15 Japanese Somen Noodle Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!

Published on: Mar 26, 2024

Somen noodles are a staple in Japanese cuisine, known for their delicate texture and subtle flavor. Made from wheat flour, these thin noodles are traditionally served cold with a dipping sauce or in a refreshing noodle salad. While somen noodles are readily available in most Asian supermarkets, making them from scratch allows for a deeper appreciation of this beloved Japanese dish. In this article, we will share a traditional Japanese somen noodle recipe that is easy to follow and yields delicious results.

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Hiyashi Somen (Japanese Chilled Somen Noodles with...

Main Ingredients: Dashi, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Somen Noodles, Persian

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This refreshing and light dish is perfect for hot summer days. The thin and delicate somen noodles are served cold and topped with a flavorful sesame sauce, making it a popular choice among Japanese locals and tourists alike. The dish is usually garnished with cucumbers, ham, and egg, but you can add your own twist by adding your favorite toppings.

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Japanese Udon Noodle Soup

Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms, Spring Onion

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Udon noodles are thick and chewy wheat noodles that are commonly used in Japanese cuisine. They are best enjoyed in a steaming bowl of udon noodle soup, which is a staple comfort food in Japan. The broth is usually made with dashi (fish stock) and soy sauce, and can be topped with various ingredients such as sliced pork, mushrooms, and green onions.

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Zaru Somen (Japanese chilled noodles & dipping sauce)

Main Ingredients: Somen Noodles, Mentsuyu, Water, Green Onions, Nori

Zaru somen is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. The somen noodles are served cold with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, giving it a salty and umami flavor. The noodles are usually served on a bamboo mat, or "zaru" in Japanese, and are eaten by dipping them into the sauce. It's a fun and interactive dish that is loved by both adults and children.

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Somen (Japanese Cold Noodles)

Main Ingredients: Noodles, Ice Cubes, Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin

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Somen noodles are thin and delicate wheat noodles that are served cold, making them a popular choice during the hot and humid summer months in Japan. They are typically served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce and dashi, and can be topped with various ingredients such as shredded chicken, cucumber, and egg. Somen noodles are also commonly used in other Japanese dishes such as hiyashi somen and zaru somen.

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Japanese Style Pancakes

Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Milk, Vanilla, Sugar, Baking Powder, Flour

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Japanese pancakes, also known as "hotcakes," are a favorite breakfast food among locals and tourists in Japan. They are light and fluffy, and usually topped with butter, syrup, and whipped cream. The pancakes are made with a mixture of flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder, and are cooked in a special mold to give them their signature thick and fluffy texture.

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Japanese ‘Cotton’ Cheesecake

Main Ingredients: Full Fat Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter, Whole Milk

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Japanese cotton cheesecake, also known as "Japanese souffle cheesecake," is a light and airy dessert that is a popular choice among those with a sweet tooth. It is made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar, and is baked in a water bath to give it its fluffy texture. The cake is usually served with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh fruit on top.

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Japanese Okonomiyaki

Main Ingredients: Flour, Water, Eggs, Cabbage, Carrot, Spring Onions

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Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that is a popular street food in Japan. It is made with a batter consisting of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and is filled with various ingredients such as meat, seafood, and vegetables. The pancake is then topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish that is loved by many.

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Japanese Somen Noodles with Sweet Soy-Ginger Sauce

Main Ingredients: Somen Noodles, Minced Garlic, Grated Ginger, Japanese

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This dish is a combination of cold somen noodles and a sweet and tangy soy-ginger sauce. The noodles are served cold and topped with a sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and ginger, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's a great dish for hot summer days, and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish to a larger meal.

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5 Minute Spicy Udon Noodle

Main Ingredients: Extra Firm Tofu, Udon Noodles, Chopped Mushrooms, Small

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If you're short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal, then this spicy udon noodle dish is perfect for you. The udon noodles are cooked in a spicy broth made with soy sauce, miso, chili paste, and other seasonings, giving it a bold and fiery taste. The dish can also be customized with your favorite toppings such as sliced beef, mushrooms, and green onions.

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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar

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This light and refreshing salad is a staple side dish in Japanese cuisine. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a dressing made with vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. The salad is usually served as an appetizer or as a side dish to a larger meal, and can also be topped with sesame seeds or seaweed for added texture.

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Japanese Ramen

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, Miso Paste, Large Carrot, Onion

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Ramen is a popular noodle dish that originated in China but has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. The dish is made with wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, and can be customized with various toppings such as sliced pork, egg, and vegetables. Each region in Japan has its own unique style of ramen, making it a must-try dish for any foodie.

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Mentsuyu (Japanese Noodle Soup Base)

Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Kombu, Bonito Flakes

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Mentsuyu is a versatile sauce that is used as a base for many Japanese noodle dishes such as udon, soba, and somen. It is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and dashi, giving it a rich and savory flavor. The sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce for tempura or as a marinade for meat and seafood dishes.

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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri

Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin

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Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a popular snack in Japan that are commonly eaten on the go. They are made with sushi rice that is shaped into a triangle or ball and filled with various ingredients such as pickled plum, salmon, or tuna. Onigiri is a simple yet satisfying snack that is loved by both adults and children.

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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings

Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger

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Gyoza dumplings are a popular dish in Japan that are commonly served as an appetizer or side dish. They are made with a thin wrapper filled with ground meat, cabbage, and other seasonings, and are then pan-fried to give them a crispy texture. Gyoza is often served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil, and is a favorite among both locals and tourists.

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Japanese Noodle Soup

Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Halves, Teriyaki Sauce, Rice Wine, Fresh

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Japanese noodle soup, also known as "kake udon," is a simple and comforting dish that is perfect for cold days. It is made with thick and chewy udon noodles served in a hot dashi broth, and can be topped with various ingredients such as tempura, green onions, and fish cakes. It's a popular dish among locals and is often enjoyed as a quick and filling meal.

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Japanese Eggplant

Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Soy Sauce, Sake, Brown Sugar, Rice

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Eggplant, also known as "nasu" in Japanese, is a versatile vegetable that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It is often grilled or fried and served as a side dish or added to other dishes such as stir-fries and curries. Japanese eggplant has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, making it a popular choice among those who enjoy a plant-based diet.

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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce

Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil

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Soba noodles are thin and buckwheat noodles that are commonly used in Japanese cuisine. They are often served cold with a tangy peanut sauce and topped with green onions, giving it a mix of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. The dish is perfect for a hot summer day and can also be enjoyed as a side dish to a larger meal.

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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)

Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup

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Yakitori is a popular street food in Japan that consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are grilled on skewers. The chicken is often seasoned with teriyaki sauce or salt and pepper, and can be grilled over charcoal or open flame, giving it a smoky and flavorful taste. It's a favorite among locals and is often enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish with drinks.

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Japanese Zucchini

Main Ingredients: Medium Zucchini, Vegetable Oil, Sweet Onion, Teriyaki

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Japanese Beef Steak

Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks

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Japanese beef steak, also known as "gyu-nabe," is a popular dish in Japan that is often enjoyed during special occasions. Thinly sliced beef is cooked in a hot pot with vegetables and served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, sake, and mirin. The beef is cooked quickly to retain its tenderness and is a must-try dish for any meat lover.

Making the Noodles

Gathering Ingredients

Before getting started, gather all the necessary ingredients for making somen noodles. This includes 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of water, and a pinch of salt. It is important to use high-quality flour, preferably Japanese flour, for the best results.

Mixing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add in the water while stirring with chopsticks or a fork. Continue to mix until the dough forms a ball. If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of water. If it is too wet, add a little more flour.

Kneading the Dough

Once the dough has formed a ball, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. This process helps to develop the gluten in the dough, creating a chewy texture for the noodles. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Rolling and Cutting the Noodles

After the dough has rested, roll it out into a thin sheet, about 1/16 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a pasta cutter to cut the dough into thin strips, about 1/16 inch wide. Dust the noodles with flour to prevent them from sticking together.

Cooking and Serving the Noodles

Boiling the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Gently drop the somen noodles into the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy.

Chilling the Noodles

Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Place the noodles in a bowl of ice water to chill them completely. This step helps to achieve the desired texture for somen noodles – firm but still chewy.

Serving and Enjoying

Drain the chilled noodles and serve them with a dipping sauce or in a noodle salad. Somen noodles are often served with a light soy sauce-based dipping sauce, but feel free to get creative with your toppings and add some fresh vegetables, sliced meats, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy this refreshing and delicious Japanese dish as a main course or as a side dish to complement your meal.

Conclusion

Making somen noodles from scratch may seem daunting, but with this simple recipe, you can create authentic and tasty somen noodles in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different toppings and dipping sauces to find your favorite combination. Impress your friends and family with your newfound noodle-making skills and savor the delicate flavors of this beloved Japanese dish. Now that you know how to make somen noodles, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking!