Negi Somen, or green onion somen noodles, is a quintessential Japanese summer dish renowned for its refreshing simplicity and vibrant flavor. This light and subtly sweet noodle dish is the perfect antidote to a hot day, offering a cool and satisfying meal that's both quick to prepare and incredibly delicious. The key ingredient, of course, is the abundance of fresh green onions, which impart a delightful sharpness that perfectly complements the delicate somen noodles. A simple yet flavorful dashi broth forms the base, creating a harmonious balance of savory and refreshing elements.
Beyond its ease of preparation, Negi Somen offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase the freshest seasonal ingredients. Whether you prefer a classic approach or want to experiment with variations, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Ready to dive into the refreshing world of Negi Somen? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to making this beloved Japanese dish.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Somen noodles
- Seaweed
- Green onions: 1 bunch (100g, or 2 if 50g each)
- Water
- Spicy chicken soup base
- Dashi stock
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Grated garlic
- Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Green Onion Sauce and Noodles
- In a bowl, combine chopped green onions, water, grated garlic, spicy chicken soup base, soy sauce, sugar, dashi stock, and sesame oil. Mix well. (Note: If the soup base doesn't dissolve easily, add a little water and heat briefly before adding to the mixture).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the somen noodles and cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until desired tenderness (slightly less time than package instructions).
- Immediately drain the noodles and rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
Step 2. Prep the Green Onions
- Finely chop the green onions.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked somen noodles to the green onion sauce and mix gently.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with sesame seeds and black pepper.
Read more: 15-Minute Japanese Curry Udon: Quick, Easy, & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Tips
- Using both spicy chicken soup base and dashi stock enhances the umami flavor.
- Adding a small amount of sugar creates a pleasant chewy texture.
- Rinsing the noodles thoroughly with cold water after cooking is crucial for a firm texture and prevents sticking.
- Adjust the amount of green onions to your preference. The recipe uses approximately 30g.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of onions besides green onions?
While green onions are traditional, you can experiment! Scallions offer a similar mild onion flavor. However, stronger onions like red onions might overpower the dish.
2. What if I don't have somen noodles? Can I use other types of noodles?
Thin noodles like angel hair pasta or even very fine vermicelli can be substituted. Keep in mind the texture might differ slightly.
3. How can I make this dish vegetarian/vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your dashi is vegetarian-friendly (many store-bought versions are), or substitute with vegetable broth.
This Easy Green Onion Somen Noodles recipe is the perfect solution for a quick, refreshing, and flavorful meal any time of year. Enjoy the delightful simplicity and customizable nature of this dish, adapting it to your taste preferences and available ingredients. Now go forth and create your own bowl of cool, delicious Negi Somen!