Somen salad is a refreshing and flavorful Japanese dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It features thin wheat noodles called somen, which are chilled and tossed with a variety of toppings and a light dressing. Common additions include cucumber, carrot, tomato, onion, and sesame seeds, along with a protein source such as boiled shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu. The salad is then drizzled with a simple dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, which adds a tangy and umami flavor. Somen salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences, and it is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Japanese cuisine. This article provides two recipes for somen salad: a classic version with boiled shrimp and a vegan version with tofu. Both recipes are easy to follow and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SOMEN SALAD
Somen salad is extra refreshing on warm days. It's a chilled noodle dish with toppings (like fish cake, cucumbers, carrots, egg), and a flavorful sauce poured all over the noodles. Great to make ahead and serve chilled.
Provided by Kathy YL Chan
Categories Hawaii Recipes
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- First step is to prepare all the toppings. Thinly slice the kamaboko (or can use char siu, ham, or Spam). Julienne the cucumber and carrot. Chop the green onions. Scramble the eggs, let cool, and then thinly slice.
- Second step is to prepare the sauce. Put the chicken broth, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil together in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stir to dissolve the sugar. Pour in a small bowl and set aside.
- Now cook the somen noodles. Bring water to a boil. Slice in the two bundles of dried somen noodles and cook for 3 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water (this stops the somen from cooking and cools the noodles).
- Then it is time to assemble! Divide the somen noodles between two bowls and top with the kamaboko, cucumber, carrots, green onions, and egg. Use as much or as little of the toppings as you prefer. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Pour the sauce all over the noodles/toppings. Mix with chopsticks and eat. Enjoy ^_^
JAPANESE SOMEN SALAD
Another family favorite. I have been able to find all the ingredients here in the mainland. I buy my char su pork at Win Co as well as the somen noodles and Nori.
Provided by Shirley Makekau
Categories Other Salads
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Cook somen noodles as directed in package when cooked place in a colender and run cold water over the noodles and let drain.
- 2. The dice the char su, cucumbers, leaf onions.
- 3. thinly slice the lettuce.
- 4. place the 3 eggs that have been slightly beaten in a medium heated skillet with oil and cook one side then flip over to the other side to cook.
- 5. take the cooked eggs out when done and cut into strips.
- 6. If you want the nori in it. cut the nori into small pieces.
- 7. NOW YOU ARE READY TO PUT TOGETHER YOUR SALAD!
- 8. Take out your platter and add the cooked somen noodles to cover the platter.
- 9. add in layers the lettuce, cucumbers, char su pork, nori, egg strips and leaf onion.
- 10. When ready to serve pour the dressing over it. Dressing recipe is listed below.
- 11. DRESSING: This needs to be made the night before you are going to use so the flavors blend.
- 12. 1/2 cup Japanese rice vinegar 1/2 cup shoyu sauce (soyu) 1/2 cup sugar ( I used brown sugar) 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 3/4 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 13. Place all in a small jar and shake up to mix well. Store in the refregerator untill ready to use.
HAINAN NOODLES/JAPANESE SOMEN SALAD
I like this recipe because it is very easy to make and that there are many different toppings. I'm originally from Hawaii so I've tasted the Japanese Somen Salad. But since I've moved to Hainan, China, I've come to like Hainan version using the same kind of noodles. The Japanese Somen Salad version I got from my mother and the Hainan Noodles I got from observing street cooks here in Hainan.
Provided by ladytan
Categories Asian
Time 25m
Yield 10-15 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Sauce:.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, vinegar, and soy sauce together.
- Add sugar to taste.
- Noodles:.
- Boil water with vegetable oil.
- Put the noodles in the boiling water and cook for two minutes or until the noodles hand from your chopsticks.
- Pour noodles in a colander to drain the water.
- Put drained noodles in another large bowl and add add cold tap water or ice; Let noodles cool.
- Prepare toppings and sauce.
- Put the noodles in a serving bowl and top it off with your favorite toppings.
- Pour sauce on the noodles and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 87.7, Fat 1.5, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 578.4, Carbohydrate 15.4, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 0.1, Protein 2.7
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
- Don't overcook the somen noodles: They should be cooked al dente, with a slight bite to them.
- Use a variety of toppings: This will add flavor and texture to your salad. Some good options include cucumber, tomato, avocado, and tofu.
- Make sure to use a light dressing: A heavy dressing will overpower the delicate flavors of the salad.
- Serve the salad chilled: This will help to keep the noodles from sticking together.
Conclusion:
Somen salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its light and flavorful dressing, somen salad is a healthy and satisfying option that is sure to please everyone at your table.
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