How to boil "Somen", Japanese summer noodles

somen noodles

🥗Healthier: whole wheat noodles

💰Cheaper: spaghetti

Whole wheat noodles provide more fiber, while spaghetti is widely available.

dashi

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with soy sauce

Vegetable broth offers a lighter flavor, while the water and soy sauce combo is budget-friendly.

wasabi

🥗Healthier: horseradish

💰Cheaper: mustard

Horseradish gives a similar kick, while mustard is a cost-effective alternative.

shrimp

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Tofu is a plant-based option, while canned tuna is economical and still protein-rich.

Prepare plenty of boiling water in a large pot.

Add 2 bunches of somen noodles to the boiling water.

Cover with a lid and turn off the stove after 5 minutes.

Check the noodles after 5 minutes to ensure they are not slimy and do not stick together.

Put the somen noodles into a strainer and rinse with water to remove slime.

Soak 20 grams of niboshi dried sardines and kombu in 2 cups of water for an hour, then bring to a boil.

Turn off the heat just before the water starts to boil over.

Add 2 cups of mirin and 2 cups of soy sauce to the soup.

Add cooked bamboo shoots to the soup and cool it in the fridge.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens