Speaking of summer, it's somen! 3 exquisite arrangement recipes to break the monotony
When it comes to summer traditions, it has to be "somen" noodles!
Their smooth texture and the ease of boiling them quickly to eat right away are truly a lifesaver on hot days when your appetite tends to drop.
However, if you eat them day after day, don't you inevitably get tired of the same old "just noodle soup and condiments again...?" routine?
So, this time, I will introduce 3 exquisite arrangement recipes that will transform your usual somen into something dramatically delicious!
1. Refreshing and zesty! "Tuna and Tomato Somen with Shiso"
A dish that perfectly matches Western and Japanese flavors, which you can easily finish even on days when you have no appetite.
[Ingredients (for 1 serving)]
Somen: 1-2 bundles
Tomato (diced): 1/2 piece
Canned tuna (lightly drained): 1/2 can
Shiso leaves (shredded): 3-4 leaves
Mentsuyu (3x concentrated): 1 tablespoon
Olive oil: 1/2 tablespoon
Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon
[Instructions]
Mix the tomato, tuna, mentsuyu, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl, and chill in the refrigerator.
Drain the boiled somen well after rinsing in cold water, add to the bowl, and toss together.
Serve on a plate and top with plenty of shiso leaves to finish!
The richness of the olive oil and the acidity of the lemon make it enjoyable like pasta.
2. Stamina-packed! "Pork Kimchi and Soft-Boiled Egg Somen"
Perfect for preventing summer fatigue! This is a hearty somen dish recommended for when you want to eat something substantial.
[Ingredients (for 1 person)]
Somen: 1-2 bundles
Thinly sliced pork (for shabu-shabu): 60g
Kimchi: 40g
Soft-boiled egg: 1
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
Mentsuyu (straight): as needed
White sesame seeds/chopped green onions: to taste
[Instructions]
Boil the pork, rinse in cold water, and drain well.
Place the boiled and chilled somen in a bowl, and top with the pork, kimchi, and soft-boiled egg.
Drizzle with sesame oil, pour in the mentsuyu, sprinkle with white sesame seeds, and it's done!
The combination of the mellow soft-boiled egg and the spicy kimchi makes it so delicious you won't be able to stop eating.
3. Mellow and rich! "Chilled Soy Milk Sesame Tantan Somen"
A creamy and rich Tantan-style somen that will make you want to drink the soup down to the last drop.
[Ingredients (for 1 person)]
Somen: 1-2 bundles
Unsweetened soy milk: 150ml
Mentsuyu (3x concentrated): 1.5 tablespoons
Sesame paste (or ground sesame): 1 tablespoon
Chili oil: to taste
Toppings: cucumber, meat miso, shredded green onion, etc.
[How to make]
Mix the soy milk, mentsuyu, and sesame paste well in a bowl and chill.
Place the boiled and chilled somen into a bowl and pour the soup over it.
Add your favorite toppings, drizzle with chili oil to finish, and it's ready!
Summary
The appeal of somen is that it has a short boiling time and goes well with any ingredient or seasoning.
If you get tired of the usual mentsuyu, please try the arrangements introduced here. Find your favorite way to eat it and get through this summer deliciously!