with a flavorful broth made with miso paste, chicken broth, soy sauce, and garlic.
The dish is then topped with chicken, hard-boiled eggs, baby corn, spinach, and green onions. This dish is perfect for those who want the flavors of ramen without the hot broth.
This recipe takes the traditional cold somen dish to the next level by adding a spicy kick with duck breast and chili peppers. The somen noodles are cooked and then tossed with a spicy sauce made with chili paste, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic.
The dish is then topped with slices of duck breast, scallions, cilantro, and lime wedges. This dish is perfect for those who want a little heat with their cold somen noodles.
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Bibim Guksu (Korean Spicy Cold Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Pear, Gochujang, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Large
Bibim Guksu is a popular Korean dish that consists of cold noodles tossed in a spicy sauce made with gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, and rice vinegar. The noodles are typically served with shredded cucumber, carrots, radish, and hard-boiled eggs.
This dish is perfect for those who love spicy food and want to try something new with their cold somen noodles.
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Summer Cold Noodle Salad- Somen Salad
Main Ingredients: Somen, Iceberg, Ham, Eggs, Kamaboko, Green Onion, Corn
This recipe takes cold somen noodles and turns them into a refreshing salad perfect for a hot summer day. The somen noodles are cooked and then tossed with a flavorful dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
The salad is then topped with tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, edamame, and avocado for a colorful and nutritious dish. This is a great option for those who want a light and healthy meal.
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Peanut Crusted Tofu with Cold Kimchi Noodles
Main Ingredients: Somen Noodles, Kimchi, Gochujang, Honey, Soy Sauce
This recipe takes cold somen noodles and pairs them with crunchy peanut crusted tofu for a unique and delicious dish. The somen noodles are cooked and then tossed with a tangy and spicy sauce made with kimchi, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and gochujang.
The dish is then topped with slices of peanut crusted tofu for a protein-packed meal. This is a great option for vegetarians or those who want to try something new with their cold somen noodles.
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Cold Noodle Salad with Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Savoy Cabbage, Radish, Shredded Carrots, Scallions
This recipe takes cold somen noodles and turns them into a refreshing salad with cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and edamame. The noodles are cooked and then tossed with a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey.
The salad is then topped with toasted sesame seeds and crushed peanuts for a crunchy and flavorful dish. This is a great option for those who want a light and healthy meal.
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Cold Sesame Noodles With Pork And Kimchi
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Eggs, Somen
This recipe takes cold somen noodles and pairs them with tender pork and tangy kimchi for a flavorful and satisfying dish. The noodles are cooked and then tossed with a sauce made with sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and gochujang.
The dish is then topped with slices of pork, kimchi, and scallions. This is a great option for those who want a hearty and flavorful meal with their cold somen noodles.
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Kimchi Bibim Guksu (Spicy Cold Noodles with Kimchi)
Main Ingredients: Somen Noodles, Kimchi, Juice, Red Chili Pepper, Soy
This recipe takes the classic Korean dish, Bibim Guksu, and adds a twist with the addition of kimchi. The somen noodles are cooked and then tossed with a spicy sauce made with gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, and rice vinegar.
The dish is then topped with slices of kimchi, cucumber, carrots, and hard-boiled eggs. This is a great option for those who love spicy food and want to try something new with their cold somen noodles.
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Easy Zucchini Noodles
Main Ingredients: Somen, Zucchini, Onion, Soy Sauce, Agave Nectar, Chili
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional somen noodles, this recipe is for you. Instead of using somen noodles, this dish is made with zucchini noodles for a low-carb and gluten-free option.
The zucchini noodles are tossed with a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and rice vinegar. This dish is perfect for those who want a lighter option with their cold noodles.
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Nyumen: Somen Noodles in Hot Soup
Main Ingredients: Somen Noodles, Dashi, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Chopped Green
While cold somen noodles are perfect for hot summer days, this recipe takes the noodles and serves them in a warm and comforting soup. The somen noodles are cooked and then served in a broth made with chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, bonito flakes, and ginger.
The soup is then topped with green onions, tofu, and mushrooms. This dish is perfect for those who want a comforting and satisfying meal with their somen noodles.
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15-Minute Korean Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Kimchi, Gochujang, Maple Syrup, Soy Sauce, Garlic
This recipe takes the classic Korean noodle soup and turns it into a quick and easy meal that can be made in just 15 minutes. The somen noodles are cooked and then served in a flavorful broth made with beef broth, gochujang, sesame oil, and garlic.
The soup is then topped with beef, baby spinach, mushrooms, and green onions. This dish is perfect for those who want a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Lobster and Mushroom Somen
Main Ingredients: Lobster Claws, Somen, Tsuyu, Water, Butter, Oyster
If you're feeling fancy, this recipe is for you. It takes cold somen noodles and pairs them with tender lobster and mushrooms for a decadent and delicious dish.
The somen noodles are cooked and then tossed with a sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, mirin, and garlic. The dish is then topped with lobster, mushrooms, and cilantro for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
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Vegetarian Thai Red Curry (from scratch)
Main Ingredients: Red Chilis, Ginger, Red Onion, Garlic, Lemongrass
This recipe takes the flavors of Thai red curry and turns them into a delicious and spicy sauce for cold somen noodles. The noodles are cooked and then tossed with a homemade red curry sauce made with coconut milk, red curry paste, garlic, and ginger.
The dish is then topped with tofu, bell peppers, carrots, and peanuts for a flavorful and satisfying meal. This is a great option for vegetarians or those who want to try something new with their cold somen noodles.
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Asian Noodle Chicken Vegetable Salad with Chili...
Main Ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Scallions, Garlic, Star Anise, Crushed
This recipe takes cold somen noodles and turns them into a flavorful and crunchy salad with chicken, vegetables, and a spicy chili aioli. The noodles are cooked and then tossed with a dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.
The salad is then topped with chicken, cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, and a drizzle of chili aioli. This dish is perfect for those who want a little heat with their cold somen noodles.
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Korean Ox Bone Soup
Main Ingredients: Bones, Beef, Water, Large Onion, Garlic Cloves, Somen
This recipe takes the classic Korean soup, Seolleongtang, and pairs it with cold somen noodles for a unique and delicious dish. The somen noodles are cooked and then served in a rich and flavorful broth made with ox bones, garlic, green onions, and perilla leaves.
The dish is then topped with beef, green onions, and tofu. This is a great option for those who want a hearty and flavorful meal with their cold somen noodles.
The History of Somen
Somen is a type of noodle that originated in China and was brought to Japan during the Nara period (710-794). These thin wheat noodles were traditionally hand-pulled and served as a high-class food for royalty and nobility. However, during the Edo period (1603-1868), somen became more accessible to the general public and was often served as a refreshing summer dish. Today, somen is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
The Ingredients
To make a delicious cold somen dish, you will need somen noodles, which can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online. These thin noodles are typically made from wheat flour, salt, and water. You will also need a somen dipping sauce, which is made from a combination of soy sauce, dashi, mirin, and sugar. Other common toppings for cold somen include thinly sliced cucumber, green onions, and shiso leaves. These ingredients can be found at most grocery stores and are essential for creating an authentic Japanese flavor.
The Steps to Create the Perfect Cold Somen Dish
To start, cook the somen noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse the noodles under cold water and drain well. Next, prepare the dipping sauce by combining the soy sauce, dashi, mirin, and sugar in a small bowl. To enhance the flavor of the sauce, you can add a few drops of yuzu juice or rice vinegar. Place the dipping sauce in the refrigerator to chill.
Now it's time to assemble the dish. In a large bowl, place the cold somen noodles and top with sliced cucumbers, green onions, and shiso leaves. Serve the chilled dipping sauce on the side or pour it over the noodles for a stronger flavor. For an extra kick of heat, you can add a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi, a Japanese chili pepper blend, on top. Enjoy your refreshing and authentic Japanese cold somen dish!
In conclusion, Japanese cold somen is a simple yet delicious dish that has a rich history and is perfect for hot summer days. By following these simple steps and using authentic ingredients, you can create an authentic and flavorful cold somen dish that will impress your family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the refreshing taste of Japanese cuisine in the comfort of your own home.
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