Noodle lovers unite! While some may know ramen and udon as their go-to comfort foods, there’s a world beyond these popular varieties. Sōmen noodles are the unsung heroes of the noodle universe, offering a delicate texture and versatility that makes them perfect for a range of dishes. From cold noodle salads to savory stir-fries, sōmen is the ultimate summer noodle.
Thin and made from wheat flour, this Japanese staple is often served chilled, paired with a sauce like tsuyu, which combines soy sauce, sake, and rice wine. Whether you’re familiar with vermicelli noodles or not, sōmen is worth getting to know. With machine-made noodles measuring in at 1.3 millimeters or less, and hand-made sōmen ranging from 1.3 to 1.7 millimeters, this noodle is the thinnest of its kind.
While it may not be as well-known as ramen, udon, or soba, there are plenty of delicious dishes made with sōmen just waiting to be discovered. Korean food enthusiasts will appreciate traditional recipes like Bibim-Guksu and Banchi-Guksu, while vegan fans will love Sōmen Noodles With Vegan Nori Dressing. In this list, we’re excited to share 15 sōmen noodle recipes that showcase the versatility of this underappreciated noodle. So let’s dive in and explore the world of sōmen!
Hiyashi Sōmen (Cold Sōmen Noodles With Dipping Sauce)
When exploring classic Japanese sōmen meals, Hiyashi Sōmen is a must-try gateway dish. This refreshing cold noodle dish deviates from traditional expectations, offering a distinct culinary experience. Unlike saucy and soupy sōmen dishes, Hiyashi Sōmen presents a unique flavor profile. While some may worry about the dish tasting bland, rest assured that the noodles are expertly paired with tsuyu and other side dishes to create a harmonious balance of flavors.
To truly appreciate this culinary delight, it’s essential to dip the noodles in the savory tsuyu, allowing its rich flavors to unfold.
Bibim-Guksu (Korean Spicy Cold Noodles)
Bibim-Gukus, a quintessential Korean dish, literally translates to ‘mixed noodles.’ The traditional recipe involves combining sōmen (or somyeon) with an assortment of spices and condiments, such as vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. What sets this dish apart, however, is its vibrant red-orange hue, courtesy of Gochujang, a renowned Korean red chili paste. The choice of Gochujang pastes offers versatility, allowing you to tailor the level of spiciness to your liking.
While Bibim-Gukus is often considered a classic Korean cuisine, its adaptability enables experimentation with various garnishes and toppings, including vegetables, eggs, meats, and even kimchi, providing endless opportunities for customization.
Janchi-Guksu (Banquet Noodles)
Indulge in the delightful world of Korean noodle dishes with guksu, and discover Janchi-Guksu, a mild-tasting sōmen soup delicacy that will leave you craving for more. This mouthwatering dish is characterized by its rich anchovy broth, paired with zucchini, seaweed, and egg strips, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
While Janchi-Guksu is often served during special occasions due to its name, which translates to ‘banquet noodles’, this comforting dish can be easily prepared in the comfort of your own home, making it an excellent choice for a cozy night in.
Lobster & Mushroom Sōmen
Seafood enthusiasts will undoubtedly delight in this Lobster & Mushroom Sōmen recipe. The foundation of the dish is a rich broth crafted by infusing tsuyu into the soup base, resulting in a harmonious union that complements the noodles perfectly. Beyond the noodles, two standout components are grilled lobster claws and mushrooms, which are carefully cooked before being placed atop the noodles, adding a satisfying textural element to each bite.
Kong-Guksu (Soy Milk Noodle Soup)
The essence of Kong-Guksu, a Korean soymilk noodle dish, lies in its thin and creamy texture. The name, which translates to ‘noodles in cold soybean soup’, is remarkably fitting given the culinary experience awaiting those who try it.
To craft this refreshing treat, soybeans are first boiled and softened before being blended into a milky consistency. This can be further customized by chilling the mixture in the refrigerator or using it as a base for sōmen noodles served with ice cubes.
Longevity Noodles With Chicken Meatballs
Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and hope for a prosperous future. A key aspect of this festive occasion is the traditional cuisine that is often infused with concepts of luck, longevity, and prosperity. The meals served during this time are not only a reflection of these themes but also a way to bring families and loved ones together. One popular dish that embodies the spirit of Chinese New Year is Longevity Noodles With Chicken Meatballs.
This hearty noodle soup dish is typically made with Chinese egg noodles, such as Yu Mien, or thin sōmen noodles. To add flavor and texture, you can include a variety of ingredients like chicken meatballs, boiled eggs, and vegetables. The combination of these elements creates a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year and other festive occasions.
Okinawa Three Minute Noodles
Looking for a speedy sōmen recipe? Look no further than the Okinawa Three Minute Noodle recipe. While it may not actually take just three minutes to prepare, its name implies that you can whip this up in as little time as possible. The beauty of this dish is that it requires minimal ingredients, making it an affordable and convenient option. Simply combine sōmen, tofu, and a few spices and condiments for a quick and satisfying meal.
Sōmen Noodle Soup With Pan-Fried Pork Belly
While traditional sōmen dishes often feature noodles and simple garnishes, the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. By experimenting with various toppings and accompaniments, you can elevate the flavors and textures to create a truly unique culinary experience. This particular recipe masterfully combines the delicate, soft texture of sōmen with the rich, savory flavors of miso soup and the indulgent, crispy pork belly slices, pan-fried to perfection.
This effortless recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings at any time of day or night, making it a reliable comfort food option.
Sōmen Noodles With Sea Bream
When it comes to pairing ingredients with sōmen, many people may not be aware that fish is a surprisingly great match. In fact, combining sōmen noodles with delicate sea bream slices can create a truly unique and tantalizing dish. The key lies in the preparation of the sauce, which typically involves mixing together dashi, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar to create a rich fish broth.
This flavorful liquid is then poured over the sōmen noodles, topped with small pieces of sea bream for added texture and flavor. For those who follow a pescetarian diet or simply enjoy seafood-based meals, this dish is sure to capture their attention and leave them wanting more.
Sōmen Noodles & Tofu Soup
Tofu soup has long been a beloved option for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful soup experience. The unique texture and taste of tofu, often described as milky and chunky, have made it a staple in many households. For an added layer of complexity and nutrition, consider incorporating sōmen into your recipe. This Asian-inspired noodle can help to fill the stomach and provide a sense of fullness after consumption.
When preparing this dish, you may choose to boil or pan-fry your tofu before serving it as a topping, allowing for a delightful textural contrast in each spoonful.
Sōmen Noodles With Vegan Nori Dressing
For vegans looking for a plant-based meal option, this cold noodle salad bowl is an excellent choice. To elevate the dish, consider crafting a one-of-a-kind nori dressing that will tantalize your taste buds with its rich umami flavor. The key to this dressing lies in the combination of shredded nori or seaweed, sesame seeds, sesame oil, sugar, and salt.
To add some visual appeal and extra depth to the dish, top it off with a variety of garnishes such as spicy kimchi, refreshing cucumber slices, crunchy nuts, and more.
Sōmen Salad
While most of the recipes in this list revolve around soups or cold noodle dishes, it’s equally exciting to incorporate some refreshing salads into the mix. To create a delectable somen salad, you’ll need cooked and chilled noodles, various meats like egg and meat strips, crab sticks, and an assortment of sliced vegetables such as carrots and cabbages. The beauty lies in its versatility – feel free to substitute these ingredients with your personal favorites to give the dish a unique twist.
Sōmen With Tofu & Asparagus In A Chinese Dressing
The star of this effortless oriental-inspired noodle recipe is undoubtedly the marinated tofu and asparagus combination. What’s particularly impressive is how these ingredients harmonize seamlessly with the noodles, which are also infused with the savory flavors of the marinade sauce. This trifecta of flavors creates a truly satisfying and well-rounded dish.
Stir Fry Shrimp Sōmen
The Philippines may not be the most culturally eastern country in Asia, having been influenced by Spanish and American traditions. However, its gastronomic heritage has been shaped by East Asian neighbors, particularly China, resulting in a rich culinary tapestry. This Stir Fry Shrimp Sōmen recipe bears similarities to the Filipino classic, Pancit Bihon Guisado, in terms of preparation method.
While traditional Pancit typically employs rice vermicelli noodles, known as ‘bihon’ locally, the sōmen used here serves as a suitable substitute. As a staple dish, this recipe brings people together at family gatherings, potlucks, and grand celebrations across all social strata, often carrying symbolic associations with longevity and prosperity.
Teriyaki Chicken With Sōmen Noodles
The culinary journey culminates in this delectable stir-fried Teriyaki Chicken, skillfully paired with Sōmen Noodles. The foundation of this dish is rooted in Chicken Teriyaki, a timeless oriental barbeque staple that relies on the harmonious blend of soy sauce and sake or mirin wine-based marinade. This flavorful fusion elevates the humble sōmen noodles to new heights, resulting in a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
The bottom line
While sōmen noodles might not enjoy the same level of popularity as udon, ramen, or soba, their distinctive thin and slender texture after cooking makes them a versatile choice for a wide range of meal options, from casual dinners to grand banquets.
