When the heat of summer hits, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a bowl of chilled somen noodles. Served in ice water with a delectable dipping sauce and pickled ginger, iced somen noodles offer a cool respite from scorching temperatures. In our modern twist on this classic dish, we decided to toss the somen noodles with the sauce instead of dipping them. For a rich and savory sauce, we created a simple dashi, a sweet and fishy broth made from simmered kombu (dried seaweed) and dried bonito flakes. To season the sauce, we added soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. After cooking the somen noodles, we rinsed them in cold water to remove excess starch and prevent them from becoming sticky. Tossed with the sauce, the somen noodles are then topped with poached shrimp, sliced cucumber, pickled ginger, fresh cilantro, and scallions, creating an exotic and refreshing dish, regardless of the weather outside. Experience the delightful coolness and flavors of iced somen noodles with this recipe that promises to satisfy your cravings for a light and refreshing meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1½ cups water
- 1 (2-inch) piece kombu
- ¼ cup dried bonito flakes
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 pound medium-large shrimp (31 to 40 per pound), peeled, deveined, tails removed and sliced in half lengthwise
- 12 ounces somen noodles
- ½ cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced thin
- ¼ cup pickled ginger, chopped coarse
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 scallions, sliced thin
PREPARATIONS:
- Bring water and kombu to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Remove from heat, stir in bonito flakes, and let it sit for 3 minutes. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much broth as possible. Whisk in soy sauce, mirin, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 3 hours.
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Add the shrimp to the boiling water, remove from heat, and cover. Let the shrimp sit until they are just cooked through, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to the ice water to chill. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Return the water to a boil and add the somen noodles. Cook, stirring often, until the noodles are tender. Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water, and drain again, leaving the noodles slightly wet. Toss the noodles with the chilled broth in a large bowl. Top individual portions with shrimp, cucumber, pickled ginger, cilantro, and scallions.
YIELD: This recipe serves 4 people.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Do not substitute other types of noodles for the somen noodles.
TIPS:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a drizzle of sesame oil to the dish.
- Customize your iced somen noodles by adding additional toppings such as sliced avocado, thinly sliced radishes, or shredded nori.
- Make sure to thoroughly chill the broth before tossing it with the noodles to ensure a refreshing and cold dish.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 1830mg
Embrace the coolness of summer with a bowl of refreshing iced somen noodles. This delightful dish, served in ice water with a flavorful dipping sauce, offers a respite from the scorching heat. By tossing the somen noodles with a rich and savory sauce made from dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that invigorates your taste buds. The addition of poached shrimp, crisp cucumber, pickled ginger, fresh cilantro, and scallions elevates the dish to an exotic and refreshing level.
With its simple preparation and light yet satisfying qualities, iced somen noodles make for an ideal summer meal. The combination of chilled noodles, flavorful broth, and vibrant toppings creates a harmonious balance that leaves you feeling refreshed and nourished. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional toppings or personal touches to make the dish your own.
So, when the temperatures rise and you’re seeking a cool and delectable culinary experience, turn to this recipe for iced somen noodles. It’s a delightful way to beat the heat and enjoy a satisfying and rejuvenating meal.
