Cold Somen Noodles with Custom Toppings

Serves 2

5 mins prep

5 mins cook

10 mins total

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!

2 servings

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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. 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!