End-of-Summer Somen Makeover

As summer winds down, I often find myself getting a little tired of eating somen noodles the usual way. They are delicious and refreshing, but sometimes, you just crave something different, right? If you’re feeling the same way, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you today—a quick and easy somen noodle makeover with a delicious twist!

A Fresh-Tasting Twist on Somen Noodles

Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Spicy Soy Milk Somen Noodles. This dish is perfect for those days when you want to enjoy somen noodles but with a fresh, new flavor. By combining soy milk with a few pantry staples, we’re creating a soup that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor—thanks to a little garlic and miso. The result? A deliciously addictive, Chinese-style twist on traditional somen noodles!

Ingredients

• Soy milk
• Grated garlic
• Miso paste
• Mentsuyu (noodle soup base)
• Somen noodles
• Onsen tamago (soft-cooked egg)
• Chopped scallion
• White sesame seeds
• Chili oil
• Optional toppings: fried onion and Tenkasu (tempura bits)

Step 1: Make the Soup Base

Start by making the soup. In a measuring cup, add some grated garlic and miso paste. Then, pour in about one-third of the soy milk and whisk it well to dissolve the miso completely. This will help infuse the soy milk with a rich, savory flavor.

Once the miso is fully dissolved, pour in the rest of the soy milk and add the mentsuyu. Give it a good stir, and your soup base is ready to go! Set this aside while we move on to the noodles.

Step 2: Cook the Somen Noodles

Discover Miwa Somen Noodles from Nara Prefecture

Today, I want to introduce you to a special type of somen noodles—Miwa somen noodles from Nara Prefecture, where I live. Nara is renowned for being one of the top somen-producing regions in Japan, and Miwa somen noodles are a shining example of this tradition.

What Makes Miwa Somen Noodles Unique?

Miwa somen noodles are crafted with care and precision, using a special type of flour that gives them an extraordinary smoothness and texture. These noodles are known for their exceptional quality, which is reflected in their gold label—signifying the highest grade available.

Superior Quality and Texture

What sets Miwa somen noodles apart is their ability to maintain their texture and elasticity, even after boiling. Unlike other noodles that may become soggy, Miwa somen remains firm and chewy, making them a delight to eat. This unique quality comes from the meticulous production process and the superior ingredients used, ensuring that each bite is a perfect balance of smoothness and resilience.

If you’re looking to elevate your somen noodle experience, Miwa somen noodles are a must-try. Their unmatched quality and the rich tradition behind them make these noodles a truly special addition to any meal.

How to cook somen noodles

Next, let’s prepare our somen noodles. Bring a frying pan of water to a boil over high heat, then add the somen noodles. As soon as you drop them in, use your chopsticks to separate the noodles immediately. This little trick prevents them from sticking together and ensures they cook evenly.

Cook the noodles for about 45 to 50 seconds, then add one-third of a cup of cold water. This helps regulate the temperature and allows the noodles to cook more evenly. Continue cooking until the water comes back to a boil, which should take another 30 to 40 seconds.

Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and gives the noodles a nice, chewy texture. Transfer the noodles to a shallow bowl and arrange them neatly, so they’re easy to grab with chopsticks later.

Step 3: Assemble Your Somen Bowl

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the soy milk soup over the noodles. For the finishing touch, top with an onsen tamago, sprinkle some chopped scallion and white sesame seeds, and drizzle a bit of chili oil for that extra kick. If you have fried onion and Tenkasu, feel free to add those on top as well for some added crunch.

Enjoy Your End-of-Summer Somen Makeover!

And there you have it—an End-of-Summer Somen Makeover that’s ready in just 10 minutes! This addictive flavor combination will make you fall in love with somen noodles all over again. Perfect for those days when you’re craving something new and exciting!