Refreshing Iced Somen Noodles
Red Onion and Tsuyu Sauce

A cooling Japanese-inspired noodle dish featuring springy somen noodles, crunchy red onion shreds, and a savory, tangy multi-spice tsuyu sauce finished with a rich egg yolk.

Ingredients

• 1 portion somen noodles
• 0.5 red onion
• 0.5 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
• 0.5 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp Japanese tsuyu
• 0.5 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Chinese aged vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• to taste scallions
• to taste sesame seeds
• to taste bonito flakes
• 1 raw egg yolk

Instructions

1. 1Shred the red onion

   

   Take a red onion and use a yellow handheld slicer to slice it into fine shreds directly over a glass bowl filled with water.

   Tip: Slicing the onion directly over water helps catch all the pieces cleanly.
2. 2Soak the onion shreds

   

   Submerge and wash the shredded red onions in a bowl of ice water, letting them soak for a little while to mellow out the spicy flavor and make them extra crunchy.

   Tip: Make sure the water is ice cold to maximize the crunchiness of the onion shreds.
3. 3Prepare the sauce

   

   Add half a tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder, half a tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of Japanese tsuyu, half a tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of Chinese aged vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce into a ceramic bowl using a spoon, then mix well.

   Tip: Mix the dry seasonings well with the liquids to ensure the sugar and bouillon dissolve evenly.
4. 4Boil the somen noodles

   

   Drop dry somen noodles into a pot of boiling water and cook them until done.

   Tip: Keep an eye on the noodles as somen cooks very quickly in boiling water.
5. 5Ice bath the noodles

   

   Immediately plunge the cooked somen noodles into a glass bowl filled with ice water and ice cubes, stirring with chopsticks so the texture becomes exceptionally springy and chewy.

   Tip: The ice shock is essential for achieving the signature chewy texture of chilled somen.
6. 6Assemble the dish

   

   Place the chilled somen noodles into a clean white serving bowl, and top them with the prepared shredded purple onion.

   Tip: Drain excess water from the chilled noodles before placing them in the serving bowl.
7. 7Sprinkle Green Onions

   

   Take the chopped green onions and sprinkle them evenly over the chilled somen noodles and shredded red onions in the bowl.

   Tip: Fresh green onions add a vibrant color and crisp bite.
8. 8Pour the Prepared Sauce

   

   Take the previously mixed dark sauce and pour it evenly over the somen noodles, red onions, and green onions.

   Tip: Pour around the edges so the sauce distributes evenly through the noodles.
9. 9Add Sesame Seeds

   

   Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the dressed noodles and toppings to add a nutty flavor and texture.

   Tip: Toasted sesame seeds give the best aroma.
10. 10Scatter Bonito Flakes

    

    Scatter bonito flakes over the top of the noodles, allowing them to gently dance and add a savory umami depth.

    Tip: Add them right before serving so they retain their texture.
11. 11Add Egg Yolk

    

    Carefully place a raw egg yolk right in the center of the bowl using a spoon to complete the dish.

    Tip: Break the yolk and mix it into the noodles just before eating for a rich, creamy coating.

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