Zaru Somen
Zaru Somen features chilled somen noodles served with a savory dipping sauce and fresh garnishes. This light and refreshing dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch on a warm day. The delicate noodles pair wonderfully with the umami-rich dipping sauce.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 28 min
- Serves
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 442 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten, sesame, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 200 gsomen noodle
dipping sauce
- 4 tbspsoy sauce
- 2 tbspmirin
- 4 tbspwater
- 0.5 tspsugar
garnish
- 1 pcsginger, grated
- 1 pcsgreen onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsptoasted sesame seed
Equipment
pot · colander · small bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the dipping sauce by combining the soy sauce, mirin, water, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
About 2 min
- 2
Refrigerate the dipping sauce for at least 15 minutes to chill thoroughly while you prepare the noodles.
- 3
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
About 3 min
- 4
Add the somen noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes, until al dente.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcook somen noodles as they can become mushy quickly.
- 5
Drain the noodles immediately and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. Continue rinsing until the noodles are completely cold and any excess starch is removed.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Rinsing well prevents the noodles from sticking together and keeps them firm.
- 6
Divide the cold noodles into individual serving portions and arrange them neatly on plates or a zaru (bamboo mat) if you have one.
About 1 min
- 7
Serve the noodles alongside small bowls of the chilled dipping sauce. Offer the grated ginger, sliced green onion, and toasted sesame seeds as garnishes for each person to add as desired.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 442.2kcal
- Protein
- 15.4g
- Carbs
- 85g
- Fat
- 1.8g
- Fibre
- 3.7g
- Sugar
- 10.2g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover noodles and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
This dish is traditionally eaten cold and is not recommended for reheating.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Yam Porridge (Asaro)
Asaro, or Yam Porridge, is a traditional Nigerian dish made with soft yams cooked in a rich, flavorful tomato and pepper sauce. It's a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that's perfect for a satisfying dinner.
1 hr 574 kcalsauce
Grzybowy Sos (Creamy Mushroom Sauce)
This rich and earthy Polish mushroom sauce is perfect for topping pierogi, potato pancakes, or roasted vegetables. It features fresh mushrooms simmered in a creamy, savory broth, creating a comforting and versatile accompaniment.
40 min 194 kcallunch
Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen Noodles)
This refreshing cold ramen salad is a perfect light meal for warmer weather. It features chilled ramen noodles topped with a variety of colorful ingredients and a tangy soy-sesame dressing. Customize with your favorite proteins and vegetables for a versatile dish.
35 min 565 kcalbeverage
Kunu
Kunu is a traditional Nigerian beverage with a creamy, milky consistency and a refreshing, spicy-sweet flavor. Made from soaked millet blended with ginger and spices, this drink is gently thickened with hot water and then chilled before serving. It's a nourishing and popular non-alcoholic drink enjoyed throughout the year.
15 hr 30 min 178 kcalmain course
Pad Hoy Lai
Pad Hoy Lai is a classic Thai stir-fried clam dish, known for its savory and slightly spicy sauce with aromatic herbs and chili paste. This recipe delivers a quick and flavorful seafood meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
25 min 271 kcalbreakfast
Gibanica (Serbian Cheese Pie)
Gibanica is a traditional Serbian savory pastry, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal. Layers of flaky phyllo dough are filled with a rich mixture of cheeses and eggs, baked until golden brown and crispy. This recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying dish.
1 hr 10 min 708 kcalmain course
Pollo al Ajillo
Experience the vibrant flavors of Spain with this classic Pollo al Ajillo, featuring succulent chicken thighs bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce. Abundant garlic, crisp white wine, and fresh parsley create a deeply savory and satisfying dish that's both elegant and easy to prepare. This quick-cooking meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
50 min 534 kcal