While some may say that somen noodles are overshadowed by more popular Japanese noodle varieties, we disagree. These fantastic thin, wheat-based noodles deserve a culinary spotlight all their own. Not only are they quick-cooking and versatile, but they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways – whether served chilled or hot. The following recipes showcase the incredible diversity of somen noodle dishes, from traditional noodle soups to more adventurous fish curry concoctions.
Let’s get cooking and give these unsung heroes the appreciation they deserve!
Savory Somen Noodles with Seafood & Greens
Not only does this dish showcase a delightful combination of textures and flavors, but it also presents an attractive harmony of colors. Somen noodles provide the foundation for the dish, perfectly paired with tender baby scallops and a vibrant medley of vegetables. Edamame adds a nice burst of green, while zucchini brings a refreshing crunch and peppery arugula contributes a delightful pungency to each bite.
The dish is elevated by a rich, savory sauce that adheres beautifully to every noodle and scallop, creating an experience that’s both slurp-worthy and satisfying. Undoubtedly, it’s a well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling content and eager for more.
Somen Aburage Pouch Delight
Making this delightful dish is a true delight, featuring aburage, deep-fried tofu pouches, filled with somen noodles that have been carefully prepared to bring out their full flavor and texture. To start, toss some noodles in a dressing made of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a little sugar to give them a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Add chopped kamaboko (a Japanese fish cake) and seaweed salad for that extra layer of flavor and texture that elevates the dish to new heights. Now comes the fun part – assembling this culinary masterpiece! Stuff your seasoned somen into inari-age, seasoned aburage pouches, carefully placing them inside to create a harmonious union of flavors and textures.
This dish is best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, and both options are equally delicious, allowing you to savor it whenever suits your mood.
Somen Noodle Soup with Crisp Tofu Delight
Cultivating a sense of warmth and comfort, a bowl of somen noodle and tofu soup is an exquisite culinary experience that harmoniously balances flavors and textures. The star of the dish is undoubtedly the protein-rich tofu, which adds depth and substance to each spoonful. However, it’s not just about the tofu – the vegetable stock infused with aromatic garlic, ginger, and scallions creates a rich and savory foundation for the soup.
The addition of crisp broccoli provides a delightful contrast in texture, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice introduces a surprising burst of citrus that elevates the flavor profile to new heights. Ultimately, this comforting and satisfying soup is the perfect remedy for a cozy meal any day, inviting you to linger over each spoonful and savor every moment.
Spicy Gochujang Noodles with Crunchy Toppings
Highlighting the versatility and delectability of Bibim Guksu, this Korean dish features cold noodles tossed in a sweet, spicy, and tangy gochujang sauce. It’s essentially the popular bibimbap with a noodle-based twist. One of the main attractions of bi bim guksu lies in its flexibility, allowing you to add an assortment of toppings, from crunchy Korean pears to succulent blanched squid!
With so many options at your fingertips, it’s no wonder that this dish has captured the hearts of many food enthusiasts.
Creamy Sesame Miso Noodle Soup Delight
Having explored various Asian-inspired noodle dishes, it’s time to dive into the world of somen noodles in creamy sesame miso soup. The magic behind this delightful dish lies in its rich and flavorful broth, which is expertly crafted with a combination of miso paste, tahini, and peanut butter. A symphony of spices, including red chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar, adds an extra layer of depth to the dish.
If you’re familiar with the popular ‘tan tan men’ dish, you’ll appreciate that this one has a remarkably similar taste profile, making it an absolute must-try for fans of the genre.
Thai Fish Curry Over Rice Noodles
Making a trip to Thailand to try Khanom jeen nam ya, a dish of fish curry ladled over rice noodles, is highly recommended for anyone who loves Southeast Asian cuisine. The star of the show is undoubtedly the mild-flavored fish curry, which incorporates kra chai, a Thai ginger-like herb that adds a unique depth to the flavor profile.
While some ingredients may be challenging to track down outside of Thailand, the end result is well worth the extra effort, as the combination of flavors and textures is truly exceptional.
Japanese Comfort Soup for Cold Weather
Elevating your comfort food game has never been easier than with a steaming bowl of nyumen when the rainy weather hits. This soothing, hearty Japanese dish promises warmth and comfort in every spoonful.
Roasted Cauliflower Somen Noodles in Miso Sauce
Pivotal to this recipe’s success is the harmonious union of distinct flavors and textures, as seen in the combination of delicate somen noodles and roasted cauliflower’s earthy undertones. The somen provides a crisp foundation, allowing for the incorporation of seasonal ingredients without overpowering them. The miso dressing serves as the true flavor catalyst, marrying white miso, mirin, sesame oil, lemon, and ginger into a tangy and aromatic blend that elevates each component of the dish.
To finish it off, sprinkle some hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and sesame seeds on top for added texture and depth. For those who like a little heat, add a dash of Sriracha to give it an extra kick.
Fiery Somen Noodles in Chili Oil Sauce
Yellow peppers are often associated with adding a burst of flavor to dishes, but it’s not just their vibrant hue that makes them so desirable. In this recipe, the chili oil plays a starring role in giving somen noodles a robust and fiery kick. This flavorful condiment is made by combining green onion, garlic, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and cilantro, which come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors.
What really takes this dish to the next level is the hot oil poured over the ingredients, creating a rich and savory sauce that perfectly complements the delicate noodles.
Summer Somen Noodles with Zaru Dipping Sauce
Looking for a refreshing way to enjoy somen noodles on those hot summer days? Look no further than zaru somen! This traditional Japanese recipe is an excellent choice for warm weather, as it serves the noodles cold with a savory dipping sauce called tsuyu.
Savory Vegan Ramen with Earthy Twist
Here’s an overview of another delicious noodle recipe from Japan, vegan miso ramen. This dish relies heavily on earthy mushrooms, thin somen noodles, and a savory miso vegetable broth that perfectly captures the essence of Japanese cuisine. The combination of miso paste and soy sauce is crucial in creating the soup base, as they add distinct flavors to the dish.
Miso paste, made from fermented soybeans, contributes an incredible umami taste, while the quality broth elevates the soup to a new level. To finish the bowl, sprinkle crushed nori seaweed on top for a touch of oceanic flavor and enjoy the comforting vegan miso ramen that surprisingly lacks animal-derived ingredients!
Pan-Seared Pork Belly Somen Noodle Soup
Rounding out this comforting dish is the harmonious union of tender somen noodles and crispy pan-fried pork belly. The latter, marinated in a mix of soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and salt, achieves a perfect balance of flavors that elevate the entire recipe. As the pork cooks to a golden crisp, it imparts a deep richness that subtly enhances the delicate taste of the somen noodles, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Korean Banquet Noodles with Symbolic Significance
Zestfully, some Asian cuisines aside from Japanese incorporate somen into their dishes. A prime example can be found in Korea with janchi guksu, a sumptuous banquet noodle soup that consists of thin wheat noodles served in a clear anchovy broth. The name itself, janchi guksu, is a direct translation of ‘banquet noodles,’ implying its significance as a celebratory dish.
In fact, this dish often appears on the menu at weddings and birthdays, reflecting the cultural notion that noodles symbolize a prolonged and joyful life.
Scallion Ginger Noodle Delight in Minutes
Looking for a quick and delicious solution to busy weeknights? Look no further than scallion sauce noodles, a 10-minute dish that’s packed with flavor. At its core, this recipe relies on three key ingredients: scallions, ginger for an added kick, and a dash of kombu mentsuyu, which adds a depth of umami taste. A hint of oyster sauce takes the flavors to the next level, while rice vinegar provides a tangy contrast and sesame oil brings warmth to the dish.
The addition of roasted sesame seeds and yuba, a soy product with a delicate texture, adds a delightful bite. Somen noodles tie all these elements together, allowing them to shine in perfect harmony.
Savoring Somen Noodles in a Hawaiian Twist
Believe it or not, somen can be enjoyed in salads too! This beloved Hawaiian dish is as vibrant as it is delicious. Unlike traditional salads where vegetables take center stage, the main attraction in a somen salad is the noodles themselves. The concept is straightforward: combine cold somen with meats and veggies, then tie everything together with a savory soy sauce dressing.
To elevate your somen salad game, let your imagination run wild when it comes to toppings – simply slice each ingredient thinly to complement the width of the noodles. Popular choices include char siu, ham, spam, cucumber, carrots, and even an egg omelette.
Savory Soy Sauce Noodle Breakfast
Nourishing breakfast enthusiasts in China is a soy sauce noodle dish that’s both simple and flavorful. Notably, this recipe is easy to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients. In essence, the cooking process involves boiling noodles in chicken stock, then stirring in soy sauce for added flavor. As with most recipes, flexibility is key, allowing you to get creative with your toppings. Need some extra nutrients? Consider sprinkling green onions or bok choy on top.
Spinach and kale can also be great additions to boost the nutritional value of this dish. If you’re looking to increase the protein content, try topping the noodles with soy sauce eggs or leftover meat.
Zucchini Noodles
Unlocking the flavors of this somen noodle dish, we find a harmonious balance between sweet and savory notes. The delicate zucchini pairs perfectly with the rich taste of soy sauce, creating a savory foundation for the dish. A touch of agave nectar is added to provide a subtle sweetness, while some chili oil or lao gan ma brings a bold kick of spice that elevates the flavor profile.
Finishing off the dish are sesame seeds, which not only add a delightful crunch but also a nutty flavor that ties everything together. The result is a culinary experience that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious – a true party in your mouth! Go to Recipe Print
