Cold Somen Noodles with Custom Toppings
Somen is a summer staple in Japanese kitchens! These thin noodles cook in just minutes and pair perfectly with cool, fresh toppings. Set out a colorful variety and let everyone build their own bowl. It’s a fun, leisurely lunch that the whole family, especially kids, will enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Toppings: In a small bowl, beat the eggs and mix with soy sauce. Cover and microwave for a few minutes until fully cooked, then fluff with a fork to break into pieces (or make scrambled eggs in a frying pan). Slice the cucumber and tomato into thin strips. Chop the scallions. Remove the pits from the umeboshi and mash them into a paste. Arrange all toppings on a plate.
- Cook Somen Noodles: Boil plenty of water (not listed in the ingredients) in a medium saucepan, add the somen noodles, and cook according to the package instructions (usually 1–2 minutes). Stir the noodles with chopsticks to separate them while cooking. Drain the noodles in a strainer and rinse under cold running water to cool and remove excess starch.
- Prepare the Mentusyu: Dilute the mentsuyu with cold water according to the instructions on the bottle (ratios vary by brand).
- Serve: Place the chilled somen noodles on a plate. Serve with the toppings and mentsuyu on the side. To eat, add your favorite toppings on top of the noodles, pour over the mentsuyu, and enjoy!
Notes
- Boil with plenty of water to keep noodles from sticking.
- Rinse under cold water right after boiling to stop cooking and remove starch—this makes them firm and chewy.
- Add ice cubes for an extra refreshing touch.
- From scratch? Try my easy homemade mentsuyu recipe! Check out this vegan mentsuyu recipe as well.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 24gFat: 8gSodium: 1988mg
This nutritional information is estimated and provided for general reference only.